Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara has been named by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as the new Secretary of Education, replacing Vice President Sara Duterte who recently resigned.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Angara will formally take over as head of the Department of Education starting July 19.

In a separate press statement, Angara thanked Marcos for trusting him in handling a very important department.

“I am committed to working with all sectors of society, including my predecessor, Vice President Sara Duterte, to ensure that every Filipino child has access to quality education. I look forward to building upon her accomplishments,” the senator said.

Duterte stepped down as DepEd chief on June 19, saying that her decision was triggered by compassion for teachers and students.

However, an on-going feud with First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos has been speculated as the reason behind Duterte’s resignation.

“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has announced hthat he is set to appointed Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara as the new Secretary of Education (DepEd), replacing Vice President Sara Duterte, who resigned last June 19, 2024, effective July 19, 2024,” the PCO said.

The PCO announcement also disclosed that the chief executive announced this decision during the 17th Cabinet meeting held in the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday.

The news of Angara’s appointment to DepEd was welcomed by leaders of the education sector and Congress.

“The DepEd community looks forward to working with the new leadership as we continue our relentless pursuit towards improving the quality of basic education in the country,” said DepEd Undersecretary and spokesperson Michael Poa.

The Philippine Business for Education and National Research Council of the Philippines backed Marcos’s choice for the DepEd post.

“I am sure he will do a good job as DepEd Secretary with his EdCom background and familiarity with current issues,” said Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino.

On the other hand, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture, stated: “I am confident that his integrity, long experience in government service and his ability to think outside the box will be assets to the department he is about to lead,”