SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian expressed strong support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to retain Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Jose Francisco Benitez in the Cabinet, saying the move reflects trust in their leadership and reform agenda.

“By rejecting the courtesy resignations of Education Secretary Sonny Angara and TESDA Director General Jose Francisco Benitez, the President gave them his vote of confidence in their leadership and pursuit of reforms,” Gatchalian said in a statement.

The senator welcomed continuity in leadership at both agencies, saying it is crucial to sustaining efforts to improve the readiness of senior high school students for college and employment, as well as enhancing the employability of graduates from technical-vocational education and training (TVET) programs.

“I look forward to our continued collaboration to make significant gains in the college- and work-readiness of our senior high school learners, and the employability of our TVET graduates, among others,” he added.

Gatchalian further reaffirmed his support, stating, “Nananatiling buo ang ating suporta para sa mga kalihim ng Department of Education at TESDA.”

Angara and Benitez, both newly appointed earlier this year, had submitted courtesy resignations in line with protocol.

The President’s decision to retain them is seen as a strong endorsement of their early performance and policy direction.

Education and skills development remain top priorities for the administration, with ongoing efforts to align the country’s education system with the demands of the labor market and global standards.