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Secretary of Education (Philippines) facts for kids

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Secretary of Education
Department of Education.svg
Official seal of the
Department of Education
Sara Duterte January 2022.jpg
Incumbent
Sara Duterte
since June 30, 2022
Appointer The President
Term length coterminous with President
Inaugural holder Fred Atkinson
Formation January 21, 1901

The Secretary of Education (which means Kalihim ng Edukasyon in Filipino) is a very important person in the Cabinet of the Philippines. This person is in charge of the Department of Education (DepEd), which handles all public schools and education programs in the Philippines. Think of them as the main leader for all things related to learning and schools in the country!

The current Secretary is Sara Duterte. She started her job on June 30, 2022. She has announced that she will be leaving her post on July 19, 2024. After her, Sonny Angara will become the new Secretary of Education.

What the Secretary of Education Does

The Secretary of Education has many important jobs and responsibilities. They make sure that the Department of Education runs smoothly and helps all students get a good education.

Here are some of their main tasks:

  • Advising the President: They give advice to the President of the Philippines about education. This helps the President make good decisions for schools.
  • Setting Policies: They create the rules and standards for how the Department of Education works. These rules help guide all schools and teachers.
  • Making Regulations: They write down the specific rules needed to carry out the goals and plans of the Department. This ensures everything is done correctly.
  • Issuing Guidelines: They release official instructions for the different offices under the Department. This helps everyone work together efficiently.
  • Handling Discipline: They have the power to take action if officials or employees do not follow the rules. This keeps everyone accountable.
  • Checking Performance: They set up systems to check how well the Department is doing. They also send reports to the President about their progress.
  • Preparing the Budget: They prepare the budget for the Department of Education. This budget shows how much money is needed for schools and programs.
  • Appointing Staff: They hire most of the people who work for the Department. However, the President appoints some of the top officials.

A Look Back at the Department's History

The Department of Education has a long history in the Philippines. It was first set up on January 21, 1901. Back then, it was called the Department of Public Instruction. The very first person to lead it was Dr. Fred Atkinson.

Over the years, the name of the position and the department changed a few times to reflect its growing responsibilities. For example, it was once called the Secretary of Public Instruction, Health, and Public Welfare. Later, it became the Secretary of Education, Culture, and Sports. Today, it is simply the Secretary of Education, focusing mainly on education.

Images for kids

  • Department of Education

    Official seal of the Department of Education

  • Sara Duterte January 2022

    Current Secretary of Education, Sara Duterte

  • Sonny Angara

    Incoming Secretary of Education, Sonny Angara

  • J.M. Elizalde, Sergio Osmena, John W. Hausermann (cropped to Pres. Osmeña)

    Sergio Osmeña, a former Secretary

  • Jorge Bocobo (cropped)

    Jorge Bocobo, another former Secretary

  • Carlos P. Romulo (cropped)

    Carlos P. Romulo, who also served as Secretary

  • Claro Mayo Recto

    Claro M. Recto, a former Commissioner of Education

  • Camilo Osias studio photo

    Camilo Osías, a former Minister of Education

  • Prudencio Langcauon's passport application

    Prudencio Langcauon, a former Secretary

  • Jose E. Romero

    Jose E. Romero, a former Secretary

  • A.Roces (cropped)

    Alejandro Roces, a former Secretary

  • Jaime C. Laya - 2019 (cropped)

    Jaime C. Laya, a former Minister

  • Raul Sagarbarria Roco (cropped)

    Raul S. Roco, a former Secretary

  • Butch Abad (crop)

    Florencio B. Abad, a former Secretary

  • Jesli Lapus

    Jesli A. Lapus, a former Secretary

  • Armin Luistro 2016

    Armin A. Luistro, a former Secretary

  • SEC. LEONOR M. BRIONES

    Leonor Magtolis Briones, a former Secretary

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