Forging a Future-Ready Southeast Asia: Angara Champions Regional Collaboration in Education Reform

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In a bold affirmation of the Philippines' commitment to transformative education and inclusive development, Education Secretary and SEAMEO Council President Sonny Angara has concluded a series of landmark visits to Vietnam and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), calling for stronger regional collaboration to ensure Southeast Asia’s learners are prepared for an ever-evolving global landscape.

Angara’s diplomatic mission was not a mere ceremonial gesture. It was a compelling declaration that the time for shared action in education has come—rooted in a collective desire to build systems that are inclusive, equitable, and future-ready.

Vietnam: A Model of Visionary Investment

In Hanoi, Angara was warmly welcomed by Vietnamese Minister of Education and Training, His Excellency Nguyen Kim Son, and top officials who showcased the country’s significant strides in early childhood education and innovation-driven reforms.

“Vietnam’s strong focus on early childhood education is an investment in resilience,” Angara remarked during his dialogue with officials. “Your policies reflect a vision that many nations, including mine, aspire to emulate.”

The admiration was mutual, but Angara was particularly impressed by Vietnam’s harmonized approach—pairing inclusivity with quality. He praised the country’s efforts in universalizing access while maintaining robust standards, highlighting this as a benchmark for regional emulation.

Vietnam’s strategic thrust towards building a future-ready workforce, with emphases on artificial intelligence (AI), innovation, and career-readiness, struck a familiar chord with Angara. He cited the Philippines’ own initiative—the Education Center for AI Research (ECAIR)—as a testament to the country’s parallel commitment to modernizing its educational frameworks. “Our nations are aligned in our aspiration to prepare learners for a world that demands more than knowledge—it demands agility, creativity, and critical thinking.”

Angara’s engagements extended to the SEAMEO Centers in Hanoi, where he formalized new leadership appointments: Assistant Secretary Carmela Oracion to the SEAMEO Regional Training Center (RETRAC) and Assistant Secretary Jerome Buenviaje to the SEAMEO Regional Centre for Lifelong Learning (CELL). These appointments, he emphasized, symbolize the Philippines’ proactive stance in shaping regional education discourse, especially in literacy, adult learning, and leadership development.

Laos: Fostering Resilience Amidst Constraints

In the landlocked yet determined nation of Lao PDR, Angara’s dialogue with Education Minister Phout Simmalavong was a heartfelt exchange rooted in mutual respect and shared aspirations. The Lao delegation expressed particular interest in the Philippines’ teacher education programs—acknowledging the excellence and adaptability of Filipino educators and proposing a bilateral learning exchange.

Angara did not hesitate to spotlight the Department of Education’s School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP), an initiative proven to curb student dropouts and boost academic engagement. He also laid out the revised K–12 curriculum, designed to embed stronger industry linkages and elevate the employability of senior high school graduates.

Visiting the SEAMEO Center for Community Education Development (CED), Angara recognized Laos’ resilience in driving educational reforms despite financial limitations. He lauded their innovation in alternative learning systems (ALS), noting how such efforts extend learning opportunities to the most marginalized sectors of society.

Building a Region Through Data and Dialogue

At the core of Angara’s message was the Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM), a regional initiative he described as essential in mapping progress and informing policy. More than just a tool, Angara sees SEA-PLM as a living framework that demands ongoing feedback and refinement. “Let us ensure SEA-PLM continues to reflect the dynamism and diversity of our region,” he urged.

Throughout his journey, Angara wove a powerful narrative—one that places Southeast Asia not as a collection of individual efforts, but as a unified bloc working together to reimagine education for the 21st century.

A Vision Beyond Borders

“As we move forward, the path is clear: Southeast Asia must work together to ensure our education systems are not only inclusive and equitable, but also resilient and future-ready,” Angara declared with conviction.

In an era where global disruptions—from AI to climate change—demand responsive and adaptive education systems, Angara’s call to action could not be more timely. His mission in Vietnam and Laos was not merely a series of visits—it was a movement in the making, rallying Southeast Asia toward an educational renaissance rooted in collaboration, innovation, and compassion.

The message is unmistakable: when Southeast Asia rises together, it learns together—and when it learns together, it leads.

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