Bamban Gabaldon Elementary School

By: Illuminacion L. Navarro

Reference: Printed Program Lucky Star SY 1982-1983

The first American who came to the Philippines noticed the Filipino Children’s eagerness to acquire an education and the willingness of their parents to sacrifice just so their children will be given the benefits  of an education. This observation spurred the American Administrators to plan and implement a nationwide educational system in the Philippines.

Education in the quiet,little town of Bamban started according to the folks, while rebel guns were still smoking. American soldiers and later newly appointed policemen ran after children who refused to go to school.Filipinos studied in makeshift schoolhouse under the tutelage of American officers or soldiers as early as 1900. In August 21,1901, a larger number of American teachers arrived on the American Transport, Thomas.These American teachers were assigned to different parts of the islands. They began the instruction of Filipino “Aspirants” who in many cases taught classes of school children what they themselves had learned the weekend or evening before.English was the only language approved for use in school work,in the public school buildings,and on public school grounds. Some of the Early Filipino teachers in town were the brothers Antonino and Alberto Punsalang, Mr. Ligario Lugtu, Mr.Alejandro Lugtu, Mr. Vicente de Vera, Mr. Victor Tizon, Mr. Canda, and later Mr. Florentino Manipon, Misses Beatriz Lugtu, Consuelo Manipon and Rosario Punsalang. They taught in private houses with a monthly salary of sixteen pesos.

One of the earliest significant laws passed by the Philippine Commission was Act No.1801(approved 1907) otherwise know as the “Gabaldon Act”. It appropriated one million pesos for the construction of standard school building in Bamban began on a forested hillock donated by Bruno Sibal and the Lacanlale family. It took nearly two years to finish the 4-room structure. The sturdy building which was constructed during the term of Raymundo Punsalang as municipal president still stands firm and strong.This School and other standard schools erected during that time were named after Isauro Gabaldon, A member of the Philippines Commission and sponsor of the bill.

Classes in the school started in the school year in the school year 1914-1915. There were four classes. One in the Graded One,one in the Grade Two, one in the Grade Three and one in the Grade Four. The subject taught were Geography,Language,Reading and Arithmetic. Classes were held morning and afternoon. Mr.Pedro Esmilla, Mr. Layug, Mr.Duque, Mr.Duarte and Mr.Tizon were the pioneer teachers in the school.Unlike today, the teacher then was a person of considerable prestige in the community.Even the barrio school teacher had the opportunity to make his influence felt as a counselor of the people and as a leader in progressive and political movements.Pedro Sangalang, Victoriano Lacanlale,Alfonso Campo, Petra Evagelista and Emelia Pamintuan belong to the first batch of fourth grade graduates in March 1915.In the absence of intermediate classes in town they had to go to neighboring towns to pursue their studies.

As the years rolled by more school buildings were put up to accommodate the growing population of the school. Intermediate classes (Grade V VI &VII) were subsequently opened. No subject like music ,physical education,civics,physiology,hygiene and sanitation, drawing art industrial arts were added to the school curriculum. Teacher had to finished the secondary school undergo a 2 years training course at the Philippine Normal School before they were qualified teach. Due to burgeoning school population and the limitation of funds for the construction more buildings, then President Manuel L. Quezon advice Dr. Camilo Osias to make a study solve the problem.Thus was passed Commonwealth Act No.586 more popularly know as the “Educational Act of 1940”, which reduced the elementary course from 7 years to 6 years. The year 1941 saw the last of the grade 7 and the first of the grade 6 graduates.

The outbreak of Word War II in December 8,1941 caused the temporary suspension of classes.During the Japanese occupation in 1942 classes were resumed. Niponggo was the medium of instruction the teachers were taught conversational Niponggo.They were forbidden to use the English Language.In the morning the pupils had physical exercises. Then the Japanese flag was raised while the Japanese National Anthem was being sung. The subjects taught were Niponggo, Music and Home Economics. The members of the faculty were Miss. Demetria Sibal Mrs. Carmen N.Ocampo, Miss Adela Calaguas, Mr. Odon Navarro, Mr, Fortunato Tiglao, and Mr. Carlos Chavez, the principal. The teachers were given a monthly salary of P40.00 in Japanese curacy.

During the liberation of the Philippines the building was bombed by the Americans causing heavy damages. In February 1945 classes were once more resumed both sides of the Roman Catholic. The school building was prepared with the aid of the people of the United State of America under the Philippine Rehabilitation Act of 1946. In June 1946, classes were held Gabaldon School. Not only the building but the school itself was named Gabaldon. The teacher were Mr. Fortunato Tiglao, Mr. Odon Navarro, Mrs. Evangelina Nalo, Mrs. Carmen Ocampo, Mrs. Cirilia Santos, Mrs. Adela Calaguas and Miss Tiburla Gambol. Mr. Carlos Chavez was the principal their salary of P55.00 was drawn from PCAU.

The school lot near the market place was bartered with a bigger piece of land from don cenon Dela Cruz at the northern part of the town where the Central School Building was erected. Upon its completion it was made an intermediate school. All Grade 5 and Grade 6 pupils were required to enrol there. The Gabaldon School ( like other school ) was made primary school. In 1964-65 during incumbency of Mr. Desiderio Mercado as district supervisor the intermediate classes in Gabaldon were revived. May Lacsamana graduated as first honor that school year.

This is not a complete version of the history of BGES. However, it is hoped that this will be stepping stone to a wortheir and well-researched work. It is suggested that a more exhaustive study be undertaken soon because of dwindling materials and the passing away of persons, who on first hand, know and care.

Name of the School: BAMBAN GABALDON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Name of the School Head: Mrs. Nancy M. Garcia

Number of Teachers per Grade Level:

Kinder-2

Grade I-3

Grade II-2

Grade III-2

Grade IV-2

Grade V-4

Grade VI-4

Number of Teachers per Position:

Teacher I-1

Teacher II-2

Teacher III- 11

Master Teacher I- 3

Master Teacher II- 2

Achievement Rate per subject and grade level (as of last school year)

Organization of Home Room PTA and school clubs, CIP, Go Green Program, Waste prevention program, INSENT, Safe Ka Dito Program (Earthquake & Fire Drill), Brigada Eskwela, Outreach, Project DEAR, ECARP, ATAD, APAW, ROWD, Ariba BGES TAYO Para Sa Education, Go For Wellness (School Feeding Program, Deworming, Handwashing, and Tooth brushing), Go Excellence, Implementation of Kindergarten MTBLE curriculum, ako ay BGES Titser, ako ay Risertser, Aquisition of Office Supplies, Hanap suporta sa eskwelahan, Gawad Gandang Guro, Issuance of school site special patent.

2014-2015

2015-2016

2016-2017

2017-2018

2018-2019

Go for excellence,Implementation of Kindergarten MTBL Curriculum, Ako ay BGES Titser ,Ako ay Risertser, Acquisition of Sewing Machine & Fire Extinguishers, Acquisition of Sports Supplies, Acquisition of Office Supplies, Hanap-Suporta sa Eskwelahan,Gawad Gandang Guro Issuance of School Site Special Patent.