27 MILLION STUDENTS SET TO RETURN TO CLASS ON JUNE 16

The Department of Education (DepEd) is preparing for the return of over 27 million students nationwide as the 2025-2026 school year begins on June 16, with early registration helping gauge the student population.

DepEd is conducting its annual Oplan Balik Eskwela from June 9 to 13, including Brigada Eskwela, a nationwide cleanup and repair drive, to ensure schools are ready.

Efforts are also underway to address classroom shortages, with plans to build 105,000 new classrooms through public-private partnerships and to hire 20,000 new teachers to improve the student-teacher ratio.

Security will be heightened with the deployment of over 37,000 police officers across the country to safeguard students and school personnel.

Despite ongoing challenges like overcrowding and facility gaps, DepEd and the Philippine National Police are coordinating closely to ensure a smooth and safe opening of classes.
Source: PhilNews24 | June 9, 2025