PBBM Joins First Day of Classes
PBBM — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. briefly stepped into the role of a teacher as he visited Grade 1 students at Epifanio Delos Santos Elementary School (EDSES) in Malate, Manila, on Monday, June 16, 2025. He was accompanied by Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara for the opening of classes for the 2025–2026 school year.
Inside the classroom, President Marcos guided the students through a reading exercise using flashcards with Filipino words. Through this activity, he highlighted the importance of reading and encouraged the children to actively participate in class. He also gave the students a chance to ask him questions, making the visit more interactive and helping create an inclusive atmosphere.
After the classroom session, President Marcos and Secretary Angara toured other classrooms to observe the conditions and facilities. They later proceeded to the principal’s office to check on the school’s security measures.
President Marcos emphasized that the safety of students and school personnel remains a top priority. He shared that CCTV cameras had been installed around the school to help monitor and maintain security. The president assured school officials that the government, particularly the DepEd, is ready to provide any additional support needed to further improve school facilities and ensure a safe, comfortable learning environment for all students.
Meanwhile, the school year 2025–2026 officially began on June 16, with the Department of Education (DepEd) preparing for around 27 million students from preschool to senior high school. DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara confirmed that preparations were in place for the school opening.
However, the education sector continues to face major issues, including a classroom shortage of 165,000, which may take decades to resolve. To address overcrowding, DepEd is considering limited hybrid learning for senior high school students and is upgrading classrooms with digital tools. While cellphone use in class is generally restricted, it may be allowed for educational purposes under teacher supervision.