Manila, June 9 -- "Welcome back to school! Study hard, kids."

These simple yet encouraging words, handwritten on a freshly installed blackboard, set the tone for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s visit to Barihan Elementary School in Malolos City, Bulacan as he personally kicked off "Brigada Eskwela 2025."

Taking time off his usual busy Monday schedule, Marcos joined parents, teachers, and volunteers on the ground, reaffirming his administration's commitment to strengthening public education not only through policy, but through personal and visible support at the grassroots level.

A week before the start of school year 2025-2026 on June 16, the President inspected classrooms undergoing repairs-checking ceilings, windows, and doors to...