17-07-2025
DepEd, DOTr, UK to build 'Education City' in Taguig
The Department of Education (DepEd), together with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the United Kingdom government, has launched a major infrastructure initiative aimed at making schools more accessible through smart transit planning and climate-resilient development.
The project, called the Senate-DepEd (SEED) Transit-Oriented Development Project, aims to ease student commutes while reshaping public education spaces through the creation of Education City—a future-ready, 14-hectare complex to rise in Taguig City.
'This partnership ensures that our learners and educators will also directly benefit from a well-planned, green, and safe environment that ultimately contributes to the public education objectives,' said Education Secretary Sonny Angara.
Planned at the junction of two major railway lines—the North-South Commuter Railway and the Metro Manila Subway Project—Education City will host green school buildings, open spaces, a central transport hub, teacher accommodation, and facilities for training and events.
The development will also include commercial and residential areas designed to be walkable, connected, and sustainable.
By integrating schools within well-connected communities, the SEED Project addresses long-standing barriers to access, especially for students in Metro Manila who face long and unsafe daily commutes.
DepEd also expects the project to generate long-term revenues that could help fund new classrooms and support digital education programs nationwide.
'The UK is proud to bring in British expertise and innovation to pioneer a TOD where people can live, learn, work, and thrive — connected by efficient transport systems, designed with people at the heart, and guided by principles of sustainability and resilience,' said British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils.
A working group will oversee the implementation of the project's second phase, which involves technical studies and the development of a formal proposal to be submitted to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for approval.
Moreover, the initiative is backed by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office through its Green Cities and Infrastructure Programme. It draws inspiration from London's Elizabeth Line and will be developed in collaboration with British experts, including Crossrail International. —LDF, GMA Integrated News
