MANILA: The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday confirmed the resignation of five officials effective on July 19, the effectivity of the resignation of Vice President and outgoing Education Secretary Sara Duterte. In a Viber message, DepEd Undersecretary and Spokesperson Michael Poa said he is one of the officials who tendered his resignation in preparation for the transfer of leadership to incoming Education chief Senator Juan Edgardo 'Sonny' Angara. Besides Poa, the other officials who resigned include Undersecretary for Administration Nolasco Mempin, Assistant Secretary Sunshine Fajarda, Assistant Secretary for Procurement Reynold Munsayac, and Assistant Secretary for Administration Noel Baluyan. "I think it is only appropriate to give the incoming Secretary of Education, Secretary Angara, a free hand to choose the people that will form part of his team," Poa said. "I will just wait for instructions from the Vice President, if any," Poa addd when asked if he would be joining the Office of the Vi ce President. Meanwhile, the DepEd is set to conduct a turnover ceremony on Thursday. Source: Philippines News Agency