Classes for the school year 2025-2026 commenced today in the Philippines, with approximately 27.6 million students expected to attend nationwide, according to the Department of Education (DepEd).

Education Secretary Sonny Angara plans to accompany President Marcos on visits to several schools, including the Epifanio delos Santos Elementary School in Manila and others in Taguig City, Biñan, and Sta.

Rosa in Laguna.

This year's enrollment marks an increase of 300,000 students from the previous year.

In conjunction with the academic opening, over 37,000 police personnel have been deployed to ensure the safety of students and school staff.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported a mobilization of 37,740 officers covering 45,974 schools across the country, which includes both public and private institutions.

The PNP has established 5,079 Police Assistance Desks near schools, staffed by 10,759 personnel, while 10,687 officers are assigned to mobile patrols and 16,366 are on foot patrol in high-density areas.

The mobilization of police resources is intended to maintain a secure environment for students as they return to the classroom.

Despite the enthusiasm for the new academic year, challenges persist.

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) highlighted ongoing shortages in essential resources such as classrooms, armchairs, and water and sanitation facilities.

The TDC's national chairperson, Benjo Basas, pointed out that some schools chosen for the pilot rollout of the Strengthened Senior High School (SHS) curriculum lack adequate support, complicating the effective delivery of the new curriculum.

Additionally, the implementation of an annual medical allowance for teachers and non-teaching staff, introduced by the Marcos administration, faced delays, impacting its rollout.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian expressed concerns regarding the shortage of classrooms, particularly in urban areas, and noted the rise in bullying incidents among students.

He emphasized the need for increased funding for classroom construction in the forthcoming national budget and outlined plans to address mental health issues and bullying within schools.

Gatchalian advocated for swift classroom construction processes to prevent delays that could impede educational progress and improve community engagement through initiatives targeting these concerns.

As schools prepare to provide a functioning educational environment, challenges involving both infrastructure and student well-being remain significant as the academic year unfolds.