Education Secretary Sonny Angara, on his first day in office on Friday, July 18, met with the members of the Executive Committee and reviewed plans for the opening of School Year (SY) 2024-2025.
DepEd said Angara discussed policies and procedures requiring immediate action with key DepEd officials. Among the topics were preparations for the upcoming school year, which will begin in public schools on July 29.
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https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/20/dep-ed-sets-opening-for-school-year-2024-2025-on-july-29
In an advisory, DepEd mentioned that Angara will attend his first flag-raising ceremony as DepEd Secretary on July 22.
Angara officially assumed his role on Friday, the day after a turnover ceremony attended by Vice President and former Education Secretary Sara Duterte.
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https://mb.com.ph/2024/7/18/angara-assumes-dep-ed-top-post-pays-tribute-to-vp-duterte-at-turnover
Teachers' expectations
On his first day as DepEd Secretary, the Teachers' Dignity Coalition (TDC) expressed hope that Angara would be “open to dialogue and collaboration” with stakeholders, particularly teachers.
“We also urge him to address the pending issues concerning the welfare of teachers and students,” TDC said in a statement issued on July 18.
Following a meeting with Angara on July 10, TDC presented and discussed its agenda, outlining the 10 most pressing concerns of teachers.
“These concerns are not just trivial matters but fundamental issues that directly impact the quality of education and the welfare of our educators,” TDC said.
The group strongly urged Angara to give “serious consideration” to its proposals, particularly the immediate action on salary increases for teachers.
“The need for a substantial pay raise is long overdue, as teachers have been struggling with inadequate compensation for years,” TDC said. “We demand prompt and decisive action from the Secretary to ensure that teachers receive the recognition, support, and compensation they rightfully deserve,” the group added.
TDC acknowledged that while increasing salaries is beyond the DepEd Secretary’s direct authority, Angara’s “support is crucial for advancing legislative efforts.”
TDC noted that Angara’s extensive experience in the legislature and positive relationships with lawmakers uniquely position him to champion the cause of educators. “We expect him to leverage his influence and work to push these proposals,” TDC said.
TDC also reiterated several critical areas requiring immediate attention and action for teachers, learners, and the country which include increasing the salaries of teachers and staff; pushing for the full implementation of the Magna Carta's welfare provisions, including health benefits, hardship allowances, and overtime pay; providing free legal support for teachers; reforming the GSIS or creating a separate insurance company; simplifying the performance rating system; formulating a fair promotion system; and offering high-quality, comprehensive, and free training for teachers.
For the benefit of Filipino learners, TDC emphasized that Angara’s leadership should focus on reducing teachers' administrative tasks to allow more time for teaching; incorporating discipline enforcement mechanisms into the child protection policy; addressing resource shortages, including classrooms, water and sanitation facilities, instructional materials, sufficient school feeding programs, and hiring support personnel such as guidance counselors, librarians, health workers, and other non-academic staff.
TDC also stressed the need for Angara’s support in revising the curriculum to align with the socio-cultural context; reviewing the K to 12 program; reinstating Philippine history in the high school curriculum; and establishing mechanisms to ensure that funds for public education are not wasted or diverted to corrupt officials.
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