Electricity, water, internet access in schools ordered

Stable electricity, water supply, access to internet and health facilities, and anti-bullying in schools are issues government agencies must urgently address, President Marcos said at the opening of classes on Monday, June 16.

- BY BETHEENA UNITE

Marcos made various directives to his Cabinet secretaries while visiting the Epifanio Delos Santos Elementary School in Malate, Manila to ensure that students are able to focus on their studies, and not having to deal with issues such as lack of water, electricity, internet access, clinics, and bullying in schools.

The President instructed concerned agencies to address lingering water and electricity problems in schools around the country, this followed his visits to some schools dealing with the issues before the opening of classes.

He also directed the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to expand the internet coverage in all schools, noting that only 60 percent of schools nationwide have access to it.

He also ordered the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure that students who may feel sick or get injured while in schools have a health facility they can run to.

The President further instructed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to intensify its anti-bullying efforts, citing mental health among students.

We are closely monitoring cyberbullying and other bullying incidents because it is becoming a big problem, threatening the students' mental health and due to bullying they cannot study well, Marcos said.

PNP ready to respond to bullying Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III said students and parents could seek police assistance through 911 for bullying-related activities, especially those that would happen outside the school premises.