President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday personally observed the opening day of classes and vowed sweeping reforms in the country’s public education system, including the hiring of thousands of new teachers and administrative staff, improved internet connectivity, and enhanced health and welfare services for students.
Speaking during an assessment tour at Epifanio Delos Santos Elementary School in Manila alongside Education Secretary Sonny Angara, President Marcos said the administration is aiming to ease the burden on educators by hiring new teachers and administrative personnel to handle paperwork and school operations.
“I was explaining to our teachers that for them, to lessen their workload to reduce the administrative duties, we will hire 20,000 new teachers. As of now, out of that 20,000, 16,000 new teachers have been hired by DepEd,” President Marcos told reporters.
“After that, we will get someone so that there is an equivalent hiring for the administrative duties, 10,000 for administrative staff, not teaching but managing, managing the schools,” he added.
The President also emphasized that the effort to improve the education system involves multiple government agencies working together.
He directed the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to expand internet access in schools. Currently, only about 60% of public schools have internet connectivity.
“That’s too low,” he said, adding that the lack of electricity in some areas remains a major challenge.
President Marcos assured that the government is prioritizing electrification in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) using new technologies.
The President also tasked the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to find ways to reduce education-related expenses for students and their families.
Mr. Marcos said the Department of Health (DOH) has been instructed to ensure the presence of health facilities in schools to immediately respond to injuries or illnesses.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is focusing on preventing bullying, particularly cyberbullying, citing its serious impact on students’ mental health.
He added that the expanded school-based feeding program will begin next month, as part of the government’s broader strategy to support children’s well-being.
The President said these basic services are essential for providing a safe and effective learning environment and reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving education outcomes nationwide.
