Senator Sonny Angara (Senate PRIB)

Senator Sonny Angara has yet to officially take over as Department of Education (DepEd) secretary, but Makabayan solons already have a challenge for him. 

And that's to turn things around in the education sector as for its stakeholders, according to ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro and Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas. 

"While it is good that a new DepEd Secretary has been named, we challenge Senator Sonny Angara to hit the ground running and immediately address the education crisis in our country as well as the long-standing demands of teachers and education support personnel," Castro said. 

The teacher-solon emphasized the urgent need for the incoming DepEd chief to tackle the challenges head-on, particularly the controversial K-12 program. 

"We urge the new secretary to face the challenges and problems of the K-12 program head on and overhaul the system. The program has been fraught with issues since its implementation, and it's high time for a comprehensive review and necessary reforms," she added. 

Castro also highlighted the importance of addressing the welfare of education workers. "Senator Angara must prioritize the improvement of working conditions, salaries, and benefits of our teachers and education support personnel. These frontliners in education have long been calling for just compensation and better support systems." 

For her part, Brosas says the change in leadership at DepEd "must not be mere musical chairs". 

"Secretary Angara must provide concrete solutions to the myriad problems facing our students, teachers, and the entire education system which VP Sara Duterte refused to address," she said. 

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https://mb.com.ph/2024/7/2/angara-to-uplift-philippine-education-says-romualdez

The party-list representative also called on Angara to reconsider his previous stance on mandatory Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) and the K-12 program, both of which he had expressed support for in the past. 

"The Filipino people, especially our students and teachers, need to see concrete plans and immediate action to address the education sector's woes. 

"Secretary Angara must prove that he is up to the task and not just another political appointee perpetuating failed and anti-people policies," Brosas concluded. 

Vice President Duterte tendered her resignation as DepEd chief last June 19. She will vacate her post after July 19.