HOUSE Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III has reaffirmed the House of Representatives’ commitment to education, saying investments in teachers, students and safer schools must remain among the government’s top priorities.

Speaking during the fifth leg of LegisHear in Victorias City, Negros Occidental, Dy said education is crucial to providing every Filipino child with better opportunities and a brighter future.

He stressed the importance of listening directly to communities as Congress crafts laws and determines how public funds should be allocated.

“Nakita po natin na napakahalaga po ng edukasyon sa bawat lugar, sa bawat barangay, sa bawat bayan at lungsod,” Dy said.

Dy arrived in Victorias after joining President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in Isabela, where more than 4,000 educators and non-teaching personnel took their oaths following promotions under the Expanded Career Progression program or their entry into the Department of Education.

As the country observes National Teachers’ Month, Dy also thanked teachers for their role in shaping the next generation of Filipinos.

“Napakahalaga ng inyong tungkulin sa ating lipunan na hinuhubog natin ang kinabukasan ng ating mga kabataan,” he told teachers attending LegisHear.

Dy said education is also receiving close attention as Congress deliberates on the proposed 2027 national budget.

“Pinag-iingatan natin at tinitiyak natin na bawat sentimo na pinagpawisan ng ating mga kababayan ay tama ang paglalagyan nito,” he said.

He emphasized that strengthening education requires more than increased funding, saying lawmakers must hear directly from teachers, parents, local officials and communities about the challenges confronting students inside and outside the classroom.

Dy said this is one of the objectives of LegisHear, which began in Isabela before proceeding to Butuan, Dumaguete, South Cotabato and now Negros Occidental.

The former Isabela governor said the consultations give citizens and stakeholders an opportunity to raise concerns and propose solutions that lawmakers can consider as they refine measures pending before the 20th Congress.

The Speaker also highlighted the need to strengthen children’s safety, saying parents should not have to worry about the security of their children at home or in school.

“Kailangan mag-ingat po tayo sapagkat tungkulin natin lahat ito na maging ligtas ang ating mga kabataan,” Dy said.

He encouraged LegisHear participants to continue sharing their experiences and recommendations to help Congress craft legislation that responds to the actual needs of Filipino families and students.