By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet

Education is a treasure that was passed down from one generation to another, carrying along a body of knowledge that continues to thrive and flourish as time passes. It is an inherent part of every individual; immeasurable in quantity and cannot be stolen from one’s possession.

Its significance in bolstering the nation’s progress and empowering the Filipino youth continues to be a part of the Marcos Jr. administration’s efforts towards improving the competencies of students across the country.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. formally led the commencement of ‘Brigada Eskuwela 2025’ with the theme “Sama-Sama Para sa Bayang Bumabasa” as he visited two elementary schools in Malolos and San Miguel, Bulacan this Monday, June 9.

At the Barihan Elementary School in the city of Malolos, President Marcos had an ocular inspection of ongoing repairs in classrooms to ensure that these are safe and ready for the upcoming academic year.

He actively participated in the preparatory measures by completing the installation of a clean blackboard, scribbling the words “Welcome back to school! Study hard, kids,” on it using a piece of chalk.

Not long after his brief visit at the Barihan Elementary School, the Chief Executive proceeded to Tibagan Elementary School in the municipality of San Miguel, where he inspected the condition of students and teachers in a classroom setting.

There, he delivered a brief speech recognizing the hard work of teachers, who brave challenges in their line of duty to educate the young learners.

“Alam mo naman kayong mga teacher ang inaasahan. Para sa akin, kayo ‘yong mga [totoong] hero. Lagi kong pinapaalala sa ating mga kababayan, ‘yong teacher nagtuturo ‘yan, naging teacher ‘yan hindi para yumaman, hindi para sumikat, hindi para [tumakbo sa] politika,” President Marcos said.

“Susuportahan namin kayo. Hindi lamang sa financial support, kung hindi pati na sa mga retraining [programs]. Ito nga ‘yong binabawasan nating administrative duties, ‘yong mga ganyang klase, para makapagturo kayo nang mabuti,” the President added.

Students deserve cleaner bathrooms, improved water access

Meanwhile, on the heels of visiting two elementary schools in Bulacan, President Marcos spoke to reporters, detailing the areas of improvement among public schools, especially pointing out the need for cleaner bathrooms and improved water access.

“One of the things that I noticed is the bathrooms. Kailangang-kailangan natin linisin at pagandahin ang mga bathroom,” the Chief Executive declared.

“Hindi naman mahirap gawin ‘yon, except ang problema sa mga pinuntahan naming eskuwela, walang tubig. Kaya kailangan natin tingnan ng mabuti. Bakit walang tubig, nagbabayad naman sila para sa kanilang water supply?” the President added.

President Marcos pointed out the possible repercussions of improperly maintained hygiene facilities on the health of young learners who regularly use the lavatories and toilets.

“For me, basic ‘yan kasi pati ‘yong health ng mga bata natatamaan. Nagkakasakit ‘yan ‘pag [hindi] malinis ‘yong mga pinupuntahan nilang bathroom,” the President said.

“Mabuti na lang at nagagamit pa, pero we really need to have [a] look at the rehabilitation of many of them,” the Chief Executive declared.

However, despite such challenges, President Marcos praised the fruitful collaboration among various government agencies, which helped in ensuring the success of the “Brigada Eskuwela” initiative.

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