The conflict between Makati and Taguig cities over the ownership of several public schools has caused confusion and anxiety among students, parents, and teachers. On the first day of the “Brigada Eskwela” campaign, Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano led volunteers in a school maintenance drive at Makati Science High School, despite not informing local officials and parents beforehand. This surprise appearance led to complaints from the Makati Parents Teachers Association (PTA) who had organized their own program for the event.
Meanwhile, a group of Taguig parent-volunteers entered Benigno Aquino High School without permission but claimed they were there to help. The parents in Makati are worried about the uncertainty surrounding the transition of supervision from Makati DepEd officials to their Taguig counterparts and have urged the Taguig government to hold a dialogue to address their concerns. The Department of Education (DepEd) has already placed 14 public schools in Makati City under the supervision of the DepEd Taguig-Pateros Division based on a Supreme Court ruling in April that affirmed Taguig’s jurisdiction over certain barangays in Makati.
The affected schools include Makati Science High School, Fort Bonifacio Elementary School, Cembo Elementary School, and others. The Makati local government has displayed tarpaulins asserting its ownership of the school properties, leading to tensions between the two cities. Despite the uncertainty, Makati Mayor Abby Binay has ensured that students will continue to receive benefits and support from the city government. The DepEd has also issued a memorandum regarding the transfer of supervision.
