President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday led the Brigada Eskwela Kick-Off 2026 at Kapitbahayan Elementary School, in Navotas City, inspecting preparations for the opening of classes on June 8 and directing education officials to ensure all public schools are ready.

The President was joined by Education Secretary Sonny Angara during the visit at Kapitbahayan Elementary School in Navotas City, where they toured classrooms, checked safety facilities, and reviewed school readiness measures ahead of the school year.

Marcos stressed the importance of ensuring that school facilities are prepared to prevent delays in students’ learning.

“We are just improving the facilities, may instructions man ako tiyakin nila na handa sila sa pagbukas ng eskwela, para naman hindi nabibintin ang mga bata, tuloy-tuloy ang kanilang pag-aaral,” Marcos said.

During the visit, the President also observed the implementation of the “Tara, Basa!” tutoring program, which aims to address learning gaps and prepare students for grade-level competency.

He joined a reading and storytelling session with selected Grade 1 learners as part of literacy activities under the program.

The President also read the story “Ang Matsing at ang Pagong“ to students during the program. The story, written by national hero Jose Rizal, teaches lessons on honesty, sharing, and not using intelligence to deceive or take advantage of others.

“Kaya kailangan matuto kayong mag-share,” Marcos told the young students.

(Photo courtesy: Screenshots from RTVM/Youtube)

The President likewise inspected the school’s security systems, including its closed-circuit television (CCTV) network. Officials reported that the school is equipped with 16 CCTV cameras to help ensure student safety.

“Nagkabit tayo ng CCTV. I think dito sa eskwelahan na ito, they have 16 cameras para bantayan at tiyakin na yung mga bata ay ligtas at safe sila. At kung meron mangyari, alam nila ka, alam kagal ng mga teacher, alam kagal ng mga administrator. Kaya yun ang inuna namin,” Marcos said.

According to the President, thousands of workers under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program will be deployed to schools nationwide to assist in cleaning and maintenance efforts in preparation for Brigada Eskwela. The government said around 243,000 workers are expected to be mobilized under the program.

The Department of Education (Deped) said it is preparing for an estimated 26 to 28 million enrollees for the upcoming school year starting June 8.