Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, wants the incoming Education Secretary to keep current officials at the Department of Education (DepEd) to maintain the positive reforms started by outgoing DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte.

Gatchalian told The EdLines on Tuesday that he would like to see Duterte’s positive programs and initiatives continue even after she steps down in July.

“Nakakahinayang, ‘no, dahil marami nang naumpisahang magaganda si Vice President Sara [It’s unfortunate because Vice President Sara already started a lot of great reforms],” Gatchalian stated.

The lawmaker, who is co-chair of the Second Congressional Commission on Education, highlighted the MATATAG curriculum aimed at decongesting the current curriculum to focus on core competencies, as well as efforts to reduce teachers’ administrative workload.

“Ang aking ninais, ay ipagpatuloy ‘yong mga reporma at iyong mga usecs and asecs, manatili sila dahil sila talaga ‘yong tinatawag kong workhorses [My desire is to continue those reforms and for the usecs and asecs to be retained because they are really the ones I call ‘workhorses,’” Gatchalian said. 

Undersecretary and assistant secretary positions are subject to presidential appointment upon recommendation of the secretary. 

On Wednesday, Duterte tendered her resignation as DepEd chief and head of an anti-insurgency body which will take effect July 19, marking the latest move that shows her crumbling alliance with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.  

While Gatchalian expressed regret over Duterte’s departure, some see it as an opportunity for progress in the education sector.

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers Partylist Representative France Castro said her resignation is “long overdue,” criticizing her two-year tenure for neglecting crucial issues in education.

Liberal Party President and Albay Representative Edcel Lagman also welcomed Duterte’s departure, viewing the move as a chance to address the sector’s troubles.

Stakeholders like the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition are urging Marcos to appoint a leader with a strong background in education and no political ties.