Senator Sonny Angara is the new Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary.
Malacañang announced on Tuesday, July 2, that President Marcos "is set to appoint" Angara as the new DepEd chief, replacing Vice President Sara Duterte who recently resigned from the post.
According to the Palace, Marcos made the announcement during the 17th Cabinet meeting, saying that Angara has accepted to take on the position.
"Sonny has agreed to take on the brief of the Department of Education," the President said.
The announcement came five days after Marcos said that he will be naming Duterte's replacement within the week, and three days after Marcos asked for more time as finding a new DepEd secretary was harder than he thought.
Malacañang cited that Angara "has an extensive legislative history, having championed significant educational reforms since joining the Senate of the Philippines in 2013."
With a Master of Laws from Harvard University, a Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Philippines, and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the London School of Economics, his background positions him well to lead DepEd, the Palace said.
His prior legislative work includes the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act and the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 (K-12).
Angara also garnered support from key educational organizations. He received endorsements from both the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) and the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU).
Angara's term in the Senate will end in 2024. He is also one of the Manila Bulletin's columnists.
Marcos has emphasized the critical role of the DepEd and the necessity for a leader capable of overseeing its extensive operations.
"DepEd is arguably the most important department given the crucial role of education," he said.
Marcos also expressed the government's appreciation to Duterte for her service, and anticipates a smooth transition with Angara's leadership.
Duterte's resignation will take effect on July 19, 2024. She stepped down from her post in the Cabinet without giving her reasons.