President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed several government agencies to ensure the smooth and safe resumption of classes, emphasizing the need to address students’ safety, well-being, and financial burden as the school year begins.
At the same time, President Marcos assured schools of the government’s continued support as he congratulated the Department of Education (DepEd), teachers, and school staff nationwide for an orderly opening of classes on Monday.
During his visit to the Epifanio Delos Santos Elementary School in Malate, Manila, the President urged teachers and school officials to notify the government of what they need to improve their teaching and enhance learning conditions.
“Kung ano pa ang inyong nakikita na puwedeng pagandahin pa, sabihan nyo lang kami… Congratulations sa maayos na first day of school,” President Marcos said in a teleconference with officials and teachers from various schools across the country- from La Union in northern Luzon to Sarangani in central Mindanao.
The President said teachers can submit suggestions or express concerns through the DepEd’s local, provincial or regional offices, as well as through their local government units (LGUs).
“Ibigay ninyo kung ano man ang sa inyong palagay ay maaari pa naming gawin para mas maging maganda ang takbo. Anyway, first day pa lang pero nakabantay kami sa inyong lahat para tiyakin na lahat ng pangangailangan, lalong-lalo ng ating mga kabataan ay kahit papaano maipaabot namin,” President Marcos said.
The Chief Executive tasked other government agencies, including the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT), to support the successful resumption of classes.
“Tiyakin na maganda ang presyo ng mga gamit at mabawasan ang mga gastos ng mga estudyante at saka ng mga magulang- DTI ‘yan at saka DOTr. DOH, tiyakin na meron tayong mga clinic, meron tayong mga medical facilities. Pati DSWD, lalung-lalo na kailangan nating bantayan ‘yung mga cyberbullying at yung mental health ng ating mga kabataan,” President Marcos said.
“Iyong PNP para talagang nakabantay, at ang DICT para tiyakin na magkaroon tayo ng connectivity,” the President added.
The President ordered the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems in and around schools to ensure the safety and security of students.
“Lahat talaga ng departamento, hanggang sa Office of the President, ay nakabantay ngayon sa inyo. Ito ang pinakaimportante naming ginagawa,” President Marcos said.
President Marcos said 16,000 of the 20,000 new teacher positions have been filled to cope with the growing student population.
Meanwhile, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said some 10,000 administrative officers will be hired to lessen the administrative tasks passed on to teachers. | PND
