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PASIG CITY, 18 July 2024 – Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara officially took over the reins of the Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday, succeeding Vice President Sara Duterte, who resigned from the agency last month.

In a symbolic gesture during the simple turnover ceremony held at the DepEd Complex in Pasig City, the Vice President handed over the DepEd Seal and Flag to Angara, marking the transition of leadership at the department.

The former senator, now the country’s 37th Education Secretary, expressed his gratitude and commitment to improving the Philippine education system during his inaugural speech.

“Napakalaking karangalan po ang ipinagkaloob sa atin ni Pangulong Bong Bong Marcos upang maglingkod bilang Kalihim ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon,” Angara said.

He added: “Buong pagpapakumbaba kong tinatanggap ang katungkulan na ito, bilang tugon sa tiwala at hamon ng ating Pangulo na higit na pag-ibayuhin ang mga programa na magsusulong sa mataas na kalidad ng karungan para sa ating mga mag-aaral.”

Angara also paid tribute to his predecessor and other outgoing DepEd officials for their dedication and service.

“Nais kong bigyan ng pagkilala sina Vice President Sara Z. Duterte at mga outgoing officials. Sa loob ng dalawang taon, kayo ang naging sandigan ng ating mga mag-aaral at ng mga guro sa panahon ng mga suliranin,” he said.

Angara underscored the importance of  building on existing efforts.

“We will build from what you have already started,” he said in addressing his predecessor.

The DepEd community and various stakeholders expressed optimism about Angara’s leadership, hoping for meaningful reforms and advancements in the Philippine education system.

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