THE Department of Education (DepEd) is finalizing plans to construct a modern campus for Manuel Luis Quezon High School–Manila, moving it out of its long-standing site on the second floor of a wet market in Sta. Cruz.
The move comes after severe infrastructure breakdowns, including compromised toilets, leaking roofs, and chronic sanitation issues, forced the school to temporarily switch to flexible learning modes.
Operating under a usufruct agreement with the Manila local government unit (LGU) near the LRT Blumentritt Station, the school was found to violate basic standards during a recent inspection by the DepEd Education Facilities Division and Schools Division Office Manila.
Officials confirmed the market location fails to meet Minimum Performance Standards and Specifications due to surrounding noise and severe environmental constraints.
“We hear the urgent call of our teachers and learners at Manuel Luis Quezon High School–Manila,” said Education Secretary Sonny Angara. “Our learners cannot focus and our teachers cannot teach effectively when basic needs such as clean, functioning restrooms and quiet, safe spaces are compromised.”
Addressing reports of a two-classroom shortage, DepEd clarified that the primary issue is the unsuitable location itself rather than a mere lack of space.
To resolve the issue, Secretary Angara directed the school’s inclusion in the Public-Private Partnership School Infrastructure Project (PSIP) Phase III Package 2.
DepEd has identified a potential site just 200 meters from the current facility for a new mid-rise building and is working with the Manila LGU to clear existing structures.
Additionally, officials are exploring the acquisition of a lot across from Lakan Dula Elementary School in Tondo as another viable location.
While long-term construction is underway, DepEd and city officials are actively pursuing temporary leasing arrangements to transition students out of the market space immediately.
“Finding suitable land in dense urban areas is always a challenge, but it is one we are actively solving,” Angara added.
“We are exploring every immediate option so that our learners can learn safely without risking their health and well-being,” Angara concluded.