From former Congressman Joel Mayo Z. Almario (2nd District, Davao Oriental)
SENATOR SHERWIN GATCHALIAN QUALIFIED TO BE EDUCATION SECRETARY
With DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte’s resignation to take effect on July 19, it is
best for President Bongbong Marcos to include Senator Sherwin Gatchalian among his
choices for the next Secretary of the Department of Education to continue and further
enhance the innovations the outgoing Secretary has done for the department.
Senator Gatchalian is widely recognized and respected by his peers and
constituents because of his leadership and dedication as a legislator and as a local
executive.
He knows the Department of Education very well given the fact that he has
successfully steered the Senate Committee on Education as its Chairman since 2019.
The committee tackles issues and concerns of the department and its policies, plans,
programs, and projects, and budgetary needs in the areas of formal and non-formal
basic education. Naturally, the committee Chairman knows more of these than any
other member of the Senate.
“Confident ako na lahat ng karanasan at kaalaman ni Senator Sherwin Gatchalian
bilang chair ng Senate Committee on Education ay magiging malaking pakinabang para
mapaigting pa ang vision ni Presidente Bongbong, lalo na sa polisiya, programa at
proyektong pang-edukasyon.”
Senator Gatchalian's tenure as a three-termer Mayor of Valenzuela City is
monumental with the city receiving various awards including the Seal of Good
Housekeeping from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and
the Galing Pook Award for transparency and good governance. This alone provides him
with invaluable insights into the needs and challenges faced by local communities,
especially in the education sector.
His hands-on experience in local governance has equipped him with a deep
understanding of the grassroots level, making him uniquely qualified to address the
diverse needs of students, educators, and communities across the Philippines.
President Marcos recognizes the critical importance of Education in shaping the
future of the nation and acknowledges the profound impact that effective leadership in
this department can have on the country's educational landscape.
The appointment of the next Secretary of the Department of Education is expected to be
announced soon. The administration remains committed to ensuring that the chosen
leader will continue to drive forward the mission of providing quality education to all
Filipino students.