PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) to look into the lack of water supply in some schools in Bulacan, giving them 48 hours to report back to him.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, in a briefing yesterday, said the President issued the instructions to LWUA after visiting two public schools in Bulacan last Monday.
“Malinaw ang direktiba ng Pangulo: Inatasan ang Local Water Utilities Administration or LWUA na agad magsagawa ng imbestigasyon. Sinu-sino ang may pananagutan, bakit walang tubig, at paano ito maibabalik bago magbukas ng klase sa susunod na linggo? (The directive of the President is clear: the Local Water Utilities Administration or LWUA was tasked to conduct an investigation. Who are liable, why is there no water and how can water supply be provided before the opening of classes next week?)’’ Castro said.
“May 48 hours ang LWUA para magsumite ng inisyal na report at magbibigay po tayo ng update (The LWUA has 48 hours to submit an initial report and we will give an update),” she added.
Classes in public schools will open on June 16, with more than 27 million expected to return to school.
The President, during his visit to the Barihan Elementary School in Malolos and Tibagan Elementary School in San Miguel, both in Bulacan, observed that the schools’ comfort rooms need to be cleaned and rehabilitated.
Marcos said the lack of water supply, despite the school’s payment of the water bills, was a big problem.
He said the toilet problem puts the health of students at risk.
The President also said that many of the school buildings that were identified as ‘’Marcos-type’’ or constructed under the administration of his father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos, also need to be rehabilitated to ensure their safety and sturdiness.
The Mandaluyong government has started distributing school supplies to students of public schools in the City for Brigada Eskwela 2025.
Outgoing Mayor Ben Abalos Sr. and Vice Mayor Menchie Abalos led the distribution.
The supplies included books, notebooks, uniform, shoes, socks, go bags containing face masks, first aid and hygienic kits.
The turnover ceremony was held last Monday during the flag raising ceremony at the Mandaluyong City Hall where thousands of students received the school supplies.
“I would not be where I am now if not for education,” the mayor said. – With Christian Oineza
