Senator Win Gatchalian paid tribute to his former colleague at the Senate and now Secretary of Education Sonny Angara “for his exemplary service to the institution and to the Filipino people as a Senator of the Philippines.”

Gatchalian is a co-author of Proposed Senate Resolution No. 1070, which expresses the Senate’s appreciation to Angara who took over the leadership of the Department of Education (DepEd) on July 19. The resolution’s other authors are Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri, Nancy Binay, JV Ejercito, Loren Legarda, and Joel Villanueva.

“Ipinakita ni Secretary Sonny Angara ang husay at katapatan sa kanyang panunungkulan sa loob ng mahabang panahon bilang mambabatas. Bilang kampeon ng edukasyon, isinulong niya ang mga batas na nagtataguyod sa kapakanan ng ating mga mag-aaral,” said Gatchalian.

“Bilang Chairperson ng Committee on Basic Education sa Senado, alam kong mas lalalim pa ang pakikipag ugnayan ng aking opisina sa DepEd lalo na ngayong nakaupo na si Secretary Angara dahil marami na kaming naumpisahang reporma pagdating sa sektor ng edukasyon, at ngayon ay ipagpapatuloy lang namin ang naumpisahan naming trabaho,” he added.  

Gatchalian emphasized Angara’s role as author of the law that established the Second Congressional Commission (EDCOM II), where Angara served as Commissioner. The senator also credited Angara’s role in the passage of laws like the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act or the free higher education law, the inclusive education law for learners with disabilities, the Alternative Learning System Act, the Anti-Bullying Act, and the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 or the K to 12 law.

Gatchalian assured Angara that he has the full support of the Senate Committee on Basic Education and the EDCOM II in the pursuit of needed reforms.