PBBM Kicks Off School Year 2025–2026 with Bold Education Reforms: A New Era for Learners and Teachers Begins

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In a compelling show of commitment to educational transformation, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. led the official opening of School Year 2025–2026 at Epifanio Delos Santos Elementary School (EDSES) in Malate, Manila. The return to a June school opening—after years of disruption and adjustment due to the COVID-19 pandemic—signals more than just a shift in the calendar. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in Philippine education.

Addressing the nation during a live virtual interaction with principals from across the archipelago, President Marcos declared, “Ang buong pamahalaan, lalo na basta sa edukasyon… ay nakabantay sa inyong lahat para tiyakin na lahat ng mga pangangailangan, lalong-lalo na ng mga kabataan, ay mapaabot namin.”

His message was clear: no Filipino learner should be left behind. The entire government machinery—from health to social welfare, transport to technology—is mobilized in support of students and teachers.

A System Reimagined: Education Reforms Take Center Stage

Under the President’s directive, the Department of Education (DepEd) has launched sweeping reforms aimed at easing the burdens of both learners and educators:

Simplified, cost-efficient enrollment processes

Health checkups for students

Early delivery of digital learning tools such as laptops and smart TVs

Increased allowances for teachers—both medical and instructional

Mass hiring of teaching and non-teaching personnel

Workload rationalization to reduce bureaucratic tasks for educators

Pilot launch of an enhanced Senior High School curriculum to improve college and job readiness

“These are not just band-aid solutions,” said Education Secretary Sonny Angara. “These are systemic interventions. Malaking pasasalamat natin kay Pangulong Marcos sa mga repormang agad niyang itinulak para sa edukasyon. Ramdam ito ng mga guro at mag-aaral.”

A Symbolic Visit, A Nationwide Movement

The President’s symbolic visit to EDSES—a historic institution and one of Manila’s oldest public elementary schools—was filled with meaningful interactions: observing a Grade 1 class, evaluating school safety protocols, and virtually engaging with schools from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

It was a unified national moment, mirroring the government’s push to make every school safe, functional, and inspiring for over 27 million learners returning to roughly 60,000 public and private institutions nationwide.

Back to June: A Return to Academic Normalcy

This school year also marks the long-awaited return to the traditional June school opening—a move supported by teachers, parents, and students alike to avoid learning disruptions caused by heatwaves and typhoons. The transition was no small feat. It followed an intensive nationwide preparation effort under Brigada Eskwela and Oplan Balik Eskwela, which rallied local communities, teachers, parents, and agencies in a massive campaign to fix, clean, and equip campuses.

Secretary Angara praised the effort:

"Alam nating mahirap ang paghahanda, pero mas maayos ang pasukan ngayong taon dahil sa tulong-tulong na kilos ng lahat—ni Pangulong Marcos, guro, magulang, LGU, at mga ahensya.”

All Hands on Deck: A Government-Wide Push for Learning

The opening’s success is also thanks to the inter-agency collaboration of nearly every major department: DILG, DOH, PNP, NDRRMC, PAGASA, DICT, Meralco, MWSS, DOE, NTC, DOTr, MMDA, PCO, DTI, DSWD, DPWH, and more.

From traffic decongestion to power and water connections, school safety to psychological support—the opening of classes was a national undertaking, with every hand reaching toward one goal: a better future for the Filipino child.

As of June 14, the Oplan Balik Eskwela Public Assistance Command Center had received 1,690 queries and concerns. Impressively, 1,406 of these were resolved immediately, thanks to DepEd’s coordinated rapid-response efforts.

Looking Ahead: Education with Renewed Purpose

While the first day proceeded smoothly, the mission continues. DepEd will maintain active monitoring via command centers and field offices to ensure timely resolution of school-level issues. The momentum, officials say, must not stop at opening day.

“Now more than ever,” Secretary Angara emphasized, “we must deliver not only access to education, but quality education that prepares every learner for the real world.”

With renewed energy, greater resources, and the full force of the government behind it, School Year 2025–2026 is not just another academic year—it is a national renewal, driven by collective action and bold leadership. Under the Marcos administration, the promise of education as the great equalizer is once again within reach.

Because when the nation builds its classrooms with purpose, it builds a future with hope.

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