Education Sector Seeks Stability Amid Cabinet Reshuffle
Amid the recent Cabinet reshuffle by President Marcos, leading private education organizations are voicing strong support for the continued leadership of Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Francisco Benitez. The education sector emphasizes the need for stable leadership to maintain momentum in ongoing reforms.
Groups such as the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA), Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU), Unified TVET of the Philippines (UniTVET), and the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC) have all expressed their backing for both officials. They cite the significant strides made under their guidance, especially regarding key education reform initiatives.
Strong Support for Education Sector Leaders
Angara’s Impact on Public-Private Partnerships
The Private Education Assistance Committee, where Secretary Angara also serves as chairman, highlighted his dedication to enhancing public-private partnerships in basic education. They noted, “His tenure has already brought key policy shifts that reinforce the complementary synergies between public and private educational institutions in addressing infrastructure gaps in the Philippine education system — chief among them is the strengthening of public-private education partnerships, and the review and expansion of education subsidies in basic education, with a renewed focus on equity and access in subsidy allocation.”
Meanwhile, COCOPEA recognized Angara’s leadership for advancing the Public-Private Complementarity Framework. This framework aims to tackle education gaps through strategic collaboration. The council stated, “His approach has not only strengthened the relationship between DepEd and private educational institutions but has also laid the groundwork for systemic reforms aimed at improving learning outcomes for all Filipino learners.”
Given these achievements, COCOPEA urged President Marcos to retain Angara to ensure continued progress and visionary leadership in education.
Policy Reforms and Transparency
The Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities echoed the importance of Angara’s leadership, noting his background as a former Education Commission (EDCOM 2) Commissioner. They said, “From prioritizing teacher training and support, to pushing for smarter resource allocation and infrastructure improvement, his policy thrusts are aligned with the real needs of learners and educators across the country.” They further emphasized his commitment to transparency and accountability, stating, “Equally important is his firm commitment to transparency, accountability, and zero tolerance for corruption.”
The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines also praised Angara for addressing numerous challenges in the education system effectively within a short time.
Benitez Praised for Advancing Technical-Vocational Education
Private education groups also expressed strong confidence in TESDA Director General Francisco Benitez, commending his inclusive and forward-thinking approach to technical-vocational education and training (TVET).
PEAC highlighted Benitez’s clear strategy focused on modernizing the TVET system by improving access, ensuring industry relevance, enhancing employment outcomes, and promoting lifelong learning. PACU also acknowledged his understanding of both systemic and human factors affecting education and urged the President to allow him to fully implement his reforms. They stated, “We respectfully urge the President to sustain this momentum and ensure that Secretary Benitez is given the opportunity to execute the reforms he has begun.”
UniTVET, representing technical-vocational institutions nationwide, described Benitez as a visionary leader transforming TESDA’s role in national workforce development. According to the group, “Under his stewardship, TESDA is advancing critical reforms, strengthening linkages with industry, and placing Filipino learners and workers at the center of national workforce development.”
In summary, these private education organizations stress the importance of continuity in leadership to sustain and build upon the progress made in both basic education and technical-vocational training sectors. They call on the government to prioritize stability and support reform-minded leaders who have demonstrated commitment to improving the Philippine education system.
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