New DepEd chief known by end of week

While Vice President Sara Duterte's resignation as Department of Education secretary will take effect on July 19, President Marcos said he would name her replacement by the end of the week, saying the DepEd performs a vital function and should not be left without a leader.

- ALEXIS ROMERO

Speaking to reporters in Manila yesterday, Marcos cited the need to continue the work in DepEd despite the change in leadership, describing the agency as "arguably the most important department."

"We have to carry on, and the Department of Éducation is quite possibly, arguably, the most important department because education is that important. So, no matter the change of leadership within the department, we still have to carry on," the President said. "I would like to be able to announce the appointment of the new DepEd secretary by the end of the week."

He said his administration is also determining the status and the needs of the DepEd, whose sector receives the highest allocation from the national budget every year as required by the 1987 Constitution.