Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno" Domagoso on Tuesday, Feb. 10, led the resumption of construction of the long-delayed 10-story, fully air-conditioned Ramon Magsaysay High School building along España Boulevard in Sampaloc, committing to complete the project within one year.

“Next year, on the same day and time, we will inaugurate Magsaysay High School,” Domagoso said during the ceremony marking the project’s restart.

The school building, which had been stalled for nearly three years, is expected to address classroom shortages and improve learning conditions for students in one of Manila’s largest public high schools.

Domagoso said the resumption of construction was intended to restore certainty for parents, teachers, and students who had been left uncertain about the project’s completion following years of delay.

He assured stakeholders that the city government would ensure uninterrupted construction and that students would eventually return to a fully completed campus environment.

“Today is a ceremony to light the fire again,” the mayor said, adding that city engineers, architects, construction workers, barangay officials, school administrators, and parents would be involved in ensuring the project’s timely completion.

He further pledged accountability should the one-year target not be met.

Domagoso also said the finished building would eliminate construction-related hazards and disruptions that students had previously experienced.

“By the time you come back here, you will only bring your notebooks. No more movement, no more disarray. You will just sit in an upscale public education classroom,” he said.

The mayor reiterated that completing the school building was a public commitment he made during the election campaign, noting that the city adjusted its financial priorities to fulfill that promise.

“In my own little way, I will move heaven and earth as I have promised,” Domagoso said.

He emphasized that school infrastructure projects must be planned with long-term population growth in mind to prevent recurring classroom shortages.

“When we address the universally accepted student-teacher ratio, we don’t address it only for today; we must address it 10 years from now,” he said.

Domagoso added that his administration has deliberately focused city resources on essential services rather than non-essential or decorative projects.

“Not decorations, landscaping, or glitter,” he said. “We are investing in minimum basic needs, education, healthcare, housing, and jobs. These are the four pillars of our governance.”

City officials said construction will now proceed continuously, to deliver a modern, safe, and fully functional public school facility for the students of Sampaloc and the wider Manila community.