Windows26: Weekend Roundup: New DepEd Secretary Angara, Leonardo DiCaprio's support for Masungi, and more

Hi there, reader!

Here are some of the biggest stories this week: Sen. Sonny Angara is named the new education secretary, Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio voices support for Masungi Georeserve, and the oldest political prisoner is released from Bilibid.

This is your Weekend Roundup, your weekly fix for everything you need to catch up.

WIDELY WELCOMED

DepEd chief: Angara

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. named Sen. Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara the new education secretary, a day after the lawmaker indicated his willingness to accept the post if offered to him. The appointment of Angara comes exactly two weeks after Vice President Sara Duterte resigned as education chief.

Education reform advocacy groups like the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) expressed optimism that the experiences of the incoming DepEd chief will enhance the government's ability to address the learning crisis in the country effectively.

One of Angara's first challenges in his new post is addressing teachers' salaries. Though he expressed confidence that they will increase in the next few years, he admitted that the process will not be easy.

Angara, whose second term as senator ends next year, also shrugged off claims that he would use his post to advance his political interests. He assured the public that his only plan is to fulfill his job as the new education secretary.

INQFOCUS

Gray zone tactics

While still outside the definition of outright war, China's attacks against the Philippines point to just one end game which is complete control of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and other areas in South China Sea (SCS) that the Asian behemoth claims to own. Read more about China's gray zone tactics in this special report.

INQFOCUS

Fake medicines

The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) recent discovery of counterfeit versions of commonly used over-the-counter (OTC) medication has brought to light the continuing threat of fake medicines in the Philippines and elsewhere. Learn more about how to avoid these in this special story.

ON MY RADAR

Ten must-reads

PH-China meeting tackles concerns over Pogos
Army spox: US missile system to be removed from PH by Sept
Binay, Cayetano trade barbs at Senate hearing
Sofitel hotel closes; Union to push fight
Oldest political prisoner released from Bilibid prison
Leonardo DiCaprio urges Bongbong Marcos to protect Masungi
7 films coming to Philippine theaters this July
Saturn retrograde is here and karma is about to be your boyfriend
How this Filipina-founded women's health center is reshaping the conversation around menstruation
Column of the Week: DepEd and miseducation

Binibining Pilipinas 2024 Live Updates

The Binibining Pilipinas pageant is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, and arguably, it is the most enduring national pageant in the country. Bookmark this page to stay updated!

Thanks for reading our Weekend Roundup, reader! See you again next week. For suggestions and feedback, please reach out to me at newsletter@inquirer.net.

Regards,

Samuel Yap

Digital Content Distribution

July 6, 2024

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