By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet

Education is at the heart of building the foundations of a nation, which begins from indoctrinating the youth with valuable knowledge, skills, experiences, and etiquette to become the successors of the Philippine citizenry.

As such, bolstering the country’s education system requires concerted efforts from government agencies and various stakeholders to realize the vision of a brighter and more prosperous future for the nation.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited the Epifanio Delos Santos Elementary School (EDSES) in Malate, Manila City, as he led the formal resumption of classes across the archipelago this Monday, June 16.

During his visit, the Chief Executive inspected the school facilities and checked up on the welfare of students and teachers alike. He also had a brief stint in educating the young learners as he entered one of the classrooms and taught Filipino words using flashcards.

In his remarks before the end of his visit at EDSES, President Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the whole-of-government approach that ensured the success of ‘Balik Eskuwela 2025’, lauding government agencies in the process.

“Bumabati lang ako at ipapaalala ko sa inyo na ang buong pamahalaan, lalo na basta sa edukasyon, lahat ng ating departamento hanggang DOH (Department of Health), DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development), DTI (Department of Trade and Industry), DOTr (Department of Transportation)—‘yong DTI para tiyakin na maganda ang presyo ng mga gamit at bawasan ang gastos ng mga estudyante at saka ng mga magulang, DTI ‘yan,” the President said.

“[Utos ko sa] DOH, tiyakin na mayroon tayong mga clinic, [na] mayroon tayong mga medical health facilities. [Sa] DSWD, kailangan nating bantayan ‘yong mga cyberbullying at ‘yong mental health ng ating mga kabataan,” he added.

Likewise, he instructed the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to improve internet coverage in schools and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to increase police visibility, maintain peace and order, and ensure the safety of learners in educational institutions.

Balik Eskuwela 2025 in various locales across the country

Meanwhile, police officers and village security personnel (barangay tanods) deployed at various educational institutions across the country provided assistance to learners as they entered campuses for the first day of classes.

The cops also aided in traffic control on roads within the vicinity of schools, keeping students safe as their classes start this Monday.

Their widespread deployment ensured a safe, peaceful, and smooth opening of classes for the academic year 2025-2026.

av