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PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. officially opened School Year 2025–2026 at Epifanio Delos Santos Elementary School (Edses) in Malate, Manila as the Department of Education (DepEd) highlighted major education reforms, aimed at creating a better learning environment for Filipino students and teachers.
DepEd, under President Marcos' directive, has implemented various reforms to support both learners and educators. These include mandatory easier and cost-friendly enrollment process; health assessments for students; early delivery of laptops, smart TVs, and other digital tools to schools; increased medical and teaching allowances for teachers; hiring of more teachers and administrative staff; and workload rationalization.
DepEd will also pilot a strengthened senior high school curriculum this school year to improve readiness for college and employment.
STARTING SCHOOL President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. tours Epifanio Delos Santos Elementary School, one of Manila’s oldest public elementary schools. PHOTO FROM DEPED
The visit highlighted the government's push to ensure that schools are safe, functional, and ready to welcome learners nationwide. Over 27 million learners are expected to return to classrooms this year across around 48,000 public and 12,000 private schools.
School Year 2025-2026 marks the country's first return to a June opening since the academic calendar was adjusted during the Covid-19 pandemic — a move made after listening to widespread calls from teachers, parents, and learners to avoid extreme weather disruptions and restore academic continuity.
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The opening proceeded smoothly across regions, following weeks of preparation through DepEd's Brigada Eskwela and Oplan Balik Eskwela, which mobilized local communities, schools, and government agencies to repair classrooms, clean campuses, and resolve logistical issues in time for the start of classes.
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara also noted the positive start to the school year, citing the collaborative effort across all levels of government and local communities.
