Binay asks DepEd: Resolve issues in 3 ‘embo’ schools

MANILA, Philippines — Makati Mayor Abby Binay yesterday appealed to Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte to resolve the issue of management of three public schools in the enlisted men’s barrio or “embo” barangays that are now under Taguig.

Binay earlier asked Duterte to allow the city government to retain the management of the Makati Science High School in Barangay Cembo.

She also requested the integration of Fort Bonifacio Elementary School and Fort Bonifacio High School in Barangay West Rembo with the University of Makati (UMak).

“A favorable resolution from the Department of Education (DepEd) will allow Makati to move forward with our plans for enhanced programs and services in the schools,” Binay said in a statement.

DepEd Undersecretary Michael Poa said the agency is studying Makati’s appeal to retain jurisdiction over the three “embo” schools.

In her letter to Duterte dated Aug. 29, 2023, Binay underscored the importance of having Makati’s science high school.

She also emphasized the city’s readiness to integrate the two schools as a laboratory school managed by UMak.

While waiting for the issue to be resolved, Binay said the plans for the schools involved are put on hold.

Among the postponed programs include increasing the monthly stipend of scholars from the Makati Science High School and equipping the schools’ classrooms with smart technology.

In January, DepEd announced that Makati officially turned over 14 public schools to Taguig.

These are Makati Science High School, Comembo Elementary School, Rizal ES, Pembo ES, Benigno Ninoy Aquino HS, Tibagan HS, Fort Bonifacio ES, Fort Bonifacio HS, Pitogo ES, Pitogo HS, Cembo ES, East Rembo ES, West Rembo ES and South Cembo ES.

The transfer was in compliance with the 2023 decision of the Supreme Court granting Taguig jurisdiction over the 10 “embo” barangays.