President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. spearheaded a major step toward modernizing Philippine school infrastructure on Thursday, inspecting newly installed prefabricated classrooms at Mariveles National High School (MNHS)-Alasasin Annex. The initiative highlights a strategic shift toward innovative, modular technology to solve the nationwide classroom shortage.
The Department of Education (DepEd), under Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara, is prioritizing these modular units to bypass the lengthy timelines of traditional construction. In a remarkable display of efficiency, the classrooms at the Alasasin Annex were completed in less than two weeks.
“This initiative offers a practical interim solution while permanent school buildings are being developed,” Secretary Angara noted. The project was made possible through the support of First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and the Next Gen Foundation, showcasing a successful synergy between the government and private sector.
The new facilities will immediately benefit 1,031 students at the MNHS-Alasasin Annex. The school had been facing a projected shortage of five classrooms due to a surge in enrollment, a gap that these prefabricated structures have now effectively closed.
Prior to the inspection, the President also visited the production site of Corner Stone Corp. (CSC) in Barangay Alasasin. Accompanied by Bataan Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III and CSC President Engr. Alfredo Comendador Jr., the President viewed firsthand how these modular components are manufactured to ensure quality and durability.
Recognizing that a conducive learning environment requires more than just four walls, the President also led the distribution of digital learning devices and launched the “YAKAP at Kalinga Caravan.” This holistic health initiative—a joint effort between the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) and DepEd—provided the school community with:
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Free medical and dental consultations
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On-site laboratory services and essential medicines
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Vision screening for students and faculty
“Our goal is to support the overall well-being of our learners and teachers,” President Marcos Jr. stated, emphasizing that health and technology are vital pillars in the government’s broader strategy to strengthen the Philippine education sector.
