Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 14) — Some parents have sided with Makati in the Makati-Taguig border issue, saying the jurisdiction of public schools should be under the city instead of Taguig, citing the school benefits that their children receive.
Parents worry that their children may not receive the same benefits such as free school uniforms, school supplies, bags, and socks, from the local government of Taguig.
“Malungkot kami kasi alam namin ‘yung benefits dito since before pa. Tingin lang namin na hindi niya (Taguig) kaya i-provide ‘yung napo-provide ni Makati,” parent Annaliza Bermejo told CNN Philippines.
[Translation: We’re sad because we know the benefits here and we don’t think Tagiug will be able to match what Makati is providing.]
“Actually, hindi po [pabor] sa akin kasi syempre sayang din ‘yung mga benefits ng Makati,” said another parent, Ana Ria Diopenes. “Kung ano po ‘yung nae-enjoy ng mga bata na benefits na makukuha sa Makati, ‘yun pa rin sana.”
[Translation: It’s not favorable to me because we know the benefits we get from Makati. I hope the kids will still enjoy the benefits they are getting from Makati.]
The Supreme Court earlier ruled that the jurisdiction over some barangays of Makati, including 14 public schools, will be transferred to Taguig.
The Makati City government, however, claimed that the city owns the properties and put up tarpaulins in the schools with the message, “This property is owned by Makati City.”
School teachers have mixed views on the school jurisdiction dispute.
“Confusing po kasi ‘di po namin alam kung saan po talaga kami, Taguig or Makati?” West Rembo Elementary School teacher Melanie Tumaneng said.
[Translation: It’s confusing because we don’t know if we are under Taguig or Makati.]
While the school’s principal said that preparations for the class opening on August 29 are going smoothly, she hoped that the conflict between Taguig and Makati will be resolved.
“Kung patuloy na magkakaroon ng dispute ang two local governments, ang maiipit dito ay ang mga learners namin, ang mga parents, and also the teachers kasi kung sa ano, magkakaroon sila ng isipin sa kung sino na nga ba ang magte-take over,” West Rembo Elementary School principal Alma Cayabyab-Adona said.
[Translation: Learners, parents, and teachers will suffer if the dispute continues because they will wonder who will really take over.]Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano noted that some residents may be uncomfortable with the transition, but she promised to work hard to deliver the best to her constituents.
“Sisikapin ng aming konseho, ng aming mga leaders, para kung ano man ‘yung mga nakasanayan nila na marahil ay wala pa du’n sa ino-offer namin ay sa lalong madaling panahon ay maabot namin at ma-implement natin sa ating mga constituents,” the mayor said.
[Translation: The council and our leaders will exert all effort to make sure that they get the benefits they’re used to, even if these are not yet being offered now.]Meanwhile, the city government of Makati bared that the local government of Taguig refused to accept the former’s offer of free school supplies to the 14 schools.
“Alang-alang sa kapakanan ng mga kabataan at mga mamamayan ng sampung apektadong barangay, hayaan nyo na kaming magbigay ng libreng gamit at supplies ng mga estudyante. Sila po sana ang unahin natin,” Makati City Administrator Claro Certeza said in a statement.
[Translation: For the sake of the youth and residents of the ten affected barangays, allow us to give them free goods and supplies for students. Let us put them first.]
