MANILA, Philippines - Department of Education Secretary Armin Luistro recently led the inauguration of a sustainable, earthquake-proof DepEd building in Muntinlupa City.
“What this building stands for is the commitment of Muntinlupa to continue to reach out, to do child-finding, and to make sure that no learner, young or old, is left behind,” Luistro said.
“We cannot confine learning to only those who are within our care. We have to go out of our way to ensure that quality education remains a priority in any Filipino community,” he added.
The new building, which will house the schools division office, features energy-generating solar panels and calamity-resistant and environment-friendly architecture that is in line with the efforts of the government to minimize building risks in times of emergencies.
Muntinlupa schools division Superintendent Mauro de Gulan said the building can withstand a magnitude 8 or 9 earthquake.
“The building’s rainwater collection and filtration system can be used to collect rainfall during heavy downpour,” he said.
Luistro underscored the gains of the schools division office and the local government in delivering quality education to the people, including inmates at New Bilibid Prison.
“We are committed to ensure that education is accessible to everyone and that our learning environments are safe and vigorous in pursuing education and nation-building goals,” he said.