• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
More Negros Occidental solons, local lawmakers and officials have joined the bandwagon in endorsing Third District Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez as the next secretary of the Department of Education, a Cabinet position vacated by Vice President Sara Duterte.
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday said that he will endorse Benitez for the Cabinet position, citing his competency in the field of education.
Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya and Rep. Mercedes Alvarez (6th district Negros Occidental) also joined Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo (5th district, Negros Occ.) in endorsing Benitez as the next DepEd secretary.
Gasataya cited the track record and continued passion of Benitez in the field of education, while Alvarez has an extensive background in the aspect of education.
Before he became a lawmaker in 2019, Benitez served as president of Philippine Women’s University, and held teaching positions at the University of Washington – Seattle.
The Negros Occidental solon also co-chaired the Second Congressional Commission on Education.
Prior of joining politics, Benitez had an academic background, including a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a summa cum laude B.A. from Cornell University.
The National Movement of Young Legislators-Negros Occidental led by Councilor Derek Palanca and the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Victorias City yesterday passed separate resolutions endorsing Benitez to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as the next DepEd secretary, whose stand also supported by Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez.
“We, in unison, firmly believe that Cong. Kiko Benitez is the best candidate for the position, given his merits, admirable qualifications, and exemplary track record in the academe and in public service,” the NMYL said.
In a resolution approved by the Victorias City Council, it said that Benitez has an extensive academic background, having served in various educational institutions and leadership roles in multiple organizations.
The solon also got the endorsement of the Philippine Business for Education (PBED) and Philippine Association for College and Universities.
Benitez presently served as the chairperson of the Committee on Housing and Urban Development and vice chairman of the Committee on Creative Industry and Performing Arts.
The Victorias City SP further said that Benitez has been recognized for his efforts in promoting development paradigms that balance social equity, economy, and ecology, and for leveraging technological innovations for a sustainable economy.
The resolution added that Benitez has authored bills addressing housing needs, digital transformation, education adaptation, creative industries, blue and circular economies, food security, and sustainable urbanization.
Meanwhile, Benitez said he is grateful for the endorsements to head education department.
“I thank Negros Occidental local officials, colleagues in the House, and friends and partners in the education sector for their trust and support,” he said.
Benitez added that he trusts in the President’s judgment and if selected, it would be an honor for him the serve the DepEd.
“But even if I am not selected, I will continue to do my part, supporting whoever the president entrusts with this tremendous task. We must all work together to fix the country’s education crisis,” Benitez said. | GB
