PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said he needs more time to decide on the next Department of Education Secretary, emphasizing the importance of making the right choice.

“It turns out, it’s harder than I thought because we have to get it right. So I’m giving myself more time,” Marcos said on Saturday, June 29, 2024.

The Chief Executive explained that the decision is difficult because the next DepEd chief must meet the department’s needs comprehensively.

“We have to see really what the DepEd needs. Of course, there are many calls for the new secretary to be an educator,” Marcos said, adding that there are also calls for the new secretary to be an administrator and history professor.

Marcos previously stated that he would announce the appointment of the new DepEd Secretary by the end of June.

The President disclosed that he has reviewed numerous curriculum vitae, noting that many candidates are impressive.

“We have to choose somebody who has an understanding of what is important in terms of being an educator,” he said. “There are many people who understand that, who are experts, really, in the education sector. But then, how do you achieve that? That requires a very good hand on the pillar of the DepEd, who can manage it properly, who understands the bureaucracy, who understands how to use the budget properly—all of these things,” he added.

Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio tendered her resignation as DepEd chief on June 19, which will take effect after a 30-day transition period.