DepEd working to move MLQ High School from Manila market site

MANILA, Philippines— The Department of Education (DepEd) has been finalizing plans to relocate Manuel Luis Quezon High School–Manila from its present site in Santa Cruz due to health and structural concerns to a permanent one where a modern campus will be built.

At present, the high school is on the second floor of a wet market near the LRT Blumentritt Station under a usufruct agreement with the city government.

According to a DepEd statement last Friday, the school has experienced “severe infrastructure breakdowns” — inadequate toilets, leaking roofs, and chronic sanitation issues — which have forced it to temporarily switch to flexible learning modes.

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READ: 69% of public school sites still not titled in DepEd’s name

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“We hear the urgent call of our teachers and learners at Manuel Luis Quezon High School Manila. Our learners cannot focus and our teachers cannot teach effectively when basic needs such as clean, functioning restrooms and quiet, safe spaces are compromised,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.

“Finding suitable land in dense urban areas is always a challenge, but it is one we are actively solving through proper coordination,” he added.

Following an inspection, the DepEd Education Facilities Division (EFD) and the Schools Division Office (SDO) Manila documented that the school’s market location fails to meet the minimum performance standards and specifications (MPSS) due to surrounding noise and other environmental constraints.

On the reported shortage of two classrooms, DepEd pointed out that the current site was unsuitable. So there was an “urgent need for relocations, rather than simply adding classrooms.”

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So, Angara directed the school to be included in the Public-Private Partnership School Infrastructure Project (PSIP) Phase III Package 2.

A site located 200 meters away from the existing campus has been identified for a new mid-rise school building. DepEd is coordinating with Manila City Hall to facilitate the required demolition at the site.

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DepEd has also identified the possibility of acquiring a lot in front of Lakan Dula Elementary School in Tondo to provide space for a proposed mid-rise school building to relocate MLQ High School.

READ: DepEd completes partnerships with provinces to ease classroom shortage

It has been working closely with the Manila government to advance the permanent relocation plan, complete the necessary documentation, and handle site acquisition and demolition requirements.

DepEd and the city government are also exploring leasing options to serve as an interim solution while permanent construction is underway.

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“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. /atm