Makati City Mayor Abby Binay underscored the importance of the Department of Education (DepEd) in resolving its concerns over the management and administration of three public schools located in two EMBO barangays which are now under Taguig's jurisdiction.

Makati City Mayor Abby Binay

Last year, Binay sent two separate letters to Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte appealing for the retention of the management and administration of the Makati Science High School (MSHS) in Cembo under the Schools Division Office-Makati City (DepEd Makati), and for the integration of Fort Bonifacio Elementary and Fort Bonifacio High School in West Rembo into the University of Makati (UMak).

“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.

In response to her request, DepEd Undersecretary and Spokesperson Michael Poa said on Thursday, Feb. 15, that "DepEd legal has been tasked to study the matter, along with the position papers of the parties concerned. We are waiting for the Legal Strand’s recommendation (on the matter).”

Binay explained that for now, the city government has put on hold its plans for the schools and their students, such as increasing the monthly stipend of MSHS scholars to P3,000 from the previous 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 expalined. 

“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 added.

The mayor also noted that a school’s "legacy, dedication, and historical significance" can transcend geographical boundaries, citing 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 Aug. 31, 2023, the three-term mayor expressed the city’s intention to integrate the Fort Bonifacio Elementary School and Fort Bonifacio High School with the city-run University of Makati (UMak) as she emphasized the university’s readiness to pursue the integration of the two schools as its Teacher Education Laboratory School. 

"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," Binay said.

“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,” she stressed.

The mayor noted that this move will 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 adding that working groups have already been formed and on standby to ensure uninterrupted services to the students. 

"Aside from having available plantilla items to absorb teachers who are willing to be employed by the city government, UMak also has qualified faculty who can teach at the Laboratory School," she said. 

Here and abroad

Makati's public schools continue to display its educational prowess in various national and international competitions and events further testifying the city government's capabilities in improving the quality of education of its youth.

In the 2022 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), Benigno Ninoy Aquino High School in Comembo emerged as the lone public school in Metro Manila to pass Level 2. In February 2023, Makati topped the regional Test of Functional Academic Skills (TOFAS) administered by the DepEd as its public school students posted the highest passing rates in Mathematics. 

Makati public schools have also consistently ranked high in the annual National Achievement Test (NAT). In the 2022-2023 NAT ranking of Schools Division Offices, Makati ranked first in the National Capital Region and fourth at the national level for Grade 12. In the same NAT for Grade 10 students, the Makati Science High School ranked first in the NCR and third at the national level. 

The MSHS has consistently ranked among the top 100 performing public and private schools in the country. Many of its students have been selected to participate in exchange programs facilitated by the Department of Education, allowing them to study in countries such as Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Korea, and USA.

In 2013, Makati City funded the construction of a new Makati Science High School located in Kalayaan Avenue, Barangay Cembo.

Inaugurated in February 2014, the 10-story structure encompasses various facilities, such as science laboratories, dormitory and a two-story auditorium.