DepEd to Relocate Manila High School From Wet Market Amid Infrastructure Woes

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) is finalizing plans to secure a permanent site and construct a modern campus for the Manuel Luis Quezon High School-Manila, relocating the school from the second floor of a wet market. According to DepEd, the school has experienced severe infrastructure breakdowns, citing compromised toilet facilities, leaking roofs and chronic sanitation issues, which forced education officials to order a temporary switch to flexible learning modes. “We hear the urgent call of our teachers and learners. Our learners cannot focus and our teachers cannot teach effectively when basic needs such as clean and functioning restrooms as well as quiet and safe spaces are compromised,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said. The DepEd education facilities division and the Schools Division Office-Manila documented that the school’s location at the wet market fails to meet the minimum performance standards and specifications due to surrounding noise and other environmental constraints. A site 200 meters away from the existing campus has been identified for a new mid-rise school building, DepEd said as it coordinated with the Manila city government to facilitate the required demolition at the site. “While permanent relocation and construction take time, we are exploring every immediate option, including leasing arrangements, so that our learners can learn safely without risking their health and well-being,” Angara said.