Reaffirming the administration’s dedication to enhancing science and technology education in the country, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced on Thursday, March 13, that Education Secretary Sonny Angara led the groundbreaking ceremonies for two major science high school projects in key cities.
According to DepEd, earlier this week, Angara spearheaded the groundbreaking ceremony for the Bacoor City Science and Technology High School—a 12-story building that will house 60 classrooms, nine workshop rooms, science laboratories, computer centers, a library, multimedia rooms, and collaborative learning spaces.
“Ito’y hindi gusali lamang. Ang mas importante ay ‘yung mga teacher natin, ganadong magturo; ‘yung mga bata natin, ganado rin pumasok (This is not just a building. What is more important is that our teachers are enthusiastic about teaching, and our children are eager to attend school),” Angara said.
“They are eager to learn, they are eager to expand their horizons,” he added.
Bacoor City Mayor Strike Revilla, Cavite 2nd District Rep. Lani Mercado Revilla, DPWH Undersecretary Eric Ayapana, DepEd Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar, and other officials also attended the ceremony.
A day earlier, Angara also led the groundbreaking for the five-story academic building of Marikina Science High School (MariSci), which will house 32 classrooms and four specialized workshop rooms.
“The future is in technology, research, and development,” Angara said. “Kaya kung mahal natin ang ating mga anak, at gusto natin silang makakuha ng magandang trabaho, whether here or abroad, mag-invest po tayo bilang isang bansa sa science and technology (So if we love our children and want them to get good jobs, whether here or abroad, let us invest as a nation in science and technology),” he added.
DepEd noted that for years, MariSci has shared facilities with Marikina Polytechnic College (MPC) under an agreement with the department.
The new building will provide the school with a permanent home, ending its reliance on shared spaces and ensuring a more conducive learning environment, DepEd said.
DepEd emphasized that the project is a collaboration between the agency, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the local government of Marikina.
Officials stated that the facility will support hands-on learning, research, and innovation, solidifying MariSci’s reputation as a premier science high school in the city.
Senator Koko Pimentel, Special Envoy Kath Yu-Pimentel, Rep. Stella Quimbo, former Rep. Miro Quimbo, and other DPWH and DepEd officials attended the ceremony.