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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Hindi magpapa-distract': Angara vows to press on with reforms as broader education network rallies behind DepEd

'Hindi magpapa-distract': Angara vows to press on with reforms as broader education network rallies behind DepEd

Published Dec 6, 2025 05:39 pm
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara thanks various organizations and stakeholders for backing DepEd’s push for transparent, steady, and learner-focused reforms. (DepEd file photo)
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara thanks various organizations and stakeholders for backing DepEd’s push for transparent, steady, and learner-focused reforms. (DepEd file photo)
Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara reaffirmed his commitment to sustained reforms in the basic education sector as a growing network of organizations from the public, private, and advocacy communities expressed strong support for DepEd and its ongoing initiatives.
In a statement issued Saturday, December 6, DepEd said at least 18 organizations from across the education and business sectors released statements throughout the week—signaling confidence in Angara’s leadership and the agency’s long-term reform agenda.
Angara welcomed the widespread support and stressed that DepEd remains focused on its mission to deliver inclusive and transparent reforms across the education system. “Maraming salamat sa tiwala at suporta (Thank you very much for the trust and support),” he said.
Under the leadership of President Marcos, Angara said cooperation for education is stronger. “Patuloy tayong tututok sa mga reporma at hindi magpapa-distract dahil marami pa tayong dapat ayusin (We will continue to focus on reforms and will not be distracted because there is still much that needs to be fixed),” Angara added.
Growing multi-sector support boosts DepEd’s reform momentum, aligning with President Marcos’ Bagong Pilipinas vision. (DepEd file photo)
Growing multi-sector support boosts DepEd’s reform momentum, aligning with President Marcos’ Bagong Pilipinas vision. (DepEd file photo)
DepEd said the surge of support also aligns with President Marcos’ Bagong Pilipinas vision for a more resilient, future-ready education system.
Education groups express unified support
Among those that issued statements were the Association of DepEd Directors (ADD), Philippine Association of Schools Superintendents (PASS), National Association of Public Schools District Supervisors (NAPSDS), National Association of Public Schools District Supervisors, Elementary, and Secondary School Principals and Teachers of the Philippines (NAPESS-PHIL), Philippine Elementary School Principals Association (PESPA), National Association of Public Secondary School Heads Inc. (NAPSSHI), and the DepEd National Employees Union (NEU).
“As senior officials of DepEd, we reaffirm our full confidence in his leadership,” ADD said. “We remain united behind his reform agenda and firm in our commitment to work with him in delivering a more responsive, accountable, and learner-centered basic education system for the Filipino people,” the association added.
Stakeholders from across the education network rally behind Angara, strengthening DepEd’s drive for long-term, student-centered reforms. (DepEd file photo)
Stakeholders from across the education network rally behind Angara, strengthening DepEd’s drive for long-term, student-centered reforms. (DepEd file photo)
School heads and district supervisors likewise emphasized that stability in national leadership allows field offices to implement programs consistently and focus on improving learning outcomes.
Business and private sector back DepEd reforms
Major business associations—including the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd), Makati Business Club (MBC), Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA), and the Association of Foundations (AF)—also released a joint statement backing Angara.
“We reiterate our confidence in Sec. Sonny Angara and the current team of DepEd, whose commitment to transparency, data-driven policymaking, and collaboration provides the stability needed to advance key reforms,” the groups said.
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara meets with education and private sector partners who expressed strong support for DepEd’s long-term reform agenda. (DepEd file photo)
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara meets with education and private sector partners who expressed strong support for DepEd’s long-term reform agenda. (DepEd file photo)
The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) and Davao del Sur State College (DSSC) separately issued statements echoing the same support.
Government leaders cite Angara’s track record
Several senators and government officials also expressed confidence in Angara’s leadership, noting his long-standing work on education reforms.
Senator Migz Zubiri said he trusts that Angara will “accelerate the construction of classrooms, improve compensation for teachers and tutors, and ensure that every learner has access to textbooks and other school materials,” especially with the passage of the 2026 education budget—one of the largest in recent years.
Key education and private sector groups reaffirm confidence in Angara’s leadership as DepEd accelerates systemwide improvements. (DepEd file photo)
Key education and private sector groups reaffirm confidence in Angara’s leadership as DepEd accelerates systemwide improvements. (DepEd file photo)
DepEd aims to accelerate systemwide reforms in 2026
DepEd said the growing backing from education leaders, business groups, and stakeholders strengthens its push for systemwide reforms in 2026.
Key priorities include addressing the classroom backlog, hiring additional teaching and non-teaching personnel, expanding learning recovery initiatives, and improving early-grade literacy and numeracy.
DepEd also emphasized that stable leadership and unified sectoral support are essential to ensuring that historic investments in the 2026 budget translate to real, measurable gains for learners and teachers nationwide. 

Related Tags

Sonny Angara education reforms DepEd reforms 2025 Department of Education Philippines DepEd leadership support Angara DepEd initiatives Bagong Pilipinas education reforms DepEd 2026 budget
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