CEBU CITY, 2 February 2025— Education Secretary Sonny Angara went on a blitz in Metro Cebu to direct his national team, break ground on a landmark school project, assess classrooms, and inaugurate new education facilities—all while joining President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the ground.
Angara joined President Marcos Jr. at the Central Visayas Regional Development Council (RDC-7) meeting, where they discussed updates on 10 presidential priority projects, major regional development challenges, and strategic solutions and interventions presented by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia and Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado hosted the regional meeting.
Aside from the RDC meeting, Angara led the groundbreaking ceremony for the country’s first 12-story, medium-rise public school building at Don Vicente Rama Memorial National High School (DVRMNHS) in Cebu City. The event was also attended by Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan, and Cebu City South District Rep. Eduardo “Edu” Rama, Jr.
“Hindi lang ito gusali. It’s not a mere building. It is a symbol of hope. Simbolo po ito ng pagmamahal sa inyo ng ating mahal na Pangulo, President Bongbong Marcos Jr.,” Angara emphasized.
Designed to withstand natural disasters, the state-of-the-art facility will be the first of its kind, boasting 42 classrooms, nine workshops, an audiovisual room, a library, a clinic, and fully equipped laboratories for home economics, computer studies, chemistry, and biology. Once completed, it will accommodate 2,000 learners in a single shift, reducing congestion, improving student safety, and allowing more students to enroll in special programs and Senior High School.
“Sa 4,000 students na nandito, makakauwi na ng maaga ‘yung kalahati doon, at masusundan pa itong building na ito,” Angara added.
Sec. Angara also witnessed the inauguration of the newly completed covered court and gymnasium at Lapu-Lapu City College, where Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan joined him. The project was funded by Angara as a Senator in 2020.
Rounding off his visit, Angara inspected Cansojong National High School in Talisay City with Talisay City Mayor Samsam Gullas, ensuring the school’s preparedness for upcoming local and global assessments, and toured the modern Arts and Design building at Lo-ok National High School in Lapu-Lapu City.
Sec. Angara also met with NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco, Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Lagdameo Jr., other Cabinet members, and local officials from the region during the day’s activities.