Four new DepEd undersecretaries named

Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro named four new officials on Monday to complete the team of undersecretaries of the Department of Education (DepEd). The new undersecretaries are Undersecretary Yolanda Quijano for Programs and Projects, Undersecretary Alberto Muyot for Legal and Legislative Affairs, Undersecretary Rizalino Rivera for Regional Operations, and Undersecretary Francisco Varela for Finance and Administration. “This is the team we will be working with in the next few years," Luistro said. “They were chosen based on their competence and dedication to public service." Among the four newly appointed undersecretaries, only Usec Yolanda Quijano has long been working for the DepED while the other three are new in the department. “Like me, they, too, sought divine intervention before they accepted my invitation to join the department," Luistro said. “After much reflection, they decided to respond to the call to help make a difference and accepted my invitation." Straight out of college, Quijano began her career as an elementary school teacher, after which she started working for DepEd and occupied various positions focusing on primary and special education. A cum laude graduate from the University of the Philippines College of Law, Muyot taught in UP, FEU-DLSU law, Lyceum, Miriam College and Angeles University Foundation. He has been designated as the official spokesperson of the DepEd. Rivera is an organizational development expert who served as a consultant of various local and multinational corporations. His experience as a consultant will be helpful in implementing the changes planned for the department. Varela, who will be in charge of Finance, was president and Chief Executive Officer of the AB CApital and Investment Corporation before he was appointed undersecretary. He has had a long experience in financial management and administration since finishing his Mathematics degree at Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro City. Luistro said the new Undersecretaries have already been given their initial responsibilities although the department is still in the process of reviewing its organizational structure. "Prior to determining a formal structure, I have asked them to review and supervise their respective departments so as not to disrupt the day to day operations of the agency," he said. During the last administration, six undersecretaries were appointed. The two other positions - Undersecretary for Mindanao Affairs and Presidential Assistant for Education (which was given the title Undersecretary of the Department of Education) - were special appointees of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. –VVP, GMANews.TV