The University of the Philippines paid tribute to UP Law Alumnus and Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara in a testimonial dinner held on August 28, 2024 at the UP Executive House in Diliman, Quezon City.
The event not only celebrated Angara’s appointment to the Department of Education but also served as a platform to discuss and stress the need for vital interventions to improve the country’s educational system. In a brief speech, Angara said that during his term in office, he hopes to provide more opportunities for improvement of teachers and students, address the nutritional needs of younger children, and improve schools.
In response, UP President Angelo Jimenez pledged the University’s full support for crucial reforms in basic education, and as a token of gratitude from the University, gave Secretary Angara a replica of the UP Oblation.
Various UP officials, alumni, and government representatives attended the dinner to extend their congratulations and support to Angara for his appointment as DepEd chief. These included UP Professor Emeritus and former UP President Dr. Emerlinda Roman.
Also present were notable alumni from the UP College of Law including UP Law Dean Darlene Marie Berberabe, former UP President and UP Law professor Atty. Danilo Concepcion, retired Supreme Court Justice Francis Jardeleza and Congressman Roman Romulo, Chair of the House Committee on Basic Education and Co-Chairperson of the Second Congressional Commission on Education.
In separate video messages played during the testimonial, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, both UP Law alumni, expressed their congratulations for Angara and support for the Department of Education.