VP Sara Duterte hands over DepEd leadership to incoming Sec. Angara

Vice President Sara Duterte officially handed over the leadership of the Department of Education (DepEd) to incoming Secretary Sonny Angara on Thursday, July 18, 2024.

Duterte passed on the department's seal, flag, and a transition report during the turnover ceremony at the DepEd Complex in Pasig City.

Key initiatives from her tenure included the Matatag agenda, the K to 10 Matatag Curriculum, Senior High School curriculum review, the National Learning Recovery Plan, and the return of in-person classes for approximately 27 million learners.

She noted that DepEd received its highest "unqualified opinion" rating from the Commission on Audit in 2022, a first for the agency.

However, unfinished initiatives acknowledged by Duterte include the provision of overtime pay for teachers, a revised senior high school curriculum, and a feeding program for kindergarten students.

Duterte expressed hope that Angara would continue programs such as the curriculum review and the institutionalization of alternative delivery modes.

Several undersecretaries and assistant secretaries also resigned their posts prior to Duterte's resignation taking effect on Friday, July 19, 2024.

President Marcos administered Angara's oath of office on Friday, July 19, expressing optimism for DepEd under his leadership and noting discussions about necessary reforms.

Angara thanked Marcos for the trust and pledged to work closely with the administration to address the needs of learners and implement reforms for future generations.