A week before classes officially start, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited Barihan Elementary School in Malolos, Bulacan, where the Department of Education (DepEd) has mobilized parents and students for the annual Brigada Eskwela program.

During his visit, Marcos inspected ongoing repairs on the school’s ceilings, windows, and doors to ensure classrooms are safe and ready for the upcoming academic year.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said the President wanted to personally assess the condition of public schools and identify their needs.

“He really wanted to see the true state of our schools and find out where help is needed,” Angara said.

The President also engaged with teachers, parents, and students who were preparing learning materials for the classrooms. Together with his son, Vincent Marcos, he installed a blackboard and wrote a welcoming message: “Welcome back to school! Study hard, kids.”

DepEd also donated 22 tablets and one laptop for use by teachers and students.

Angara encouraged parents and volunteers to join this year’s Brigada Eskwela, which started Monday and will run through Friday, 13 June.

On the opening day of classes, DepEd plans to distribute over 300 bags filled with basic school supplies to students at Barihan Elementary School.