President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making education a top national priority, pledging stronger investments in schools, teachers, and learners while directing agencies to fast-track the construction of classrooms across the country.
In his keynote speech at the Philippine Development Forum (PDF) 2025 held at the EDSA Shangri-La in Mandaluyong City, the President emphasized that education must remain central to the country’s development agenda.
“No child should be forced to learn in makeshift spaces, and no teacher should be burdened by a system that does not support them,” Marcos said.
While acknowledging the progress achieved in improving the education system, the President said much more needs to be done to ensure inclusive and quality learning opportunities. “The goal is clear: a Philippines where every child, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to quality, future-proof education,” he said.
The President called on key government agencies—including the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and the Department of Finance—to ensure that education receives adequate funding and institutional support.
Marcos also ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Education (DepEd) to accelerate the construction and rehabilitation of thousands of classrooms nationwide by 2028.
He further directed the DEPDev to expedite the review of public-private partnership (PPP) proposals for school building projects.
“Because we truly understand and believe that every classroom built, every teacher trained, and every child supported is a seed for real, lasting progress,” the President said.
The PDF 2025, led by DEPDev, serves as a dialogue platform between the government and its development partners to align strategic priorities for national growth, social development, and policy collaboration.
