SENATE Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano is pushing for the inclusion of sports, arts and culture in the government’s Education and Workforce Development Group to promote holistic education and expand opportunities for Filipino talents in the global market.

Cayetano told Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara that sports and the arts should be treated as essential components of education, alongside academic subjects such as mathematics.

He described sports and the arts as the “soul” of education, saying these help students develop essential life skills, including teamwork, problem-solving and creativity.

The senator stressed that educational success should go beyond academic achievement and include the development of students’ character, skills and talents.

Established in August 2025, the Education and Workforce Development Group coordinates government policies on education and employment. Its member agencies include the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Labor and Employment, and Department of Migrant Workers.

Cayetano was among the proponents of the Cabinet cluster, having co-authored a resolution seeking its creation in 2024 when he served as co-chairperson of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II).

Beyond strengthening arts education, Cayetano urged the government to provide Filipino artists with greater opportunities to showcase their work internationally.

He proposed closer coordination among DepEd, the National Museum and the Department of Foreign Affairs to promote Filipino artists overseas and address logistical barriers, including difficulties in securing permits to transport artworks abroad for exhibitions and bring them back to the country.

Cayetano said many aspiring Filipino artists need only a breakthrough and stronger institutional support to gain international recognition.

He also highlighted the economic potential of the creative industry, noting that Filipino artists can compete in the global market through their talent and creativity without necessarily relying on imported materials or manufacturing facilities.

Cayetano previously pursued cultural diplomacy initiatives during his term as foreign affairs secretary from 2017 to 2018. As House Speaker, he also supported the establishment of a Special Committee on Creative Industry and Performing Arts in 2020 and proposed the creation of a Department of Arts and Culture.

For his part, Angara welcomed the senator’s recommendations and said the department would work on the proposals.

He added that EDCOM II had already begun discussions with prominent Filipino artists, including Patis Tesoro and Manny Garibay, to help improve the country’s arts curriculum.