Angara to new leaders: Make education a top priority
Department of Education Sec. Sonny Angara. Arnel Tacson/INQUIRER.net file photo
MANILA — Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Thursday thanked millions of Filipinos who voted in the May 2025 midterm elections, calling on the country’s newly elected leaders to channel that same civic energy toward championing quality education for all.
In a statement, Angara cited the strong voter turnout—80 percent of 68 million registered voters—as a sign of democratic renewal and urged public officials to act decisively in addressing education gaps nationwide.
The education chief said the peaceful conduct of the polls reflects the people’s commitment to democracy. He echoed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to view the election results as a mandate to address urgent national concerns, especially in education.
“As the President said, our democracy has renewed itself. Now we must match that with real action. Let’s turn data into classrooms, reading corners, and real learning opportunities,” Angara said in remarks delivered by Undersecretary Ron Mendoza at a national education forum.
Angara stressed that newly elected officials—senators, governors, and mayors—must prioritize education as they assume office. He said leadership must be guided by facts and urged officials to use available data to craft responsive education programs.
“The people have placed their trust in you. Hope alone is not enough. Leadership must have clarity,” Angara emphasized.
He also praised more than 600,000 teachers and Department of Education (DepEd) personnel who served during the elections, calling them “frontliners of democracy.” Their professionalism and service, he said, helped ensure orderly polls in thousands of schools.
Angara closed his statement with a call for unity and sustained involvement, urging every Filipino to be an “education champion.”
“The elections are over, but our work continues. Let’s all help build better schools, support our teachers, and give our youth the future they deserve,” he said.
