Marcos brings internet, school aid to war-hit Marawi

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday led efforts to expand access to digital education and essential learning resources in Marawi City, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to quality education for Filipino youth—especially in conflict-affected and remote areas.

Marcos visited Barangay Sagonsongan to inspect Temporary Learning Spaces (TLS) that now serve more than 720 students from five schools disrupted by the 2017 Marawi siege.

The TLS program, established in the aftermath of the siege, provides emergency classrooms for learners whose schools were damaged or rendered inaccessible due to conflict.

During his visit, the President oversaw the installation of a Starlink internet unit—personally donated to ensure reliable connectivity for students and teachers. He also pledged to donate additional Starlink kits to four far-flung schools: Bangon Elementary School, Bacarat National High School, Angoyao National High School, and Cabasaran Primary School.

In addition to internet kits, the Office of the President distributed school bags and learning materials to all TLS students.

Malacañang said the satellite internet deployment is part of the Marcos administration’s broader digital infrastructure program aimed at narrowing the education gap in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

Marcos is also scheduled to inspect other education, health, and transport facilities during his visit to the war-torn city.

The five-month armed conflict in Marawi began on 23 May 2017, when Daesh-inspired Maute rebels launched an attack, prompting a military siege. The battle left more than 1,100 people dead and large swathes of the city in ruins.