Marcos: Gov't monitoring bullying cases amid opening of classes

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. said Monday the government is focused on addressing bullying incidents amid the opening of classes for School Year 2025-2026.

''Tinututukan namin 'yung mga cyberbullying, 'yung mga bullying dahil nagiging malaking problema, mental health problem ng mga bata dahil hindi maayos ang patakbo, talagang may bullying, hindi sila nakakapag-aral nang mabuti,'' Marcos told reporters. 

(We are monitoring the cyberbullying, the bullying because it has become a huge problem. Bullying exists that's why students are having a difficult time in their studies.)

Marcos said this as he inspected the opening of classes at Epifanio Delos Santos Elementary School, together with Education Secretary Sonny Angara. Aside from visiting the classrooms and greeting the kids, Marcos even had a reading session with the students. 

Marcos also said he had instructed the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to widen and improve the internet coverage across the country so that it may reach schools in far-flung areas. 

''Sinabihan ko ang DICT, sinabi ko na palawakin ninyo ang internet coverage. Sa ngayon, ang mga eskwelahan na may internet lamang ay mga 60%, napakababa. Ang problema talaga kuryente kaya't aayusin natin 'yan, dahan-dahan makikita natin magiging 100% 'yan,'' Marcos said. 

(I tasked DICT to widen the internet coverage because right now, only 60% of schools have internet. The problem is the power supply so we will fix that and in time, it will be 100%.) 

He guaranteed that his entire administration is monitoring every situation as regards the opening of classes. 

''Lahat talaga ng departamento hanggang sa Office of the President ay nakabantay ngayon sa inyo dahil ito na ang pinakamahalaga naming ginagawa,'' Marcos said.

(All departments up to the Office of the President is monitoring the situation as this is the most important thing we do.)

The Department of Health will ensure that health facilities are available to address medical needs of students, according to Marcos.

On the other hand, the Department of Trade and Industry will maintain an affordable price for the school supplies to ease the burden of parents and students, Marcos added. 

Marcos, meanwhile, asked teachers to immediately report to their Department of Education representatives their concerns and needs of their schools. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News