President Bongbong Marcos emphasized that his administration’s focus is on improving education, describing it as the foundation of a strong and competitive nation.
The President said he is not concerned about how his term will be remembered, explaining that lasting progress depends on ensuring that every Filipino has access to basic needs such as food, housing, healthcare, and quality education.
He noted that after securing these essentials, government efforts must center on strengthening education, which he called “the most important investment for the country’s future.” Marcos said his administration aims to rebuild the Philippines’ standing as one of Asia’s most educated and English-proficient nations.
He added that many Filipinos possess great potential but lack access to proper support and training. The government, he said, is working to provide opportunities that allow citizens to develop skills, gain education, and compete effectively both in the local and global workforce.
Marcos also pointed to the achievements of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as proof that Filipinos can excel when given the right preparation and institutional backing.
He said the administration intends to build a system that connects Filipinos to skill development and career pathways suited to their abilities.
The President reiterated that education will remain at the center of national development efforts, noting that the Department of Education (DepEd) will receive the largest proposed budget allocation for Fiscal Year 2026.
He said this reflects the government’s commitment to building more classrooms, training teachers, and providing adequate learning support.
Marcos has instructed the DepEd and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to speed up the construction and rehabilitation of classrooms by 2028, and directed the Public-Private Partnership Center to fast-track the approval of school infrastructure proposals.
He said the goal is to ensure that no child learns in unsafe or makeshift spaces and that teachers receive the support they need to provide quality education across all regions.
