MANILA, Philippines — In a bold move to elevate public education, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso has ordered the immediate resumption and acceleration of the construction of a 10-storey, fully air-conditioned building for Ramon Magsaysay High School (RMHS) along España Boulevard, Sampaloc. The project, initially delayed under the previous administration, is now targeted for completion within a year.

The new building is designed to offer students facilities comparable to those in private schools, featuring 209 classrooms, a library and e-library, science laboratories, SPED classrooms, auditorium, gymnasium, sports courts, and administrative offices. It will also include elevators, a sewage treatment plant, and dedicated faculty spaces, ensuring both students and teachers benefit from a modern, safe, and well-equipped learning environment.

Mayor Moreno emphasized that this initiative is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to address minimum basic needs, particularly in education, and to ensure equitable access to quality learning for all students, regardless of socio-economic background. “Our goal is to provide Manila’s youth with an environment where they can learn and grow without the limitations traditionally associated with public schools,” the mayor stated.

Education experts say such infrastructure projects are crucial, but they must be paired with trained educators, updated curricula, and support programs to truly uplift public education standards. While the RMHS building promises a transformative experience, the question remains whether infrastructure alone is enough to bridge the long-standing gap between public and private schooling.

Will Manila’s ambitious school infrastructure project truly level the playing field for public education, or does quality learning require more than modern buildings? (Larawan mula: Manila PIO / Facebook)