GENERAL TRIAS CITY, Cavite — A team from the Office of the City Engineer and the Office of the City Mayor conducted a site inspection on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Luis Y. Ferrer Jr. North National High School (LYFJNNHS) in preparation for the construction of a 7 meter entrance canopy aimed at enhancing safety and convenience for learners and parents.

The inspection team, led by Engr. Shae Ann S. Francisco from the Office of the City Engineer and Mr. Denver John M. Colorado from the Office of the City Mayor, assessed the school’s main entrance area where the new canopy will soon rise. The visit forms part of the city’s continuing infrastructure support to public schools across General Trias.

According to Engr. Francisco, the project’s design has been recently improved to better respond to school based needs, particularly during emergencies and periods of inclement weather. “This canopy will serve as a safe waiting area for parents and students, especially during rainy days, and its new design is much more conducive for a school setting,” she said during the on site evaluation.

Mr. Colorado likewise emphasized the city government’s commitment to ensuring accessible and learner friendly school facilities. “We want to make sure that every infrastructure we build contributes to student safety and comfort, and this entrance canopy will definitely support that goal,” he noted.

North High Principal Dr. Naneth P. Salvador welcomed the inspection team and expressed gratitude for the city’s continued assistance to the school. She highlighted how the planned structure aligns with the school’s ongoing efforts to further strengthen safety and orderliness during peak hours. “This canopy will greatly help manage the flow of students during arrival and dismissal, while protecting them from heat and rain,” she said.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has long underscored the value of school canopies as multi functional structures supporting both safety and learning. In disaster prone regions such as Cavite, covered spaces offer an immediate layer of protection during sudden weather disturbances while promoting safe movement across school grounds.

Beyond safety, the new canopy is also envisioned to support extended learning spaces—a practice encouraged in DepEd basic education programs. Canopies allow teachers and learners to conduct outdoor activities, enabling a more flexible and engaging learning environment. They may also serve as temporary classroom extensions or sheltered walkways contributing to efficient campus circulation.

Dr. Salvador emphasized that the upcoming project aligns with the school’s physical development roadmap. “North High remains committed to creating safe, student-centered spaces, and this project shows how strong collaboration between the school and the city government can truly uplift our learning environment,” she added.

City officials said construction will start as soon as final measurements and engineering requirements are completed. The 7 meter entrance canopy is expected to provide immediate benefits to thousands of learners, parents, and personnel who pass through the school gates daily.

The school expressed optimism that the project will be completed ahead of the rainy season, reinforcing its preparedness for weather related challenges and further improving its campus facilities for the community it serves. ~Dolor, TNT