School Year 2025–2026 Opening Kicks Off Smoothly
The school year 2025–2026 began on June 16 with a mostly smooth opening across the Philippines. Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted that improved coordination and quick response systems helped ensure this success nationwide. “Okay naman,” Angara said, referring to the school opening. “May mga hotlines tayo kung may mga reklamo, at in touch tayo sa divisions na nagre-report agad kung may problema.”
Despite the generally positive start, educators’ groups voiced concerns about ongoing challenges that continue to affect learning quality in many schools. These groups urged the government to address persistent systemic issues.
Effective Coordination and Rapid Responses
During a visit to Epifanio Delos Santos Elementary School in Manila, Angara credited DepEd’s operational hotlines and local command centers for swiftly handling reports and complaints. These mechanisms allowed real-time problem-solving as schools opened their doors.
One of the few major incidents reported was a fire at San Francisco High School in Quezon City, which damaged 22 rooms, including eight classrooms. DepEd has already begun providing replacement furniture and equipment to support affected students. “Baka by this week, makakapagbigay na kami ng replacement,” Angara noted.
Presidential Support Boosts Morale
Angara lauded President Marcos’ active participation in the school opening, calling it a significant morale booster for education officials, teachers, and principals. The President joined the official ceremony at EDSES and held virtual meetings with school leaders nationwide, emphasizing a whole-of-government approach to education.
“Malaking bagay ito sa akin, sa mga guro, principal, at school officials,” Angara said, highlighting the importance of the President’s involvement.
Key Reforms and Programs Launched
As part of preparations for the new school year, DepEd implemented several reforms. These included a streamlined enrollment process, the deployment of digital learning tools, and expanded support for both students and educators.
Summer reading programs were also introduced to help bridge learning gaps, focusing especially on early-grade literacy. Angara explained, “We focused on mastering the basics—especially reading for Key Stage 1, Kindergarten to Grade 3.” Priority is also given to Grades 4 to 6 students, who suffered learning losses during the pandemic.
Following President Marcos’ directives, DepEd is hiring 10,000 new administrative staff this year. The goal is to have one non-teaching personnel in each of the 40,000 public schools to ease teachers’ workload and let them concentrate on teaching.
Infrastructure and Curriculum Innovations
To ease classroom shortages, DepEd is exploring creative solutions such as voucher programs that allow students to transfer to private schools and expanding the Education Service Contracting program in crowded areas. New infrastructure designs are planned for schools in flood-prone zones.
Additionally, DepEd has procured new armchairs and tables, with deliveries expected soon, to address furniture shortages.
The department is also fast-tracking the pilot of the revised Senior High School curriculum, with around 900 schools participating ahead of the original 2026 schedule.
Teachers’ Groups Applaud but Demand Reforms
While teachers welcomed the smooth opening, they warned that many deep-rooted issues remain unresolved. The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) stressed that a successful start should not hide ongoing problems such as classroom shortages, lack of learning materials aligned with new curricula, and inadequate facilities.
“These are not new, and yet, year after year, we face the same scenario,” TDC said. The group also called for higher teacher salaries, full implementation of the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers, and urgent infrastructure improvements to relieve overcrowding.
Systemic Challenges Burden Schools
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) NCR Union held a sunrise protest highlighting persistent gaps in public education. They staged mock classrooms and cleaning stations to dramatize the lack of basic facilities.
“Nakakahiya na sa opening pa lang ng klase, hindi na kayang mag-full face-to-face ang ilang paaralan dito sa Metro Manila dahil sa congestion,” said ACT-NCR Union President Ruby Bernardo. Some schools resorted to blended learning due to overcrowding.
ACT also criticized alleged attempts to silence teachers from speaking to the media, calling it a suppression of accountability. They renewed calls for hiring 30,000 teachers annually, building 50,000 classrooms each year, and doubling the education budget as mandated by the Constitution.
Looking Ahead: Calls for Lasting Change
The Department of Education welcomed the return of over 27 million students to classrooms across the country. Secretary Angara acknowledged the ongoing learning crisis but said solutions are underway. “It has reached crisis levels but is manageable, and I think we have some solutions in place,” he assured.
Teachers’ groups, however, urged the government to back up the smooth school opening with sustained, inclusive reforms. They emphasized the need to prioritize the welfare of educators and learners every day—not just at the start of the school year.
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