Synergeia Foundation Chief Executive Officer Milwida Guevara has dismissed the notion of being appointed as the next Secretary of Education, a position to be vacated by Vice President Sara Duterte on July 19.
A former Department of Finance undersecretary Guevara expressed doubts about receiving such an appointment, stating, “I do not think I will get an appointment,” in an interview with The EdLines.
When asked why she believed she wouldn’t be considered for the position, Guevara simply replied, “I am nobody. That is why.”
This was despite the fact that Guevara’s name was among four candidates recommended by the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) in a letter addressed to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
Firm on not getting an offer from the president, Guevara instead shared her thoughts on who she believes should lead the Department of Education next, pointing to Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian as a strong candidate given his background as an education-oriented mayor.
Describing her ideal candidate as “a doer and an empowerer,” Guevara highlighted the importance of using data and best practices to address educational challenges and improve the system.
She highlighted Gatchalian’s initiatives such as reading camps, teacher camps, and various educational programs.
“He was an education mayor and introduced major changes that improved learning- reading camp, teachers camp, nanay-tatay teacher, feeding program, bottom up budgeting for SEF (Special Education Fund), made functional school governing council, sports and value development, among the many others,” she pointed out.
Guevara also emphasized that the next Secretary of Education should prioritize improving the reading skills of young students, citing concerns about the high number of 10-year-olds struggling with reading.
She advocated for a focus on comprehension and critical thinking skills, suggesting that teachers and principals should mentor their peers in phonics and encourage children to read stories in both English and Filipino.
She added that the future secretary should be able to listen to the concerns of teachers, students and parents and build an agenda based on their difficulties and priorities.
Guevara stressed the importance of the next Secretary being attentive to the needs of teachers, students, and parents, and building an agenda based on their concerns.
She emphasized the role of local leaders and communities in supporting education, urging the Secretary to empower schools and collaborate with local governments to implement effective learning programs.
“He should be able to engage local leaders and communities to help educate a child,” Guevara said. “He should empower schools and good local governments to design and implement programs that will promote learning and patriotism.”
Alongside Gatchalian, Guevara was recommended by PBEd along with Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara and Negros Occidental 3rd District Representative Francisco “Kiko” Benitez.
