Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara, on Wednesday, Oct. 16, cited noteworthy strides in addressing critical issues within the department and underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to foster a more responsive and effective educational system.
“We are reaching our 100 days. I have to tell you: We’re already low on our red urgent tags,” Angara said in his speech during a meeting with the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) in Makati City.
Angara was appointed as DepEd Secretary in July, following the resignation of Vice President Sara Duterte as Education Chief.
Since then, Angara noted that one of the most significant developments is the marked reduction in the number of “red urgent tags”—a classification that signals pressing concerns requiring immediate action.
“Though the challenges persist, we’re never short on hope. That’s why in our first 100 days, we made early bets,” Angara said.
No quick, easy answers
Angara reflected on DepEd’s commitment to enhancing the efficiency of the education sector, ensuring that urgent challenges are prioritized and resolved swiftly.
As he outlined the steps taken to achieve this milestone, Angara emphasized that “there are no quick, easy answers for a system of this scale.”
He also noted that “policies, though long-awaited, remain works in progress”—thus, “nothing is final” and “everything will be up for feedback.”
Addressing concerns
Angara highlighted that among the priority areas under his term are a curriculum that ensures “functional literacy and numeracy,” a disciplined plan for local and international assessments, and the Senior High School (SHS) program that holds the “full promise of employability.”
He also cited the need to address the concerns of teachers regarding both their teaching and benefits.
“Our teachers need policies that provide them with more: more time to teach, more resources for their lessons, and more salary in their bank accounts,” Angara said. “They require sturdy career progression and reliable support, such as guidance counselors, both of which are currently lacking in our system,” he added.
He underscored the need for classrooms that are adequate and conducive to learning; textbooks and equipment that are delivered on time; and laptops that transition seamlessly from procurement to placement.
Highlight on progress
Angara noted that among the foremost concerns addressed during his term is making the “curriculum more flexible to maximize the learning time of students.”
He also highlighted the creation of a Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) Task Force to prepare students for the upcoming international assessment.
Angara stated that DepEd is also assessing reading interventions and the SHS curriculum. “The President’s directive is clear: Secure the basics. Make students ready for work,” he stressed.
DepEd, Angara said, has also made fiscal room for an additional allowance for teachers.
“What we can’t fund, we are making up for in benefits,” Angara said, noting the additional service credits and leaves.
DepEd is also reviewing the teacher development plan. “Our teachers need to have the dignity of career promotion and progression,” he added.
Angara also emphasized the importance of delivering resources to public schools without delays. “As for our resources, we don’t aim for abundance. We just want them on time,” he said.
Continued support, partnership
Angara noted that while there have been significant developments, DepEd needs more support as it “remains a massive system.”
“We come to events like this to welcome more partners. The outpouring of support has been heartening. My team sometimes jokes: ‘Under new management.’ It’s nice to hear, but it’s nicer to see signed partnerships,” Angara said.
He recognized the private sector for being DepEd’s “accountability partner” over the years.
“In a cycle of leadership changes, they help ensure that programs continue,” Angara said. “Time and again, you have believed that DepEd is not one giant island,” he added. Angara then urged the private sector to help DepEd address the challenges faced in basic education.
In particular, Angara requested assistance in delivering resources to learners, building and energizing schools in remote areas, sharing expertise and technology, and addressing the needs of 300,000 differently-abled students, particularly in diagnosis.
“DepEd faces unique challenges as the largest bureaucracy. But with your support, we can transform this massive system into a force for positive change,” Angara said.
“I hope you will join me not just in my first 100 days but in the hundreds more to come. DepEd may be the largest, but with partners like you, we’re certainly not the loneliest,” he added.