The Makati Business Club (MBC) is banking on Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara’s appointment as secretary of the Department of Education to be pivotal in revitalizing and reforming the Philippine education system.
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) for its part said it will work closely with Angara in continuously improve the country’s education system, including the use of technology in equipping students with skills needed in the workplace.
Angara’s appointment comes on the heels of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s latest Program for International Assessment Report which ranked the Philippines last among its Asean peers in the areas of science, reading, and mathematics.
The Philippines ranked 77th out of 81 countries who participated in the survey.
“These results highlight the urgent need for an experienced leader who will be able to transform and revive the Philippine education system. A well educated population is key to creating a competitive workforce that will be able to keep up with rapid technological developments given the acceleration of artificial intelligence,” the MBC said in a statement welcoming the appointment of Angara.
In a text message, PCCI executive vice president Perry Ferrer said the group looks forward to the use of technology in education to prepare students for the 21st century workplace.
The MBC expressed hope Angara will ensure elementary and high school principals and teachers are equipped with the literacy, technical, and character skills needed to prepare Filipino children and youth to meet the challenges of the future.
MBC cited Angara’s extensive work on education policy and legislation.
These include proposing Senate Joint Resolution No. 10 for the creation of the Second Congressional Commission on Education, serving as one of EDCOM 2’s Commissioners, and co-chairing its Governance and Finance Standing Committee.
