Appoint the right DepEd secretary

By Reni M. Valenzuela

You got it wrong.

It is not Sen. Sonny Angara’s impressive educational attainment, wealth of experience and other “qualifications” as the new Secretary of Education that is being put in question, but rather his being a politician (notably) and his being widely seen as “unprincipled,” besides being indifferent in critical public issues of national concern, e.g. corruption, injustices, criminalities, Pogo, dirty politics, bloated budget, red-tagging, fake news, to name a few.

I see Sen. Angara as a humble, quiet, amiable, handsome, good man. My opposition to his appointment is not personal in any way just as every opinion I have (good or bad) about anyone in and outside the government was and is never personal. Thus, the message is usually received, “bringing forth boughs and bearing fruits, and being goodly cedar” (Ezekiel 17:23), in the service of the country, people and God.

Sen. Sonny has done a lot, but a lot for what? Ang pinakatumatak po sa akin tungkol sa butihin natin na beteranong mambabatas ay ang kanyang magandang ngiti. Pagdating naman sa kaguwapuhan, ay hindi siya nalalayo kay Senators Robin Padilla, Bong Revilla, Jinggoy Estrada at Lito Lapid (artista block). Ngunit kayo lang po ang makapagsasabi, mga kababayan, kung ano ang tumatak sa inyo sa kanilang pagiging guwapo at bantog na mga senador (o artista), at kung ano ang marka na kanilang iniiwan (o kinukuha) sa sambayanang Pilipino.

By the way, if I may ask: Is President Bongbong Marcos’ number one qualification in appointing a Secretary of Education a physical feature? He first appointed a beautiful girl in the person of Vice President Sara Duterte. Now it’s a boy, an equally good-looking man. If that’s the case, then I am vouching for Alden Richards or Piolo Pascual or Catriona Gray. Shoo-in!

We need an education secretary (and officials) who can stand for the truth and stand up to anything and everything bad, i.e., China in its intrusions, bullying and belligerence in the West  Philippine Sea. He must be one who can be himself as a righteously principled educator, engaged and fervent amidst controversies involving good and evil in government and society — especially those that affect the molding, guiding and future of our young people. He must be a protector and developer of innocent minds. He learns from history and is himself could become history for the coming generations to read and emulate.

“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” – Yousafzai. Pastoring a church is no different from leading a government department or any organization for that matter. The church and sheep can’t be any different from the shepherd, much less in heart and character. “Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best.” – Talbert

A politician may/can be appointed to some other cabinet positions, but not (strictly) as head in the education (and health) department, more so at this point in time, for a number of good, valid reasons. Quick example: The students and schools may be used for political and election purposes, not to mention the many other purposes to suit (irresistibly) the whims and caprices of the powers that be (being a political ally), and the persecution and red-tagging of schools, idealistic students and members of the academe. Alas, all to the detriment of the whole country — mentally, morally, spiritually and economically — present and future.

Horses are one dimensional in their views and direction. It is understandable that they wear blinkers to prevent them from seeing what’s around and what goes around for travel focus purposes to serve their masters — but not government officials, the media and our people — if we were  to move forward (indeed) as a nation and Filipinos, and reach our God-ordained bright, progressive, happy, peaceful and beautiful tomorrow.

Back on track. Your are not a horse.

P.S.

The government needs to scrap altogether the elder Angara-authored, bungled, sick K-12 program of DepEd. Dagdag pahirap lang po ito sa mga magulang at estudyante — nang walang pakinabang. It’s an additional burden to parents and students without sense — without advantage, boon and blessing. It just delays progress both for our children and nation. K-12, tested and proven — futile.

Email: renivalenzuelaletters@yahoo.com