RAMON MAGSAYSAY Construction Update

A major step toward modernizing public education is underway as the City Government of Manila accelerates the construction of a new 10-storey academic building at Ramon Magsaysay High School in Sampaloc.

The project, located along España Boulevard, marks a significant infrastructure upgrade for one of Manila’s largest public secondary schools, which currently serves thousands of students. City officials recently resumed and fast-tracked the long-delayed construction, aiming to complete the building within one year. 

Once completed, the 10-storey structure will house more than 200 fully air-conditioned classrooms, along with modern facilities designed to rival those of private institutions. These include science laboratories, a library and e-library, an auditorium, gymnasium, sports courts, and dedicated spaces for faculty and administration.

The building will also feature elevators, specialized classrooms for programs such as Special Education (SPED), and support systems like a sewage treatment facility—ensuring a safe and efficient learning environment. 

The construction is expected to significantly ease classroom congestion, a long-standing issue in many public schools in the capital. Officials emphasized that the project will help improve student-teacher ratios and provide a more conducive environment for learning. 

The development comes after years of delays, leaving students and faculty with limited space and outdated facilities. The renewed push signals a stronger commitment by the local government to prioritize education as a basic public service. 

City leaders highlighted that the initiative is part of a broader effort to elevate the standard of public education in Manila. By investing in modern infrastructure, the government aims to give public school students access to quality facilities comparable to those in private schools.

Education experts, however, note that while improved infrastructure is a crucial step, it must be complemented by enhanced teaching quality, updated curriculum, and sustained support programs to fully transform learning outcomes.

With a target completion date set within a year, the new building at Ramon Magsaysay High School is poised to become a landmark project in Manila’s education sector—symbolizing both progress and the continuing challenge of delivering equitable, high-quality education for all.