By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to immediately rebuild the fire-damaged building of San Francisco High School (SFHS) in Quezon City to ensure the safe return of learners and teachers to school.
“We must look [into] the reconstruction nitong [nasirang building]—dahil kahit sa labas makita niyo, structurally mukhang hindi na maaasahan ’yong mga… structure dito, kailangan talagang gibain,” the President said during his inspection of the building.
Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara, citing the recommendation of the DWPH, said the reconstruction of the damaged school facility into a “four-storey, 36-classroom building” will cost around P180 million and is expected to be completed in one year.
“Hindi po biro ang mawalan ng silid-aralan ilang araw bago ang pasukan, pero ramdam ng mga guro at magulang na hindi sila nag-iisa. The President’s hands-on approach reminds us that recovery is faster when national leadership listens, acts, and stands with our schools,” Angara said.
Marcos also instructed the DepEd to replace the school supplies and teaching materials destroyed by the June 15 fire, ensuring uninterrupted school activities.
“We will continue to make sure that the children are able to attend class, teachers have what they want. Yung mga nasirang gamit, we will replace it,” he said.
The Chief Executive also lauded the coordination of the DepEd, the local government of Quezon City, and the private sector in responding to the crisis. Their combined efforts provided armchairs, paint, toilet fixtures, manpower, and financial aid to the school.
SFHS Principal Marissa Nava-Rodriguez expressed gratitude to the Marcos administration for its prompt response and assistance.
“Noong dumating po siya (President Marcos), para bang sabi ko nga at least one part of myself na-realize ko na in every dark cloud, there is a silver lining. Talagang patotoo po ngayon ‘yon,” Nava-Rodriguez said.
“Maraming, maraming salamat po. Hindi po matatawaran po ‘yung presensya ninyo na nakipag-simpatya po kayo sa amin. Nakiramay po ay malaking bagay na po.” (with report from Gab Humilde Villegas / PTV News)
-jpv
