President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday instructed concerned agencies to address water supply and sanitation issues in public schools, stressing the need for clean toilets with running water and expressing serious concern about the health of students.
During his visit to two schools in Bulacan to launch Brigada Eskwela 2025, the President was dismayed by the poor condition of the school toilets and the lack of access to clean, running water.
“For me, basic ‘yan eh. Kasi pati ‘yung health nung bata natatamaan. Magkakasakit ‘yan kung hindi malinis ang mga pinupuntahan nilang mga bathroom,” President Marcos told reporters in an ambush interview.
“Kaya kawawa naman,” the President added.
The President’s first visit was to the Barihan Elementary School in Malolos City, where he came upon one of the toilets while inspecting the school grounds and classrooms.
The President stood outside the toilet for some time while discussing the matter with Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara, DepEd Malolos schools division superintendent Leilani Cunanan, and school principal Rosa Ellen Ramos.
“One of the things that I noticed is the bathrooms. Kailangan na kailangan natin linisin at pagandahin ang mga bathrooms,” President Marcos said afterwards at the Tibagan Elementary School in San Miguel, Bulacan.
“Hindi naman mahirap gawin ‘yun except ang problema sa mga pinuntahan naming eskwela, walang tubig,” the President added.
President Marcos ordered concerned agencies to investigate the reason for the inadequate water supply, despite schools regularly settling their water bills.
“Kaya ‘yun ang titingnan namin nang mabuti. Kung saan dapat manggaling ‘yung tubig. Bakit walang tubig at nagbabayad naman sila para sa kanilang water supply,” the President said.
President Marcos warned of the health risks posed by unclean sanitation facilities and their effect on the students’ well-being and academic performance.
“So, that’s one of the areas that we are really going to focus on, just on the health and safety of the kids. Of course, that’s the most basic and important thing that we have to do,” President Marcos stressed.
The Brigada Eskwela initiative mobilizes the community to prepare public schools for the coming academic year. | PND
