Marcos vouches for new DepEd chief

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday vouched for incoming Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara, saying the latter understands the many problems hounding the country's education sector.

In his speech during the distribution of government assistance to farmers and fisherfolk in Baler, Aurora, the President joked that he does not know how to address Angara, whether as senator or as education secretary.

Angara will be taking over the Department of Education (DepEd) following the resignation of its outgoing chief, Vice President Sara Duterte, effective July 19.

Incoming Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara

«I don't know how to address him, as senator or secretary, because he will be the incoming Secretary of the Department of Education. When Vice President Sara left, we were thinking about who was the right person for the job because, as he mentioned, many problems need fixing at the Department of Education,» Marcos said.

«That's why, when we were looking for a replacement, I said I think I know who to place at that post, because he's knowledgeable and hardworking, and he understands the problem and how the government works to address these concerns,» he added.

Angara, who introduced Marcos to his fellow Aurora residents, thanked the President for his «trust and confidence.»

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«Thank you again, Mr. President. First of all, before I forget, thank you for appointing me secretary of education, sir. We have serious problems in this sector, but I would not put you to shame,» Angara said.

Prior to his appointment, Angara served as a senator from the 16th to the present Congress, or since 2013.

He chaired multiple Senate panels, including the Justice and Human Rights Committee, Finance Committee, and Youth Committee.

Among these accomplishments are Angara's authorship of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (Republic Act 10931), which mandated free tuition in state and local universities and colleges; the Enhanced Basic Education Act (RA 10533), which mandated the K–12 curriculum; the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo (Teaching Supplies) Act (RA 11997); the Open Distance Learning Act (RA 10650); the Universal Kindergarten Act (RA 10157); and the