President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. officially opened School Year 2025–2026 on June 16 at Epifanio Delos Santos Elementary School in Manila. Joined by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Marcos highlighted a set of sweeping reforms designed to uplift both student learning and teacher welfare.
Speaking to school principals nationwide via video call, Marcos assured the education sector of comprehensive government support, spanning agencies from health and welfare to technology and law enforcement.
Under his administration’s directive, the Department of Education rolled out key initiatives including a simplified enrollment process, mandatory student health checks, early deployment of digital tools, extra teaching and medical allowances, and a boost in staffing and workload management.
The new school year also introduces a restructured senior high school curriculum to better prepare students for higher education and the workforce.
Education Secretary Angara praised the reforms, noting their positive impact would be felt immediately by both teachers and learners, thanks to improved resources and supportive policies.
Marcos also visited classrooms, reviewed safety measures, and connected with schools across the country to mark the first June school opening since the pandemic—a move aimed at minimizing weather disruptions and promoting a more stable academic schedule.
DepEd reported a smooth nationwide rollout of classes, supported by Brigada Eskwela and Oplan Balik Eskwela, with 1,406 of 1,690 public concerns already addressed.
The department vowed continued monitoring and support to ensure quality education for the over 27 million students returning to school.