President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. wants schools transformed into smart and climate-resilient learning facilities with digitally empowered teachers.
He said these will improve learning outcomes and teaching conditions with the use of modern technology.
The president issued the statement during his visit at Tibagan Elementary School in San Miguel town in Bulacan province where he spearheaded the launching of Brigada Eskwela 2025 on Monday.
The President said the government is committed to improve the teaching and learning environments with the use of modern technology.
Marcos stressed that modern technology, such as satellite-powered internet service by Starlink, will equip Filipino students with foundational skills through interactive courses with fun that align with the Department of education's (DepEd) curriculum.
The President also ordered the rehabilitation of old dilapidated classrooms and school buildings.
Marcos said clean and improved public school bathrooms with reliable water supply are basic requirement for students’ health and safety.
Marcos noted that some schools still have aging “Marcos-type school buildings,” originally designed for 20 to 30 years of use.
The buildings were introduced in the late 1960s as a standard classroom design under the administration of the president’s late father, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos.
Measuring 7.5 by 6 meters, these buildings were constructed with light steel frames, concrete hollow block walls, concrete flooring, and steel doors.
“It’s good they’re still being used, but we really need to look at rehabilitating many of them,” the President said, adding that the rehabilitation will be implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Some 27 million students will return to their classrooms on June 16 for school year 2025-2026.