Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo
PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led the opening of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) “Brigada Eskwela” 2025 in Bulacan on Monday, June 9.
Marcos, together with Education Secretary Sonny Angara, inspected first the ongoing school repair and other preparations at the Barihan Elementary School in Malolos, Bulacan.
He also witnessed the installation of a brand-new smart television at the Tibagan Elementary School in San Miguel town.
During the inspection, Marcos raised the need for improvement of the public school’s comfort rooms and water supply system.
The President also noticed what he described as “Marcos-type” classrooms, which are already outdated and already in need of rehabilitation.
“Sa inspection namin, alam ninyo ba 'yung ibang nakita namin na school building, Marcos-type school building pa. Ang Marcos-type school building was supposed to be replaced between 20 and 30 years. Ang life niyan is 20 to 30 years, pero ayan mabuti na lang at nagagamit pa,” said Marcos.
(During our inspection, do you know that some of the school buildings we saw were still Marcos-type buildings? Marcos-type school buildings were supposed to be replaced after 20 to 30 years. Their lifespan is 20 to 30 years, but fortunately, they’re still being used.)
Marcos and Angara also looked into the proposed construction plans for the flood-prone school.
The Brigada Eskwela will run from June 9 to June 13, a week before the start of School Year 2025-2026 on June 16.
The DepEd said more or less 27 million students are enrolled for School Year 2025-2026. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)