President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. officially opened School Year (SY) 2025–2026 on Monday at Epifanio Delos Santos Elementary School (EDSES) in Malate, Manila. The launch, attended by key Department of Education (DepEd) officials, spotlighted the government’s wide-reaching initiatives to improve the quality of learning and teaching across the country.
In a virtual address to principals nationwide, President Marcos underscored the whole-of-government support behind the educational reforms.
“Ang buong pamahalaan, lalo na basta sa edukasyon… ay nakabantay sa inyong lahat para tiyakin na lahat ng mga pangangailangan lalong lalo ng mga kabataan ay mapaabot naming,” he emphasized.
Under the President’s directive, DepEd has rolled out various learner- and teacher-focused reforms. These include streamlining the enrollment process, conducting student health assessments, early delivery of tech devices to schools, increased allowances for educators, and a renewed drive to hire more teachers and staff. A strengthened senior high school curriculum will also be piloted this academic year to better prepare students for higher education and future employment.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara expressed gratitude for the reforms, stating, “Mas mararamdaman ito ng ating mga guro at mag-aaral ngayong balik-eskwela.”
President Marcos toured classrooms, met with Grade 1 students, and was briefed on school safety measures. His visit, broadcast nationwide, served as a symbolic reaffirmation of the administration’s commitment to learner welfare and educational continuity.
The school year’s opening also marked a return to the June start—restoring the pre-pandemic academic calendar after broad consultations with teachers, parents, and learners.
DepEd reported a smooth nationwide opening, thanks to the months-long “Brigada Eskwela” and “Oplan Balik Eskwela” programs, which rallied communities and agencies to ready school facilities and address logistical challenges. As of June 14, DepEd’s Public Assistance Command Center had resolved over 1,400 inquiries and concerns.
Secretary Angara praised the collective effort, saying, “Mas maayos ang pasukan ngayong taon dahil sa tulong-tulong na kilos ng lahat.”
More than 27 million learners are expected to attend classes this year across approximately 60,000 public and private schools. DepEd assured continued support through active monitoring and coordination with local schools and partners.
