President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday said a new secretary for the Department of Education (DepEd) will be announced by the end of the week.
“I would like to be able to announce the appointment of the new DepEd Secretary by the end of the week,” the Chief Executive said in a media interview following the 2024 National Employment Summit in Manila.
During the interview, President Marcos noted the urgency of appointing a new DepEd head, citing the importance of the agency.
“We cannot leave it open. Importante ‘yung trabaho nila. We cannot just leave it like that na nakatiwang-wang na walang secretary. Kaya’t minamadali ko lahat,” the President said.
President Marcos said DepEd is “quite possibly, arguably the most important department because education is that important.”
“So, no matter the change of leadership within the department, we still have to carry on,” President Marcos said.
The President said the needs of the department are being considered in choosing the new DepEd chief.
“Sinasabi ko bigyan niyo ako ng maraming pangalan, anong gusto natin, what do we need, tingnan natin nang mabuti ulit — the status of the DepEd. What is now required? Ano pa ba ang kailangan gawin? So, what do we need? We need an educator? Do we need an administrator? Do we need accountant? What do we need? And that’s what we’re trying to determine right now,” he said.
The President said Vice President Sara Duterte gave no reason for her resignation as DepEd Secretary and co-vice chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC).
“She didn’t give any reasons. I asked her if there are any particular reasons why she has chosen to resign from the Department of Education and from the NTF-ELCAC. And she said, ‘huwag na lang natin pag-usapan.’ So, I did not force the issue,” the President said.
