MAKATI City Mayor Abby Binay urged Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte to resolve the issue of the management and administration of three public schools located in two EMBO barangays now under Taguig City ‘s jurisdiction.

Binay said Makati’s appeal for the retention of the management and administration of the Makati Science High School in Cembo under the Schools Division Office-Makati City, and for the integration of Fort Bonifacio Elementary and Fort Bonifacio High School in West Rembo with the University of Makati has been officially conveyed to the Vice President last year.

“A favorable resolution from the Vice President will allow Makati to move forward with our plans for enhanced programs and services in the said schools. We have already explained at length the rationale supporting our stand to exclude them from the administrative transition, and we believe it is for the best interest of the students,” Binay said.

The mayor said for now, the city government has put on hold its plans for the schools and their students, such as increasing the monthly stipend of Makati Science High School scholars to P3,000.

Previously, MSHS students received a P1,500-monthly stipend from the city government, in addition to free school uniforms and supplies it provides every school year to all public school students from preschool to senior high school.

She also cited the ongoing upgrade in public school facilities, including smart classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards and unlimited internet connection.

“We have both the political will and the resources to continue providing the essential needs of our students, including complete school gear, school supplies, nutritious snacks, and modern learning tools and facilities, among others,” Binay said.

In her letter to Vice President Duterte dated August 29, 2023, Binay underscored the importance of the city having its own science high school.

“Having our own Science High School is indispensable to providing students with excellent education that will empower them to achieve their dreams and take the lead in their respective fields. It bears noting that Taguig City already has its own Science High School which caters to the needs of its constituents,” she wrote.

She also pointed out that a school’s legacy, dedication, and historical significance can transcend geographical boundaries. She cited as an example the Valeriano Estrella Fugoso Memorial High School in Barangay Parang, Marikina, which was named in honor of the 13th Mayor of the City of Manila. The school is currently under the administration and management of the City of Manila.

In another letter dated August 31, 2023, Binay expressed the city’s intention to integrate the Fort Bonifacio Elementary School and Fort Bonifacio High School with the city-run University of Makati.

The mayor emphasized the university’s readiness to pursue the integration of the two schools as its Teacher Education Laboratory School.

She explained that UMak’s bold initiative in piloting the Senior High School program in the Philippines in 2011 was part of initial strategic steps in fulfilling the plan to begin a Laboratory School. This paved the way for the establishment of the Higher School ng UMAK (HSU) at the UMak campus, offering a full range of SHS Tracks to thousands of Grades 11 and 12 students.

“We are confident that having Fort Bonifacio High School and Fort Bonifacio Elementary School operated and managed as a Laboratory School by the University of Makati is undoubtedly feasible,” Binay stated.

She noted that this move will, in turn, allow DepEd to allot their resources intended for these schools for other projects.

“The UMAK Management is ready to adopt these two schools under our care as we expand and create a full-range basic education laboratory school,” assured the mayor. In fact, she said, working groups have been formed and on standby to ensure uninterrupted services to the students.