ILOILO – The Department of Education (DepEd) – Schools Division of Iloilo expressed full support for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s education priorities laid out in his 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA), saying the administration’s future-focused reforms directly address the most pressing challenges in Iloilo’s public school system, including classroom shortages, teacher-student ratio, and the growing bullying problem.
“We recognize the transformative potential of these initiatives for improving education in Iloilo Province. The President’s future-focused education reforms demonstrate a clear vision for preparing our nation’s youth,” the division stated in an official statement.
Among the national priorities highlighted during the SONA, the planned increase in the number of guidance counselors stood out for local officials, who said the move would boost student support systems by expanding mental health services, strengthening anti-bullying programs, and enhancing career guidance across Iloilo’s school districts.
“These align perfectly with our division’s commitment to equipping Ilonggo learners with the skills needed for tomorrow’s challenges,” the statement continued.
The division reported that more than 1,200 schools in the province are expected to benefit from the nationwide classroom construction program, a measure seen as crucial in alleviating overcrowded classrooms and improving the learning environment for students.
In addition, the creation of 60,000 new teaching positions across the country is anticipated to significantly improve the teacher-student ratio in Iloilo. This development is expected to pave the way for more personalized instruction and better academic outcomes.
“The Department of Education in Iloilo Province acknowledges and appreciates the President’s demonstrated commitment to education through concrete policy implementations, significant budget allocations, and streamlined support systems for teachers. We are prepared to implement these national initiatives at the local level through close coordination with the DepEd Central Office, partnerships with local government units and stakeholders, and customized programs tailored to Ilonggo learners’ needs,” said Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Ernesto Servillon Jr.
“With these comprehensive reforms, the Schools Division of Iloilo remains optimistic about the future of education in our province. We believe these measures will significantly elevate both the quality and accessibility of education for all Ilonggo learners,” DepEd-Iloilo added.
The division also emphasized that the President’s support for anti-bullying and career guidance programs is timely, as the province grapples with a disturbing number of bullying incidents. Data from DepEd Region 6 revealed that 343 cases of bullying, including violent incidents, were recorded in the region for School Year 2024–2025.
DepEd Region 6 Information Officer Hernani Escullar Jr. described the figure as alarming.
“Even one case of bullying is too many,” he said, stressing that bullying can damage a student’s academic performance, mental well-being, and attendance.
He urged swift and targeted intervention to prevent dropouts and long-term harm to affected learners./PN
