News Release

DepEd chief: PBBM’s SONA may bring delight to education sector



President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) is expected to bring good news to the education sector, Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara said Monday.

“I think may sasabihin siya na matutuwa ang sektor (…he will say something that the sector will be very happy with),” the new education chief said in an ambush interview on the sidelines of his first flag-raising ceremony at the DepEd Central Office.

He added that his team has already submitted the list of pressing issues in the education sector to the President.

Angara, however, stressed that Marcos’ marching orders to him remain clear, particularly in addressing challenges to teachers’ and learners’ welfare.

“The President is really awaiting results dito sa atin at klaro naman iyong marching orders. Number one, sinabi niya na alagaan natin ang mga teachers natin; sila iyong puso ng (his marching orders are clear. Number one, he said we need to attend to the needs of our teachers because they are the heart of our) education system,” he said in a separate speech.

“Pangalawa, sabi niya… (Secondly, he said…) let’s improve the quality of our education dahil nakikita niya sa mga achievement tests… international tests… medyo nangungulelat po ang ating bansa (because he’s seeing the results of achievement tests… international tests… our country is being left behind),” Angara added.

The education chief, meanwhile, announced plans to coordinate with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) for the career development of teachers.

He also mentioned the continuous rollout of the new MATATAG curriculum, launched by his predecessor Vice President Sara Duterte, to ensure a stable curriculum for learners.

The MATATAG Curriculum, piloted in September 2023, aims to decongest the curriculum and resolve misplaced learning competencies from Kinder to Grade 10.

MATATAG stands for “Make the curriculum relevant to produce job-ready, Active and responsible citizens; TAke steps to accelerate the delivery of basic education services and provision facilities; TAke good care of learners by promoting learner well-being, inclusiveness in learning, and positive learning environment; and, Give support for teachers to teach better.” (Stephanie Sevillano- PNA)