Angara steps down as education chief after Marcos’ orders

The Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara submitted his courtesy resignation on May 22 following a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordering all Cabinet officials to step down as a part of a “recalibration” of his administration after the 2025 midterm polls.

“Today, I submitted my courtesy resignation as Secretary of the Department of Education, effective immediately,” the education chief said in a statement posted in DepEd’s Facebook page.

Angara, having served as Education Secretary for 10 months, expressed support for Marcos’ decision to implement the recalibration as a means to strengthen governance.

“Suportado namin ang prosesong ito. Binibigyang halaga at tiwala namin ang pasya ng Pangulo na paigtingin ang pamumuno at pamunuan niya,” he emphasized.

In his statement, Angara emphasized his commitment to ensuring continuity in DepEd's operations.

“It has been the greatest honor of my public life to serve the Filipino people as Education Secretary. I am committed to a smooth and seamless transition for my successor,” Angara said.

“The vital work of the Department must continue with no roadblocks,” he added.

As of writing, the DepEd concurrently oversees three major national events: the National Schools Press Conference, the National Festival of Talents, and the Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos.

Angara acknowledged the department’s alignment with the administration’s goals to improve the education sector.

“Nakiisa tayo sa adhikain ng Pangulo na iangat ang antas ng edukasyon, alagaan ang ating mga guro, at tiyakin ang pagkatuto ng ating mga mag-aaral,” he said.

During his brief tenure, Angara advocated for improvements in reading comprehension programs and digital infrastructure in public schools, as well as teacher upskilling initiatives.

He concluded his statement by expressing his thanks to Marcos.

“I extend my sincere gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve in his Cabinet,” he said.

Angara, who was a senator at the time, was appointed as Education Secretary by Marcos in July last year, following the resignation of Vice President Sara Duterte from the post.

On the morning of May 22, the Presidential Communications Office issued a statement announcing that President Marcos had requested the resignation of all Cabinet secretaries.

According to the press release, the move is part of Marcos' effort to review the performance of each department and assess which officials remain aligned with the administration’s “recalibrated priorities.”

In the 2025 elections, only 6 out of 12 Senate bets in Marcos’ Alyansa slate won.

“The people have spoken, and they expect results—not politics, not excuses. We hear them, and we will act,” the president said.