Students across Dagupan City returned to class on Monday, June 16, 2025, with warm greetings, early mornings, and heightened police presence to mark the first day of school year 2025–2026.

At West Central Elementary School 1, students arrived early with their parents to join the flag ceremony and participate in morning exercises.

Parents accompanied their children to their classrooms, including Grade 1 transferee Euan Laguerta, whose mom was nervous.

“Laging mag-pray, huwag makipag-away. Laging makinig kay teacher,” Anna Marie Laguerta, Euan’s mother, told him.

Because many young students still experience separation anxiety, the school allows parents to stay and assist during the first week.

“Para masanay ang mga mag-aaral, ‘yung mga anak, na maging independent,” Dr. Renato Santillan, Principal IV of West Central Elementary School 1, said.

At Dagupan City National High School, about 90 percent of over 7,000 junior and senior high school students were present on day one.

“Mga 90 percent siguro. Lahat sila excited, eh. Ang aga nila actually. Maraming pumasok,” school principal Dr. Willy Guieb said.

Students were oriented by section and assigned their seats for the year.

“[Nag-orient] kung paano sila magturo, kung paano kami disiplinahin,” Bhreyana Kate Soriano, a Grade 8 student, said.

Meanwhile, in Central Luzon, police have set up over 225 assistance desks near schools to ensure student safety.

Officers are working closely with teachers, local government units, and volunteers.