President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday underscored education as the administration’s top priority, vowing greater investments in the education system, teachers and learners while ordering agencies to accelerate classroom-building efforts nationwide.
In his keynote address at the Philippine Development Forum 2025 held at the EDSA Shangri-La in Mandaluyong City, President Marcos stressed that education must remain at the very heart of the country’s development agenda.
“No child should be forced to learn in makeshift spaces, and no teacher should be burdened by a system that does not support them,” President Marcos said.
The President said that while the administration has achieved significant milestones in improving the education system, the country still has a long way to go yet. “The goal is clear: a Philippines where every child, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to quality, future-proof education.”
“So, I call once again to the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, the DBM, the Department of Budget and Management, Department of Finance, and all concerned government agencies to ensure that our highest priorities—especially education— receive the appropriate funding and support,” said the President.
President Marcos directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Education (DepEd) to speed up the construction and rehabilitation of thousands of classrooms nationwide by 2028.
The President also tasked the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) to accelerate the review of public-private partnership proposals for school buildings.
“Because we truly understand and we truly believe that every classroom built, every teacher trained, every child supported is a seed towards real, lasting progress,” President Marcos said.
The PDF 2025, spearheaded by the DEPDev, serves as a platform for dialogue between the government and its development partners on outlining strategic priorities for national growth and social progress and promoting collaboration on policy and financing priorities. | PND
