Kalibo Pilot Elementary School

Category: Institution

District of Kalibo I

I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

(Facade of the structure where the cultural institution holds office) Photo by Dennis E. Bontogon (2022)

MUNICIPALITY/CITY: KALIBO
PROVINCE: AKLAN
LOCATION/ADDRESS: MABINI STREET, POBLACION

(Logo of the institution with description of the symbols and meanings)

Outer Rim - Presents the educational institution with its location

Inner Circle - Stands as a hub of the institution – the Department of Education

Torch - Upholds quality education and as cultural institution

Globe - Inculcating patriotism in a global community

Book - Provides basic education and ordained four core values

Laurel - Committed to a culture of excellence in public service

1901 - The founding year of the school

TYPE OF CULTURAL INSTITUTION:

(Indicate if it is a library, museum, formal education, alternative learning system, gallery and/or others)
Kalibo Pilot Elementary School is an educational institution undertaking the systematic and deliberate process of hierarchically structured and sequential learning corresponding to the general concept of elementary level of schooling. At the end of each level, the learner needs a certification in order to enter or advance to the next level.

II. NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION

(Include the mandate, history, officials, contact details and other pertinent data)
Kalibo Pilot Elementary School was established by virtue of Act No. 74 on January 21, 1901, as authorized by the Department of Public Instruction. Mr. Thomas Leonard, Supervisor of the province of Capiz reported to the Department:
“Among the first schools to be established were those at…Calivo which was started by the 6th Infantry Regiment.”
As a recognized public school and with the advent of 523 American teachers or popularly called as Thomasites who arrived in Manila on August 21, 1901, two Thomasites were assigned in Calivo.
Calivo Central School was accommodated temporarily at the Escuelahan it Hari (Museo it Akean). In 1912, upon the implementation of Act No. 2029, Calivo was awarded funds for the construction of the first Gabaldon Schoolhouse in Aklan thru the supplication of Emiliano Baltazar Acevedo, the then Presidente Municipal de Calivo. Hitherto known as Kalibo Elementary School and renamed to Kalibo Pilot Elementary School in 1964 as an exemplar educational institution and even named as Regional Center of Excellence in Makabayan in 2001.
Henceforth, since 1901 the school’s heritage has been committed to a culture of excellence in public service in the task of educating the Filipino children and laid the foundation for life-long learning and service for the common good.
The school educates about 2,650 enrollees from Kindergarten to Grade Six pupils including learners with special needs through the tutelage of the school principal, Mr. Allan T. Relloto. His office is located in the Gabaldon building with contact number #268-4775.

DESCRIPTION OF SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES:

It is one of the first schools established in 1901 as mandated by Act No. 74 on January 21, 1901. Based from the account, several American teachers or known as Thomasites were assigned in school as primary and intermediate teachers.
In 1912, a Gabaldon Schoolhouse was constructed and noted as the first Gabaldon building in Aklan. The same building was awarded as the Most Functional Decentralized Learning Resource Center (DLRC) in the whole Philippines in 1987.
Among its graduates who have manifested cultural-value: Archbishop Gabriel Martelino Reyes, the first Filipino archbishop in the Philippines; first Aklan Governor Jose Raz Menez, writer and historian; Godofredo Peralta Ramos, the Father of Aklan; Dr. Beato Aguirre de la Cruz, educator and author/writer; and World War II Hero and Martyr, Capt. Gil Menez Mijares.
In 1964, the school was designated as an exemplar institution in the development of the Department of Education. American Peace Corps volunteer David Zorc founded and directed Kalibo Boys Choir in 1967 wherein the members are KPES school children. The most successful achievement of this choir was a Christmas Concert in December 1967 and with the implementation of Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001 (RA 9155), the school was identified to regulate the said Act as Center for Excellence in MAKABAYAN in the whole Region VI.
Commemorated its centenary year in 2001 as well as the Gabaldon Schoolhouse in 2012. And this year 2022 marks the centennial celebration of the Mabini monument afront Gabaldon building which was built in 1922.
The school is offering various curricular programs: curriculum for Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSENs); Special Education (Fast Learners); Special Program in Journalism (SPJ); Madrasah (for Muslim school children); Regular Classes; and Alternative Learning System (ALS).

III. STORIES AND NARRATIVES

As a cultural institution, it exemplified by participation and production of the teachers in various cultural events such as contests (teacher category) and concerts. Retirees recalled how they prepared for the regional level folk dance competition carrying school’s banner and taking pride as victorious. And holding concerts where teachers performed for a benefit show.
Even American Peace Corps David Zorc passionately founded and directed Kalibo Boys Choir in 1967 with KPES school children.
In the same manner, pupil performers excelled in different performing and non-performing arts competitions. A back-to-back title for school’s children choral bagging 2nd Place in National Festival of Talents (NFOT) in 2019 and 2020. Recently, Gabrielle Therese R. Espino, a 4th Runner-up in National Creative Painting Contest in 2021, was admitted as scholar to the Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA) in Mt. Makiling, Los Baños, Laguna. And Mr. Dennis E. Bontogon was adjudged as 2022 National Champion in Best Gabaldon Write-up featuring the famous graduates in the like of Hero and Martyr Capt. Gil M. Mijares and the Father of Aklan Hon. Godofredo P. Ramos, awarded by DepEd Central Office.
Produced numerous achievements in different discipline both by teachers and pupils from local to international competitions such as, IMC International Mathematics Competitions (2014-2015); Asia Pacific Cup 2020 International Rhythmic Gymnastics; National Champion in News Writing (2014 NSPC); Mga Bagong Rizal: 2015 Pag-asa ng Bayan Awardee; and gold medalist in Tennis (2018 Palarong Pambansa).
Regarded as the Home of Aklan’s Ten Outstanding Mentors (ATOM) Awardees: Mr. Dennis E. Bontogon (2014), Mrs. Gemma R. Nicolas (2015), Mrs. Antonette G. Ferrer (2016), Mrs. Maricel T. Salazar (2017), Mr. Frederick G. Iguban (2018), and Mrs. Arnie C. Ventura (2023).

IV. SIGNIFICANCE

Indicate type of significance, e.g. historical, aesthetic, economic, social, political, spiritual and then explain

Historical. Centenarian institution founded in 1901 which upholds cultural dimensions of teachers and learners in diverse programs and projects in national, regional, provincial, and local.
Aesthetic. Artistic creations have been displayed through productions and presentations in diverse performing and non-performing arts.
Economic. The bayanihan values have been observed during the cultural events which generous donors and sponsors voluntarily shared resources in kind and/or monetary contributions.
Social. It’s become folks gathering of all strata in the locality considering the family tradition and prestige that they are part of the production as well as the entertainment aspect of the event.
Political. In promoting cultural program and project, the school has been inviting local officials to affirm their advocacy to enrich school children’s multiple talents. And as school-based political practice, during elections campaign, pupils engaged in presenting their talents to vote them.
Spiritual. School’s children choral group led the community in singing during the campus Eucharistic celebration. And an interpretative dance presentation has been observed as introductory prayer or doxology as part of the school’s program.

V. ASSESSMENT OF THE INSTITUTION

A. CONDITION/STATUS OF THE INSTITUTION
An important vehicle for the teaching and learning of national values and for developing in the Filipino learners love of country and pride in its rich heritage.

B. CONSTRAINTS/ THREATS/ ISSUES/ CHALLENGES: (Reasons for the condition/status)
In considerations hereof are administrative priority project and undertaking and the capability of teachers to continuously promote cultural enrichment programs.

C. MEASURES AND DESCRIPTION OF SAFEGUARDING MEASURES TAKEN:
Sustainability of the cultural programs and projects so as to maintain teachers’ capability and competence.

VI. REFERENCES

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: (Tick appropriate box/es)

[/] Print, write-ups
[ ] Audio/video recording
[/] Photographs and sketches
[ ] Others __________________________

KEY INFORMANT:	Mr. Allan T. Relloto
REFERENCE/S AND OTHER RESOURCES:	The Founding History: Kalibo Pilot Elementary School By Dennis E. Bontogon DECS Service 2000
NAME OF PROFILER/MAPPER:	Dennis E. Bontogon
LANGUAGE EXPERT:	Fatima Grace R. Jaleco
LAY-OUT ARTIST:
DATE PROFILED:	September 26, 2022