The city government of Manila has allocated over PHP5 billion for the construction of three modernized public schools.

About PHP2 billion will be spent for the renovation of Dr. Alejandro Albert Elementary School in Sampaloc, PHP1.9 billion for the Rosauro Almario Elementary School in Tondo, and PHP1.3 billion for the Manila Science High School on Taft Avenue.

Aside from the construction plans, the city will continue to support the blended mode of learning implemented since last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

For the coming school year, Manila has approved the procurement of 60,820 more computer tablets for newly enrolled public school students, PHP120,600,000 for four months’ worth of connectivity for about 201,000 K-12 students, and about PHP5 million for teachers’ training.

In preparation for a possible surge in enrollment in public schools, a fund of PHP60,532,256.37 is on standby.

During his State of the City Address on Thursday, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso pointed out that quality education must not suffer despite the pandemic.

“As we believe in education for all, Manila schools must be open for children wherever they live,” Domagoso said.

He said for as long as a student has the will to learn and study, they can while in the capital city.

Domagoso said it is important that the city prepares for 10 to 15 years of population growth and to upgrade school facilities. (PNA)