BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Thursday thanked millions of Filipinos who cast their votes in the May 2025 midterm elections, urging the public to carry the same sense of civic duty into strengthening the country’s education system.

“We are grateful to every Filipino who exercised their right to vote. Democracy is our people staying engaged, especially in causes that shape the future, like education,” Angara said. 

Citing data from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), Angara noted that around 80 percent of the country’s 68 million registered voters participated in the polls, sending a strong signal of public commitment to democratic governance.

He also echoed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s post-election message, calling the peaceful and orderly conduct of the elections a “renewal of our democracy” and a call to confront urgent national concerns.

“As President Marcos said, our democracy has renewed itself. Now, we must channel that same commitment to the long-term work ahead, ensuring that every Filipino child has access to quality learning aligned with our Bagong Pilipinas vision,” Angara said.

Angara emphasized that education must be front and center as newly elected leaders assume their posts.

“We now have new senators, governors, mayors—some seasoned, some young and hungry, all stepping into the ring of public service. They come bearing the hopes of our people. But hope alone is not enough,” his message reads, delivered by Usec. Ron Mendoza, during the national data dissemination forum for the 2024 Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS). 

“Leadership needs clarity. As new mandates begin, may we ensure that the data we provide guides them. For the hands of newly elected leaders, every percentage point becomes a budget line, a classroom, a reading corner, a chance at a better life.”

The Education Secretary also commended the more than 600,000 teachers and DepEd personnel who served as poll workers, ensuring the smooth conduct of elections in schools nationwide.

“Our teachers once again proved to be frontliners of democracy. Their professionalism, calm under pressure, and deep sense of service are examples we can all learn from,” he said. 

He called on every Filipino to take an active role in uplifting the education sector.

“The Midterm elections may be over, but the real work of nation-building continues. We encourage everyone to be an education champion,” Angara said.

*All Photos from DepEd