Several DepEd officials resign ahead of Angara’s takeover

MANILA, Philippines — As the Department of Education prepares for a new leadership, some officials of the agency have resigned, incoming DepEd secretary Sen. Sonny Angara disclosed yesterday.

While the number of officials, their ranks and reasons for their resignations remain unclear, Angara noted that he had recently been told of the developments.

“I’m not sure, but the news is, there are some who submitted their resignation, but I have yet to see their documents. I won’t comment on the issue yet because I’m still unaware of the positions that were vacated or who among the personnel have resigned,” he said in an interview aired over dzBB radio.

Reporters have sought clarification from the DepEd regarding the matter, but have yet to receive a response.

The supposed resignations came days before Vice President Sara Duterte was scheduled to turn over the reins of the agency to Angara on Thursday at a ceremony at the DepEd Central Office.

Duterte filed her 30-day notice last June 19 before President Marcos, in which she stated she would be vacating the office on July 19 to help facilitate a smooth transition for the new education chief.

Despite Duterte’s vow to help in the transition, Angara admitted that he has yet to meet with the Vice President since she filed her resignation and his appointment as her replacement was announced.

“Vice President Duterte and I haven’t met yet,” Angara affirmed.

The outgoing senator said he would meet with Duterte on Thursday, during which he said he hopes there can be time for them to discuss matters about the agency.

“Our turnover ceremony is on July 18 in the morning. That’s the notice given to us by Vice President Duterte’s office. My assumption would be the next day. I also need to take my oath of office,” Angara said.

“There would be a short meeting and some conversations, and if there’s a chance, I will ask her for advice based on her experience. For the past two years, she was education secretary,” he added.

Angara, however, said that he had already met with the education undersecretaries and assistant secretaries to discuss pending items and projects, as well as what he needed to expect for the opening of classes. — Cecille Suerte Felipe