President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday inspected two newly completed school buildings at San Francisco High School in Quezon City, replacing facilities damaged by a fire in June 2025.
The President led the inspection of the newly constructed Dao Building and Henry Sy Sr. Hall, which together provide 60 classrooms for students of one of the country's largest public secondary schools.
In a statement, Marcos expressed satisfaction over the completion of the four-storey structures, noting that the project was finished within eight months.
“I’m very, very happy to have come here. I’m a little bit surprised, I must say. I do not think that maybe in the last 30 years that we have seen such a building, a four-storey, 60-classroom building built in eight months,” Marcos said.
“We should all be very happy about that. We should all be very proud. And it should demonstrate very clearly what can be achieved when funding is used properly. Does not go into people’s pockets, but goes directly towards these important projects such as this,” he added.
The President said the project demonstrates what can be achieved when government funds are properly utilized.
“Nais kong ipakita kapag ang pera ng gobyerno ginagamit sa tama, ito yung kaya nating gawin. Kaya nating magtayo ng four-storey, 60 classrooms in eight months time. May sprinkler system na para hindi na magkasunog ulit,” Marcos said.
During the visit, Marcos also joked about speculation surrounding his public appearances.
“Inspeksyunin niyo ng mabuti, baka sasabihin nila AI na naman akong nandito,” he said, drawing laughter from attendees.
The Dao Building was reconstructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) after the original structure was destroyed in the June 2025 fire.
Recalling the aftermath of the incident, Marcos said the building had become unusable and was nearly condemned.
“Almost one year ago na nagkasunog dito at ininspeksyon natin after that, at nakita naman natin na talagang walang-wala na. Hindi na magamit. It was even on the verge of being condemned,” he said.
“Ngunit dinesign natin nang mabuti. Originally ito, two storeys. Pero ang sinabi ko sa kanila gawin ninyo nang four dahil kaya naman. Ang pinakamaganda rin dito ay ‘yung natapos itong construction na ito in eight months,” he added.
The President also witnessed the ceremonial turnover of the newly completed Henry Sy Sr. Hall, a four-story, 24-classroom building funded by SM Supermalls.
Marcos said the additional classrooms would help address congestion in the school and eliminate the need for double-shift classes.
“Ang pinakamalaking bagay dito ay hindi na sila nagdo-double shift. Ang mga bata nakakauwi ng alas-3, alas-4. Ganoon din ‘yung ating mga guro na imbis na umuuwi ng alas-7, alas-8 ng gabi, ay nakakauwi na sila kagaya ng normal na estudyante, which is in the afternoon,” he said.
“Kaya naging mas maluwag ang schedule, naging mas maluwag ang physical location ng ating mga bata, which is conducive to better learning,” he added.
It can be recalled that the fire that destroyed the original Dao Building occurred in June 2025.
The SFHS has approximately 6,800 students and is among the largest public secondary schools in the Philippines.
