Rizal Technological University, Mandaluyong City
27 August 2015
President Benigno S. Aquino III led the unveiling of the marker of the newly-built Rizal Technological University (RTU) Senator Neptali A. Gonzales Academic Hall, an 11-storey building with modern information and technology facilities, library, laboratories and multi-purpose features.
In his speech, President Aquino expressed his admiration for the construction of the large building despite the limited space in the congested municipality. He said that through its state-of-the-art facilities, the teachers will now be able to teach more effectively.
“Ang hamon ko sa inyo, gamitin ang pinag-aralan para makapaghatid ng higit na benepisyo at serbisyo sa inyong kapwa. Sa inyong pagtulong, asahan naman ninyong titindig sa mas mataas na lunsaran ang mga binigyang-lakas ninyo at sa ganoong paraan, matitiyak ninyong maaabot ang mas matatayog na pangarap para sa ating bansa,” he said.
The structure has a total floor area of 15,325.68 square meters. Construction started on January 7, 2011 and was completed on April 2, 2015. It is fully equipped with mechanical facilities such as fire protection, two elevator units and a generator set.
After the inauguration, President Aquino joined Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson in a briefing on the Flood Management Masterplan for Metro Manila held at the RTU quadrangle together with House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Majority Floor Leader and Mandaluyong Lone District Representative Neptali Gonzales II, and Mandaluyong City Mayor Benjamin Abalos, Jr.
As the President explained, one of the major causes of flooding in Metro Manila and its surrounding areas is the lack of enough drainage facility for the National Capital Region (NCR). The canals are also incapable of controlling huge volumes of water. This, he said, triggers heavy flooding that also causes severe traffic.
“Ang solusyon natin: kailangan komprehensibo, buo at malinaw na Flood Management Master Plan na iprinisinta ni Secretary Babes kanina. Kailangang may dadaluyan at pupuntahan ang tubig sa tuwing bumabaha,” President Aquino said.
He also cited that additional bridges and wider roads, on the other hand, are the solution with regards to traffic problems.
The event was attended by government officials, representatives from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), RTU officials, faculty, staff and students.
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