The Department of Education (DepEd) announced on Thursday that it will temporarily take over the 14 schools in Makati City that are affected by the territorial row between the local government units (LGUs) of Makati and Taguig.

In an official statement, DepEd said the Office of the Secretary has been tasked to handle the 14 schools in Embo barangays amidst the pending transition.

"Pursuant to its mandate to provide a safe and enabling learning environment, and in the pursuit of protecting the best interest and welfare of our learners, teachers, and non-teaching personnel, the DepEd has issued DO [Department Order] 23, s. 2023 which provides that the Office of the Secretary shall directly supervise the management and administration of all 14 schools, pending a transition plan, effective immediately," it said.

DepEd said it is looking forward to "a peaceful and orderly" opening of face-to-face classes slated for August 29.

Under DO No. 23 s. 2023 dated August 16, DepEd also directed the creation of a transition committee that is tasked to prepare an inventory, collate documents, and create a final transition plan.

The committee will be composed of the following members:

• Regional Director who is assigned outside of the National Capital Region
• DepEd Schools Division Superintendent of Taguig- Pateros
• DepEd Schools Division Superintendent of Makati City
• Makati City legal officer
• Taguig City legal officer

"During the transition period, all activities to be conducted within the premises of and/or in relation to the subject public schools, including those from the Local Government Units of Makati and Taguig, shall require prior approval from the Office of the Secretary (OSec)," the education department said.

Last Monday, August 14, the Taguig LGU started taking over the management of some public schools in Makati City following the Supreme Court's (SC) ruling on the years-long land dispute.

Many parents have expressed their worry for the welfare of their children.