27.6 million students return to school today – DepEd

MANILA, Philippines, June 16 ------ Classes for school year 2025-2026 officially open today, with 27.6 million students expected nationwide.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara is scheduled to accompany President Marcos in visiting selected schools, such as the Epifanio delos Santos Elementary School in Singalong, Manila. Other possible site visits include schools in Taguig City as well as Biñan and Sta. Rosa cities in Laguna. Over 37,000 police personnel have been deployed, in line with Marcos’ directive to ensure the safety of students and school personnel.

There are 300,000 more enrollees this year compared to last year, the Department of Education (DepEd) said. Meanwhile, the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) reaffirmed the readiness and commitment of teachers for the opening of classes, and at the same time called on the government to fulfill its responsibilities in ensuring a better learning environment. “Teachers are always ready and enthusiastic to perform their duties despite the recurring challenges we face every year. But it is also the government’s duty to make sure we are not left to carry this burden alone,” TDC national chairperson Benjo Basas said.

He noted that the opening of classes will still be marred by shortages in basic resources such as classrooms, armchairs, water and sanitation facilities and learning materials especially books aligned with the newly revised curriculum. Basas also mentioned the lack of support for the implementation of the Strengthened Senior High School (SHS) curriculum, which will begin its pilot rollout in select schools. “Reports from the field show that some schools participating in the SHS pilot are not adequately supported to deliver the new curriculum effectively,” he said.

He also said that while the Marcos administration institutionalized a P7,000 annual medical allowance through a health maintenance organization for teachers and non-teaching staff beginning this year, the DepEd was late in its implementation.

Source: philstar.com