KOLUM / EDITORYAL

MANILA, Philippines — Binanatan ng mga guro at kabataan ang utos ng Commission on Higher
Education (CHED) na itigil ang inihahaing senior high school program sa mga state at local
universities and colleges, bagay na minadali aniya at magulo.

Noong nakaraang linggo lang kasi nang utusan ni CHED chairperson Prospero de Vera ang lahat ng
SUCs at LUCs na itigil ito simula school year 2024-2025.

Wala na raw kasing ligal na batayan para pondohan ito matapos mapaso ang K-12 transition period.

"We, the Teacher’s Dignity Coalition (TDC) and Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan (SPARK), assert
that haphazardly discontinuing the Senior High School program in State and Local Universities and
Colleges, without guaranteeing improved access and quality of our education system, will lead to
economic displacement for our teachers and threaten our learners’ right to accessible and quality
education," ayon sa dalawang grupo.

"While we understand that SUCs and LUCs are mandated to offer the SHS program only during the
K-12 transition period, we fear that mechanically following suit without serious consideration of the
drawbacks on education stakeholders will lead to another learning crisis leaving 17,700 students
affected by dislocation and hundreds of thousands more by imminent congestion."

Una nang sinabi ng CHED na paso na ang pakikilahok ng mga LUCs at SUCs sa basic education sa
pamamagitan ng SHS program. Tapos na raw kasi ang transition period na SYs 2016-2017 hanggang
2020-2021.

Sa halip, inengganyo ng TDC at SPARK ang national agencies na palawagin pa ang K-12 transition
period para maisang-alang-alang ang oras at rekursong kinakailangan para matiyak na:

 may kapasidad ang senior high schools (pampubliko at pribado) na magkaroon ng kapasidad
para ma-absorb ang lahat ng estudyanteng maaapektuhan ng discontinuation ng SHS
program sa SUCs at LUCs
 hindi bababa ang ang kaledad ng education learners mula sa SUCs at LUCs
 walang economic discolation sa lahat ng SHS instructors at teachers

Aniya, makatutulong ang mga nabanggit para maiwasan din ang siksikan. Mababawasan din aniya
ang dagdag na gastusin sa paglipat ng eskwelahan (pamasahe, uniporme at pagproproseso ng
dokumento).

"Any less than this would mean failure to protect and fulfill the right of all citizens to quality education
at all levels, and making such education accessible to all," dagdag ng dalawang grupo.

'Public schools kaya i-absorb mga bata'

Siniguro naman ng Department of Education ngayong araw na kayang saluhin ng mga pampublikong
paaralan sa ngayon ang libu-libong SHS students na madi-displace sa susunod na taon sa pagputol
ng programa.

"Yes, we can handle it. We’ve talked to the regional offices and schools division offices where we
have enrollees in local universities," ani DEpEd Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas.

"Out of the 17,700, an average of 250 learners per division will have to be accommodated by division
offices."

Maliban sa discontinuation ng SHS programs sa mga naturang estabblisyamento, ihihinto na rin ang
pamimigay ng SHS voucher subsidies sa mga estudyante sa mga SUCs, maliban sa paglalagay ng
hanggang sa enrollment ng mga mga laboratory schools mula 1,000 estudyante patungong 750.
COLUMN / EDITORIAL

MANILA, Philippines — Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairman J. Prospero de Vera III
has directed all state universities and colleges (SUCs) to stop offering the senior high school (SHS)
program starting next school year (SY 2024-2025), saying that there is no longer any legal basis to
fund it.

In a Memorandum from the Office of the Chairperson dated Dec. 18, 2023, De Vera said the authority
of SUCs as well as local universities and colleges (LUCs) to engage in basic education through the
SHS program has already lapsed after SYs 2016-2017 to 2020-2021, the supposed transition period
for the Kindergarten to Grade 12 (K-12) system.

He cited two CHED memorandum orders (CMOs) issued by his predecessor, former chairperson
Patricia Licuanan, when the K-12 basic education program was launched during the administration of
the late former president Benigno Aquino III.

“This is to reiterate the decision of the commission, through CMO Nos. 32 and 33, Series of 2015 and
2016, respectively, that engagement of SUCs and LUCs in basic education through senior high school
shall be limited to the K-12 transition period, which is from SY 2016-2017 to SY 2020-2021 only,” De
Vera’s memorandum stated.

He added that the Department of Education (DepEd) has already issued a notice that there will no
longer be any government assistance to private school students and teachers who moved to SUCs
and LUCs for the SHS program “except for those entering Grade 12 in SY 2023-2024 to finish their
basic education.”

“The DepEd has already issued a notice, through the Private Education Assistance Committee, that
beginning SY 2023-2024, there should be no more Government Assistance to Students and Teachers
in Private Education beneficiaries from SUCs and LUCs, except those who will be entering Grade 12
in SY 2023-2024 to finish their basic education and that SUCs and LUCs with laboratory schools can
accept enrollees but will no longer receive vouchers,” De Vera said in his memorandum.

The CHED, through CMO No. 32 Series of 2015, had allowed SUCs and LUCs to offer the SHS
program beginning SY 2016-2017 until SY 2020-2021 in support of the country’s shift to the K-12
basic education system and in anticipation of the low enrollment in higher education institutions (HEIs)
during those transition years.

The same CMO, however, stated that SUCs and LUCs’ participation in the SHS program “shall be
limited to the K-12 transition period only, from SYs 2016-2017 to 2020-2021.”

The same CMO also stated that SUCs previously authorized to offer basic education through their
laboratory schools shall be allowed to accept up to 1,000 students during the K-12 transition period,
but must cap their enrollment at 750 students once the transition period ends.

“Considering the foregoing, SUC presidents/OICs (officers-in-charge) are directed to bring to their
respective SUC BOR (Board of Regents)/BOT (Board of Trustees) the discontinuance of senior high
school in SUCs as there is no longer legal basis to fund the same,” De Vera said.

“For SUCs with laboratory school, present to the Board the financial implication of notice from the
Department of Education as to non-issuance of vouchers for senior high school enrollees in SUCs
and compliance with CMO No. 32 Series of 2015 which provides that following the (K-12) transition
period, the laboratory schools shall cap enrollment at 750 students,” he added.

The CHED chief directed the agency’s regional directors to monitor SUCs and LUCs’ compliance with
his memorandum.
AGHAM

Pormal nang binuksan ng Manila Electric Company (Meralco) ang competitive bidding para sa 660
megawatts (MW) ng interim power supply, bilang paghahanda sa inaasahang pagtaas ng demand ng
kuryente sa panahon ng tag-init.

Sa isang kalatas nitong Huwebes, inanunsiyo ng electric company na nagsimula na ang competitive
selection process (CSP) para sa pagbili ng suplay ng kuryente.

Nauna rito, nag-isyu na ang Department of Energy (DOE) ng Certificate of Conformity on the Terms of
Reference (TOR) para sa Interim Power Supply Agreements (IPSAs), na nakakasakop sa 260-MW
peaking requirement ng power distributor at 400-MW baseload requirement para sa taong ito.

Tiniyak naman ng Meralco na ang pagsasagawa ng CSP ay alinsunod sa DOE-approved Power

Supply Procurement Plan ng Meralco, na nagkokonsidera sa pangangailangan ng karagdagang
available capacities upang madagdagan ang suplay sa mga kostumers sa pamamagitan ng IPSAs,
na ipatutupad sa sandaling maaprubahan ng Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

Inaasahang magiging epektibo ang 260-MW sa Hulyo 2024 at ang 400-MW IPSAs sa Pebrero 2025.

Anang Meralco, ang mga power generation companies na interesadong lumahok sa bidding ay
kinakailangang magsumite ng Expressions of Interest para sa dalawang IPSAs hanggang sa Enero
15.

Itinakda naman sa Enero 22 ang Pre-Bid Conferences para sa 260-MW peaking requirement at 400-
MW base load requirement habang ang deadline para sa pagsusumite ng bid ay itinakda sa Pebrero
26 at 27, 2024.

NANAWAGAN si Senador Win Gatchalian sa Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) na aprubahan sa

tamang oras ang mga power supply agreement (PSAs) sa pagitan ng distribution utilities (DUs), tulad
ng Meralco, at generation companies upang matiyak ang tuluy-tuloy na suplay ng kuryente sa abot-
kayang halaga para sa kapakinabangan ng mga konsyumer noong Oktubre 18, 2023.

Ang panawagan ni Gatchalian ay kasunod ng pagpapalabas kamakailan ng ERC ng isang

competitive selection process (CSP) guidelines na tumutukoy sa procurement mechanism para sa
isang DU na kumuha ng suplay mula sa mga generation companies sa pamamagitan ng competitive
bidding batay sa mandato ng Department of Energy (DoE).

“Umaasa kami na ang mahigpit na pagpapatupad ng mga alituntunin sa pagbi-bid ay magreresulta sa

napapanahong pag-apruba ng ERC ng mga PSA at makakatulong sa mga DU na makakuha ng
suplay sa pinakamababang halaga para sa kapakinabangan ng mga konsyumer,” sabi ni Gatchalian.
Idinagdag pa niya na mula 2003 hanggang 2023, mayroong kabuuang 527 na nakabinbing PSA sa
ERC na hindi pa na-aaprubahan. Sa taong ito, mayroong 16 na nakabinbing PSA sa ERC, bahagyang
mas mababa sa 18 noong nakaraang taon.

“Inaasahan natin na mas magiging maayos ang kalagayan ng suplay para sa mga kooperatiba at mga
konsyumer,” aniya.

Binigyang-diin din ng senador na dapat agad na ipatupad ng ERC ang mga probisyon ng bagong
power bidding guidelines na inilabas ng ahensya para matiyak na sumusunod ang mga distribution
utilities at tiyakin rin ang aktibong partisipasyon ng mga consumer groups.

Ayon sa kanya, dapat ding hikayatin ng ERC ang mga mamimili na lumahok sa bidding sa
pamamagitan ng aktibong pagsubaybay, isang pribilehiyong hindi naibigay sa kanila noon.
Makakatulong ito na matiyak ang transparency sa pagpapatupad ng CSP at pahusayin ang
pananagutan sa bawat PSA.

“Kailangan natin ng mas maayos na pananagutan sa pagpapatupad ng PSA, ibig sabihin, mas
magiging mahirap para sa mga generation company na hindi tumupad sa PSAs. Makakatulong ito na
mapatatag ang suplay ng enerhiya at alisin ang hindi inaasahang pagtaas ng mga presyo,” paliwanag
ni Gatchalian.
SCIENCE

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) said Thursday it has started the competitive bidding for 660
megawatts (MW) of interim power supply in preparation for the expected increase in demand during
the dry months.

In a statement, Meralco said the competitive selection process (CSP) for the supply requirement is
now open. CSP is a form of competitive public bidding for distribution companies' purchase of
electricity.

Meralco's opening of the CSP for 660-MW interim power supply came after the Department of
Energy's (DOE) issuance of a Certificate of Conformity on the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the
Interim Power Supply Agreements (IPSAs)—covering the power distributor's 260-MW peaking
requirement and 400-MW baseload requirement this year.

The company said the conduct of CSP is also in accordance with Meralco's DOE-approved Power
Supply Procurement Plan that considers the need for additional available capacities to augment
supply to customers through the IPSAs, which will be implemented once approved by the Energy
Regulatory Commission (ERC).

The 260-MW and 400-MW IPSAs will be effective until July 2024 and February 2025, respectively, it
said.

Meralco said interested power generation companies are required to submit Expressions of Interest
for both IPSAs by January 15.

The Pre-Bid Conferences for the 260-MW peaking requirement and 400-MW base load requirement
are both scheduled on Jan. 22, while the Bid Submission Deadlines are set on Feb. 26 and 27,
respectively, according to the power distributor.

Senator Win Gatchalian has called on the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to approve on time
the power supply agreements (PSAs) between distribution utilities (DUs) and generation companies to
ensure a steady supply of electricity at affordable rates for the benefit of consumers on October 18,
2023.

Gatchalian made the call following the recent issuance by the ERC of a competitive selection process
(CSP) guidelines, which refers to the procurement mechanism for a DU to procure supply from
generation companies through competitive bidding as mandated by the Department of Energy (DOE).

"We're hoping that strict implementation of the bidding guidelines would result in the timely approval
by the ERC of PSAs and help DUs to procure supply at the least cost for the benefit of consumers,"
said Gatchalian. He noted that from 2003 to 2023, there were a total of 527 pending PSAs before the
ERC. This year, there are 16 pending PSAs before the ERC, slightly lower from last year's 18.

"Inaasahan natin na mas magiging maayos ang kalagayan ng suplay para sa mga kooperatiba at
mga konsyumer," he said.

The senator also emphasized that the ERC should immediately implement the provisions of the new
power bidding guidelines issued by the agency to ensure compliance of distribution utilities and active
participation of consumer groups.

According to him, the ERC should also encourage consumer groups to participate in the bidding
through active monitoring, a privilege that wasn't previously afforded them. This would help ensure
transparency in the implementation of the CSP and enhance accountability in every PSAs.

"We need better accountability in the implementation of the PSAs, which means it is more difficult for
generation companies to just walk away from the PSAs. This would help stabilize energy supply and
eliminate surprises in terms of pricing," Gatchalian explained.
LATHALAIN

Umabot na sa 78 ang mga indibidwal na naitalang nasawi dahil sa nangyaring malakas na lindol sa
Japan noong Lunes, Enero 1, ayon sa mga lokal na awtoridad nitong Huwebes, Enero 4.

Sa ulat ng Agence France-Presse, inihayag ng mga awtoridad na bukod sa mga nasawi ay mahigit
330 indibidwal ang nasugatan habang mahigit 50 indibidwal ang patuloy na nawawala dulot ng
magnitude 7.6 na lindol.

Matatandaang tumama ang magnitude 7.6 na lindol sa rehiyon ng Noto sa Ishikawa prefecture sa
bahagi ng Sea of Japan bandang 4:10 ng hapon (0710 GMT) noong Lunes.

Naglabas ang Meteorological Agency ng Japan ng tsunami warning sa western coastal regions.

Inihayag naman ng Japan Meteorological Office noong Martes, Enero 2, na umabot na rin umano sa
155 ang bilang ng mga pagyanig sa lugar, kasama na ang nasabing malakas na lindol.

Sa kasalukuyan ay libu-libong mga sundalo, bumbero at mga opisyal ng pulisya mula sa buong Japan
ang kumikilos upang mag-rescue at rumesponde sa mga gumuhong mga gusali.

Humigit-kumulang 29,000 kabahayan naman umano ang wala pa ring kuryente sa Ishikawa
prefecture, at mahigit 110,000 bahay sa buong Ishikawa at dalawang kalapit na rehiyon ang walang
tubig.

Nahulan daw ‘di umano ni Rudy Baldwin ang malakas na lindol sa Japan.

Ito ay base sa kaniyang vlog tungkol sa kaniyang 2024 prediction, na binalikan ng mga netizen dahil
sa nangyaring lindol sa Japan nitong Bagong Taon.

“Ito ay para naman sa ibang bansa lalo na po sa mga Asian country. Marami po sa inyo [ang]
makararanas ng tsunami, lalo na sa Indonesia, Japan,” ani Baldwin. “Isa na rito ang India [na]
makararanas ng lindol at tsunami. Isa na rin dito ang Turkey [na] magkakaroon ng lindol sa karagatan
at lupa.”

Sa Facebook ni Baldwin, makikita ang mga shinare niyang post mula sa netizens tungkol sa lindol sa
Japan. Sinasabi ng mga naturang post na nahulaan nga umano ni Baldwin ang tungkol sa lindol.

Matatandaan na sa ulat ng Agence France-Presse, bukod sa magnitude 7.6 na yumanig mismo

noong Bagong Taon, Enero 1, ay isang malakas na magnitude 6 din ang tumama sa naturang bansa.

Agad na naglabas ang Meteorological Agency ng Japan ng tsunami warning sa western coastal
regions.

Bukod dito, sinabi rin ni Baldwin sa kaniyang vlog na ang taong 2024 ay “year of worst and massive
event in history.

Niyanig ng magnitude 4.7 na lindol ang probinsya ng Surigao del Sur nitong Huwebes ng hapon,
Enero 4, ayon sa Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Sa ulat ng Phivolcs, nangyari ang lindol na tectonic ang pinagmulan dakong 3:32 ng hapon.

Namataan ang epicenter nito 51 kilometro ang layo sa hilagang-silangan ng Hinatuan, Surigao del
Sur, na may lalim na 10 kilometro.

Naiulat ang Intensity IV sa City of Bislig, SURIGAO DEL SUR.

Naitala naman ang Instrumental Intensity III sa City of Bislig, SURIGAO DEL SUR.
Ayon sa Phivolcs, ito ay isang aftershock ng magnitude 7.4 na lindol sa baybayin ng Surigao del Sur
noong Disyembre 2, 2023.

Wala namang inaasahan ang Phivolcs na posibleng aftershocks ng nasabing lindol.

Hindi rin umano inaasahang magdudulot ng pinsala ang nasabing pagyanig.

FEATURE

The death toll in Japan due to massive earthquakes climbed to 78 on Thursday, local media said.
Whereabouts of at least 51 others remain unknown and have been declared “unaccounted for,”
Tokyo-based Kyodo News reported. Central Japan has been hit by many earthquakes since Monday
afternoon with magnitudes as strong as 7.6, causing widespread devastations, as many areas are yet
disconnected. Japan has been hit by around 600 tremors since Monday. The epicenter of the
earthquake was in the Noto region facing the Sea of Japan.

Ishikawa province is the hardest-hit where most of the deaths were reported and saw massive
destruction of buildings, mostly in Wajima city where people are reportedly still under the rubble.
Thousands of households are without electricity.

Japan has deployed thousands of soldiers in search and rescue operations while bad weather also
affected the post-earthquake operations. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized an “all-out effort”
to save “as many lives as possible during the first 72 hours of the disaster.”

His government is mulling to grant around 4 billion yen ($28 million) in response to the disaster.

More forces were deployed for search and rescue efforts, while number of evacuated people in
Ishikawa province rose to around 34,000, while some 110,000 households in Ishikawa, Toyama and
Niigata provinces are still without water.

The magnitude 7.4 earthquake that occurred off the coast of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur on Saturday,
2 December, 10:37 p.m. local time was caused by movements in the Philippine trench, according to
the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). The quake, initially reported by
PHIVOLCS with 7.5 magnitude, was changed to 6.9, eventually to 7.4, raised a tsunami alert, which
was lifted on Sunday morning, 3 December local time. Movements of the 1,320 km long Philippine
trench on the Eastern seaboard of the country have generated 10 earthquakes with magnitude 7 or
more in the last 100 years, with last one of 7.6 magnitude in 2012.

Since the earthquake, PHIVOLCS recorded over 660 aftershocks, ranging from magnitudes 1.4 to
6.5; which are expected to continue over the coming days. The tsunami alert caused an immediate
evacuation to higher grounds of over 26,000 people living in coastal areas of the provinces of Surigao
del Sur and Davao Oriental. Most have returned home after the tsunami alert was lifted by
PHIVOLCS.

According to the latest municipal government report for Hinatuan, a total of 9,728 families comprising
38,004 individuals have been affected across 19 out of 24 barangays. All roads remain passable, and
no communities are currently isolated. Initial report on infrastructure damage is estimated at $197,000
(Php 9,835,000), affecting critical facilities such as the gymnasium, PAGASA Doppler, PNP Station,
BFP, Public Terminal, and Public Market. Damage to houses is being assessed, with preliminary
reports showing that 268 houses are partially damaged and 90 houses destroyed, amounting to an
estimated cost of $900,000 (Php 44,990,000).

There are no reported casualties in Hinatuan. Those who evacuated to higher grounds have safely
returned to their homes, except families with partially or totally damaged houses. These families have
sought refuge with relatives, while others have found temporary shelter in elementary schools
provided by the local authorities. In response to the immediate needs of the affected population, the
local government is providing hot meals and medical assistance.
In the municipality of Bayabas, most people have returned home, except four families whose houses
were partially or totally damaged are currently staying with relatives. Classes in municipalities of
Bayabas, Hinatuan and Tandag City are suspended.

Other provinces in Mindanao have reported structural damage including the New Cortez bridge in
Davao del Norte and Bolton Bridge in Davao City. All other national roads and bridges are passable
and have no reported damages. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines reported minor damage
in Mindanao airports Butuan, Surigao, Siargao, Tandag and Bislig. A fire broke out in Manuel J.
Santos Hospital in Butuan City due to a short circuit caused by the earthquake but is now on normal
operation. Other localities have reported that some homes have been partially or totally damaged.
NEWS / BALITA
SPORTS

Panuto/Instruction: Create a striking sports article with not less than 9 paragraphs. Provide a action-
packed title or headline.

Saan - Marikina Community Convention Center

Kailan – January 3, 2023

Manlalaro - Daniel Quizon (International Master) (19-anyos) vs Christian Gian Karlo Arca (FIDE
Master)

Score - draw

Laban - sixth round / Philippine National Chess Championships - “Battle of the Grandmasters”

Iskor o Datos ng mga manlalaro

 limang puntos (mag-isa sa top spot) – Daniel Quizon

 4.5 points (pangalawa) – IM (International Master) Jan Emmanuel Garcia

4 points (No. 3) – WGM (Woman Grand Master) Janelle Mae Frayna, FM (FIDE Master) Mark Jay
Bacojo, GM (Grandmaster) John Paul Gomez (pare-pareho ding may 14-player single round robin)

Iba pang impormasyon

 tabla ang laro ni Jan Emmanuel Garcia kay Olympiad veteran IM Paulo Bersamina.
 Daniel Quizon (Dasmariñas bet) vs WIM (Woman International Master) Marie Antoinette San
Diego / Jan Emmanuel Garcia vs John Paul Gomez -- round 7

Awards / Prize

 spot para sa World Chess Olympiad / P120,000 (inisponsoran at suportado ng Marikina City,
NCFP chairman president Prospero Pichay Jr., POC president Abraham Tolentino, PSC chair
Richard Bachmann, the Eugene Torre Chess Foundation, Pande at Amerikana’s Jundio
Salvador.
 Top 3 finishers sa 13-round meet (magiging pambato ng Pilipinas sa 45th World Chess /
Setyembre 10 - 23 / Budapest, Hungary
COPYREADING

Panuto: Iwasto ang sipi. Lakipan ito ng ulo na may isang kolum, handing indention, na may 30-32 na
yunit. Lagyan din ito ng slug at printer’s direction.

_____________________________________________________________________

MANILA, Phil — Umakyat na sa 557 ang kabuuang bilang ng Fireworks Related Injury (FWIR) na

naitala ng Department of Health (DOH) hanggang nitong alas-5:59 ng umaga kahapon.

Ayon sa FWRI Report 13, nabawasan pa ng 114 bagong kaso kasama ang isang 10-buwan sanggol

na pinakabatang biktima at 77 anyos na lalaki naman ang pinakamatanda.

Batay sa ulat, “napinsala ang kanang mata ng 10-buwan gulang na sanggol na mula sa NCR

matapos tamaan ng sinindhang kwitis sa loob ng kanilang bahay.”

Nagtamo naman ng paso sa katawan ang 77-anyos na lolo mula sa Ilocos Region dahil sa inihagis na

we sell bomb.

Sinabi ng Department of Health na ang paggamit ng bahay sa paputok ay panganib hindi lamang sa

iyong sarili kundi sa iyong pamilya.

Nabatid na siyamnapu’t walo at anim na porsiyento na biktima ng papuputok ay pawang mga lalaki.
COPYREADING

Instruction. Correct the article using the symbols. Provide a headline with 2 decks, centered, and 40-
45 units. Do not forget the slug and printer’s direction.

_________________________________________________________________

The Presidential Comunications Office (PCO) said Thursday that 27,968 brgys have been cleared

from illegal drugs, citing a report from the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The PCO added that around P10.41 billion worth of narcotics have been seized from January to

December 2024.

It also said that 23 provinces, 447 municipalities, and 43 cities are establishing their respective

community-based drug rehabilitation programs (CBDRPs).

To farther boost the government's campaign against illegal drugs.

In addition there are 74 established in-patient treatment and rehabilitation facilities to help address the

drug menace.

Marcos has since pushed for a whole-of-nation approach in dealing with drug abuse, indicating that it

could lead to chronic illness and social issues if left untreated.

Bringas, meanwhile, said that DepEd has been aggressive in the past years to provide enough

buildings and teachers for affected students.

Marcos previously said that his administration would focus on rehabilitation to curb the drug menace,

which is different from his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte's bloody war against illegal drugs.