Marcos tells DepEd: Ensure School Year 2026-2027 learning continuity

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Tuesday advised the Department of Education (DepEd) to prepare adequately for the opening of School Year 2026-2027 to ensure learning continuity and avoid unnecessary disruptions.

Marcos said this in an ambush interview after gracing the National Capital Region Brigada Eskwela Kick-Off 2026 at Kapitbahayan Elementary School in Navotas City.

"DepEd knows perfectly well what to do. Hindi na natin sila kailangan sila turuan (we don't have to teach them)... We're just improving the facilities," the President said when asked for his marching orders to the DepEd, considering that the Habagat season has started.

"Kung may instruction man ako, tiyakin nila na handa sila sa pagbukas ng eskwela, ng klase para naman hindi nabibitin ang mga bata. Tuloy tuloy ang kanilang pag-aaral," he added.

(If I have any instructions for them, they should make sure they are ready for the opening of basic education classes so pupils' learning won't get disrupted, their learning will continue.)

This year's Brigada Eskwela is being conducted nationwide from June 1 to 5, in preparation for the opening of classes on June 8.

During the event, Marcos inspected ongoing school preparations and safety facilities. He also joined literacy activities, including a storytelling session with some Grade 1 learners of the Philippine fable, "Ang Matsing at ang Pagong" (The Monkey and the Turtle), written by national hero Jose Rizal.

The President also joined in painting and repairing classrooms, and checked the 16 CCTV cameras installed in the school to ensure the safety of the children.

Sara Duterte joins Brigada too

Vice President Sara Duterte, a former secretary of DepEd, also participated in a Brigada Eskwela event at Diosdado P. Macapagal Elementary School in Quezon City on Tuesday.

According to the Office of the Vice President (OVP), it also distributed cleaning and maintenance materials earlier to San Vicente Elementary School and Pinyahan Elementary School, both also in Quezon City.

The OVP is also set to join a Brigada Eskwela activity at Gen. Vicente Lim Elementary School in Tondo, Manila, on Wednesday, June 3. — VDV/AOL, GMA News