Cover Senator Sonny Angara has been appointed the 39th Secretary of the Department of Education, replacing Vice President Sara Dutere. (Photo: Sonny Angara/Facebook)
Senator Sonny Angara has been appointed the 39th Secretary of the Department of Education, replacing Vice President Sara Dutere. (Photo: Sonny Angara/Facebook)
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Stepping into his new role as Education Secretary, Sonny Angara brings with him a passion cultivated through years of public service and a deep-rooted belief in the power of education
For Sonny Angara, education is more than a policy issue; it’s a deeply personal mission. He was recently named the 39th Secretary of the Philippines’ Department of Education (DepEd), replacing Vice President Sara Duterte. Angara is stepping into his new role with a wealth of experience and a clear vision for the future of education in the country.
At the age of 31, Angara was elected representative of the province of Aurora. From those early days, it was evident that he had a passion for public service, following in the footsteps of his father, the late Senator Edgardo Angara. Over nearly two decades in government, the younger Angara has built a reputation as a prolific legislator, advocating for causes close to his heart—education and universal healthcare, among them.
Recognised for his impact and influence, Angara is among Tatler Asia’s Most Influential list. Get to know more about Angara and his potential to shape the future of Philippine education.
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Heart for public service
Before his role in DepEd, Angara has been a senator since 2013 and the president of the political party Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino since 2018. But his career as a public servant began in 2004 when, at just 31 years old, Angara was elected as the representative to Congress for the lone district of Aurora, his family’s political stronghold. He was elected for a second term in 2007 and a third in 2010. He was elected to the Senate in 2013 and again in 2019 for his second consecutive term.
Known for his legislative prowess, Angara has sponsored or authored over 300 laws. His legislative focus has often mirrored the interests and accomplishments of his father, Senator Edgardo Angara, who had served as Senate President and president of the University of the Philippines.
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Advocate for quality education
Above Senator Sonny Angara has been serving the public for two decades. (Photo: Sonny Angara/Facebook)
Senator Sonny Angara has been serving the public for two decades. (Photo: Sonny Angara/Facebook)
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As the new DepEd chief, Angara is determined to ensure that every Filipino child has access to quality education. He was instrumental in the creation of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, which opened the doors of higher education for countless young Filipinos. He also played a key role in the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 (K-12 programme) and the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, supporting educators across the country.
Educational organisations, including the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations and the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities, have welcomed Angara’s appointment.
Educated to lead
Angara earned his undergraduate degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 1994. He obtained his law degree from the University of the Philippines College of Law in 2000 and his Master of Laws from Harvard Law School in 2003.
This extensive academic background has equipped Angara with a deep understanding of governance and legal frameworks, now applied to his pivotal role in shaping the nation's education policies.
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First hurdles
One of the immediate challenges Angara faces is addressing the controversy surrounding the K-12 programme. Amidst calls for him to scrap the programme he co-authored, Angara remains steadfast. “The K-12 programme is already a law, and we are obligated to follow it,” he says.
The K-12 programme restructured the basic education in the country by adding two more years of senior high school. The DepEd is currently reviewing the curriculum for Grades 11 and 12 in a bid to produce more job-ready graduates.
“Let's fix the curriculum of Grade 11 and Grade 12 so that what will be taught to them would be something that can provide them with jobs. Apart from their personal growth, they should also have professional growth and the potential to get a job,” he says.
Angara is also tasked to tackle the education sector’s woes, including the consistently low performance of Filipino students in global education assessments.
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Collaborative approach
For Angara, whose Senate term ends next year, education is the cornerstone of the nation’s future. He believes that through collective effort, the country can tackle the challenges within the education sector and capitalise on the opportunities ahead.
“I am committed to working with all sectors of society, including my predecessor, Vice President Sara Duterte, to ensure that every Filipino child has access to quality education,” he says.
Acknowledging the complexities of the education system, Angara has expressed his openness to learning and collaboration. “We will not politicise this very important department,” he affirms, recognising the need for expert guidance and constructive dialogue with educators.
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Syrah is Tatler Philippines’ Power & Purpose editor, where she spotlights extraordinary journeys shaping the Philippines and Asia. She covers business, innovation, impact, and culture—chasing the people, ideas and forces shaping how we live and think today.
