MALACAÑANG said it was saddened by the behavior of students who were seen heckling President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. during his visit to the People’s Ville housing project in Calinan District, Davao City.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the incident was unfortunate, stressing the importance of teaching young people proper conduct and respect.
“Nakakalungkot po dahil ang mga kabataan po natin ay dapat tinuturuan po natin ng magandang asal, ng respeto, hindi lamang po sa mga nakatatanda kundi sa lahat ng tao,” Castro said.
(It is saddening because our young people should be taught good manners and respect, not only for elders but for all people.)
The Palace reaction came after a video circulated online showing several students allegedly shouting expletives and inappropriate remarks toward Marcos as he left the People’s Ville project during his July 28 visit.
The Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Davao City later apologized over what it described as the “inappropriate behavior” of some learners during the President’s visit.
DepEd-Davao City said the actions of the students did not reflect the values of respect, discipline, and responsibility that schools promote. It added that interventions would be implemented following the incident.
Four learners were identified after an investigation conducted by the school administration and the School Child Protection Committee. Their parents were invited to discuss the incident, with the students set to undergo guidance and counseling, values formation activities, and other interventions based on DepEd policies.
During his visit to People’s Ville, Marcos committed to adding 42 more condominium buildings to expand the housing project and provide more shelter for residents.
The President also said the government was looking into putting up school facilities within the community to address the needs of families who will be living in the expanded housing development.
People’s Ville was originally developed during the term of then Davao City Mayor and now Vice President Sara Z. Duterte. The project was later integrated into the Marcos administration’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.
Asked about Marcos’ visit to the project during an interview after the Thanksgiving Mass for Kadayawan 2026 at San Pedro Cathedral on August 6, Duterte acknowledged that People’s Ville was a project initiated during her mayoralty but declined to comment on the President’s visit.
“Yes, I know kasi project namin yan nung mayor ako, di ba? So ayaw ko mag-comment sa kanyang pagbisita.”
She said it would be better to ask the residents who were present during the activity about their views.
“Siguro ang mas maganda ay ipa-comment natin yung mga tao na binisita niya dahil wala naman ako doon nung bumisita siya. So, mas maganda tanungin natin yung mga tao na nandoon kung ano yung komento nila, ano yung opinion nila sa pagbisita ni BBM doon.”
(Perhaps it would be better to let the people who were visited comment because I was not there during his visit. It would be better to ask those who were there what their comments and opinions are about BBM’s visit there.)
Aside from his Davao City visit, Marcos also traveled to Davao de Oro, where he led the turnover of agricultural inputs and other assistance to farmers and fisherfolk affected by disasters.
The assistance included support intended to help affected communities recover their livelihoods and strengthen agricultural production in the province.
Marcos’ visit to Davao was part of his inspection of government projects and delivery of assistance in the Davao Region, including housing initiatives and support programs for communities recovering from disasters. RGL
