Government Prioritizes Stable Electricity, Water Supply in Schools
President Marcos emphasized the urgent need for stable electricity, water supply, internet access, health facilities, and anti-bullying measures in schools during the opening of classes on Monday, June 16. He issued clear directives to government agencies to address these basic necessities, ensuring students can focus fully on their education without distractions.
During his visit to Epifanio Delos Santos Elementary School in Malate, Manila, the President highlighted the importance of reliable utilities in schools nationwide. “Yung kuryente, or making sure na may kuryente lahat, dahil may tubig lahat,” Marcos said, stressing that every school should have consistent electricity and water.
Expanding Internet Access and Health Facilities
The President tasked the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) with expanding internet coverage, pointing out that only 60 percent of schools currently have access. Reliable connectivity is crucial for modern learning, especially as digital tools become more integrated into education.
Marcos also directed the Department of Health (DOH) to establish health facilities within schools. “Ang DOH sinabi ko kailangan may health facilities lagi in case na magkasakit ‘yung mga bata o magka-injure ay meron lagi tayong nakaabang para sila ay gagamutin,” he said, underscoring the need for immediate care for students who fall ill or get injured during school hours.
Strong Measures Against Bullying and Facility Improvements
Addressing student welfare, the President instructed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to strengthen anti-bullying programs. He highlighted the rising issue of cyberbullying and its impact on mental health. “Tinututukan namin yung mga cyber bullying, yung mga bullying dahil nagiging malaking problema, dahil mental health problem ng mga bata dahil hindi maayos ang pagtakbo talaga may bullying hindi sila makapag-aral nang mabuti,” Marcos explained.
Furthermore, Marcos called on the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to accelerate repairs of classrooms, comfort rooms, and handwashing stations. He emphasized the importance of building new schools, particularly in insurgency-affected villages and remote areas lacking electricity and facilities.
Supporting Students and Teachers
To ease parents’ financial burdens, the President asked the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to keep school supplies affordable. He also reminded the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to guarantee students’ fare discounts on public transport systems like LRT and MRT.
On teacher welfare, Marcos reiterated the government’s commitment to hiring more educators. Already, 16,000 teachers have been hired out of the 20,000 target to reduce their administrative load and allow them to focus on teaching. “Kaya lahat ng mga teacher, naging teacher kayo para magturo, makakapagturo kayo nang mabuti. Kung ano pa ang inyong nakikita na puwedeng pagandahin pa, sabihan niyo kami,” he urged.
He encouraged teachers to communicate their concerns through DepEd representatives up to the regional level to continuously improve the education system.
Return to Traditional School Calendar
This school year marks the return to the traditional June-to-March calendar after a pandemic-related shift. The current academic year is set to end on March 31, 2026, with DepEd projecting around 27 million students enrolled from preschool to senior high school.
For more news and updates on stable electricity and water supply, visit Filipinokami.com.