BURUANGA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Category: Cultural Institution

District of Buruanga

Background Information

Buruanga Elementary School

Municipality/City: Buruanga

Province: Aklan

Location/Address:Poblacion, Buruanga, Aklan

Narrative Description

The later part of the eighteenth century saw the shifting of rule from Spaniards to the Americans which was considered significant by many Buruanganons. The shift was towards the development of new social patterns. There was a policy to extend the system of primary and elementary education to all. The Americans established schools for education. However, Buruanganons had no place to go for their studies except for far-off Nabas or Ibajay. One had to hike from Buruanga to reach the place. It was a problem due to constraints of transportation, facilities, distance, terrain, and money. Notable among the first who studied in Nabas were the late Tiburcio Ascano and Guillermo Sualog. They were the prominent patriarch who moved the people of Buruanga to plan, aspire, and decide in the end, to open an elementary school in their midst.

Don Guillermo Sualog and other prominent men of Buruanga made representation to Don Tiburcio Ascano to encourage him to donate a part of his hilly parcel of land for the school site. Don Guillermo Sualog also donated a parcel of land together with Nicolas O. Prado, Clodualdo Dagohoy, Alipio Asuncion, and Apreniano Ascano. This now comprises the Buruanga Elementary School site with an area of 33, 112 square meters. Buruanga Elementary School nestled in the high hills, is noted for its magnificent setting and idyllic beauty. The setting sun as seen atop the school grounds can far outshine the beauty and luster of the well-publicized “Sunset of Manila Bay”.

As can be vividly pictured, it is indeed, a school that possesses a suitable ambiance for learning and play which are fundamental in the holistic formation of every child.

In the early ’50s, the Buruanga Elementary School had a Gabaldon-type school building. Unfortunately, a super typhoon destroyed all these structures in 1962. The school, meanwhile, occupied private houses nearby. We may say she is now in improved condition. But the ideal is still far. She is still short of many things that make an institution a real source of inspiration and administration. This is even why this First Grand Alumni Homecoming- to earn so much funding to improve the facilities of the school.

Through the years, enrollment increased remarkably, and this, therefore, created the need for more classrooms. The Buruanga Elementary School today is a picture of growth and progress. Indeed, it is a school that challenges every child to soar high by giving utmost recognition to his/her uniqueness and individuality. Over the years, the BES has proven its quality academic standing by producing numerous outstanding graduates here and abroad who are successful in their respective fields of endeavor.

The school has a personnel complement of twenty-two teachers including the principal. With the concerted efforts of the key personnel and the teaching force, the delivery of priority education development programs and projects was enhanced over the years.

BES is the realization of the dream and obsession of our people. The school is a precious legacy bequeathed to the youth and the people of Buruanga by the builders of our basic learning and culture. It is for these beneficiaries to treasure and preserve this legacy for posterity. From its humble beginning, to what it is now, BES will remain steadfast and strong to the changes of times.

Past and Present School Principals Oseas Del Rosario, Pedro Solidum, Nicolas Prado, Alejandro R. Torrea, Benjamin Diaz, Hugo S. Labindo, Jaime S. Prado, Sr., Luther V. Panaguiton, Jr, Felix Telan,Sarlita L. Sualog, Carlos D. Dumalaog and Rosa R. Sualog.

Past Educators Lucia A. Sualog, Melanie Manares, Nenita Tordesillas, Josifina Marasigan, Dialeta Delos Reyes, Editha Almero, Sofia Ismael, Teresita Icawalo, Jovito Talabucon, Bonifacio Dagohoy, Sylvia Prado, Nelia Salido, Aurora Casis, Leonito Emen, Jocelyn Meren, Aurelia Catuiran, Aurea Malayas, Corazon Roldan, Gloria Roldan Avelina L. Sardon, Nollie R. Prado, Esperanza Usuraga, Yolanda S. Prado, Magdalena Maypa, Susana Ostan, Bienvinido Coching, Amando Eleazar, Evelyn T. Dagohoy, Vivencio Sardon, Maria Varon, Melinda Traje, Jimena Exito, Carina Prado, Paz R. Cortez, Myrna Gonzales, Nena Iscala, Jubileo Enriquez, Edmundo Israel, Salvacion Zaraspe, Teddy Lorenzo, Candido M. Labindao, Florida Perez, Antonio L. Sualog, Bruno Salibio, Evacueto Oquendo, Florida P. Salmingo, Trinidad F. Labindao, Paciencia Caunca, Guillermina L. Francisco, Anita Sta. Maria, Jovelisa S. Talabucon, Erlina F. Oquendo, Gloria B. Sualog, Camilo E. Estillero, Lilia S. Perez, Gil Manares, Purificacion F. Quinones, Carlito Iguiron, Esperidion Prado, Salome E. Sualog, Merlinda M. Panganiban, Remedios A. Adante, Virginia D. Sualog, Ma. Luz V. Prado, Dolieta Y. Sualog, Epifania L. Cabangon, Catalina Q. Prado, Luda P. Fernandez, Daisy R. Sualog, Leticia C. Tolentino, Hector L. Oquendo, Carmelina S. Prado, Emelita A. Panagsagan, Nolita M. Flores, Bernardita B. Prado, Rosarito A. Barrientos, Ma. Luz F. Dagohoy, Daisy L. Oquendo, Jasmine E. Prado, Alicia A. Rojo, Noli A. Panganiban, Sharon P. Fernandez, Carmen O. Sanay, Evangeline O. Tabo, Eriberta B. Malicse, Vicente C. Cajilig, Merisa P. Malayas, Myrna O. Cajilig, Esther P. Alvarez, Sol Fideles, Redona M. Prado, Emilia M. Asuncion, Jovita E. Aprentado, Rosa R. Sualog, Silhouette E. Demafiles, Daniel E. Prado, Belle Marie Roldan, Jerusha B. Iguiron, Mary Zenith R. Dumalaog, Julie Reina Apolinario, Lilia T. Panganiban, Juancho P. Dela Cruz, Benita F. Oquendo, Daisy C. Prado, Minnie L. Caunca, Leilani D. Zaldivar.

Present Educators Melanie O. Tropa, Irene Joy B. Barraca, Joli P. Ilin, Ana Mae A. Nerviol, Lorebic P. Alamis, Ellyn Joy F. Oquendo, April Rose E. Obra, Mary Rose S. Acosta, Michael Lo Bañas, Romano B. Casuncad, Ma.Linda C. Panganiban, Flordelita P. Precioso, Carolyn I. Santero, Decs L. Flores, Mary Larchy D. Mano, Lyzander E. Dioso, Queendolyn C. Gilongos, Mary Lee P. Arieta, Annie J. Rojo, Mary Grace Z. Baco, Marcos A. Sualog and Vincent Dee L. Flores.

Description of Significant Milestones

Buruanga Elementary School has been competitive in various categories and brought home awards and recognitions. Several teachers were also recipients of excellence awards:

Mrs. Joli P. Ilin, Master Teacher II, received various awards: 2022 National Semi-Finalist and Regional Winner of Dangal ng Bayan Award of the Philippine Civil Service Commission during the prestigious Search for Outstanding Government Workers, Outstanding District Araling Panlipunan Coordinator during Pagkilaea 2021 in the Division of Aklan, District Child Protection and GAD Coordinator Division Awardee (2021), she was also awarded as National, Regional, Division Learning Resource Writer/Contextualizer and National Learning Resource Evaluator during Pagkilaea 2020, National Awardee of Boy Scout of the Philippines-Bronze Service Award on 2017 and 2016 Aklan’s Ten Outstanding Mentors (ATOM) Awardee. Mrs. Melanie O. Tropa, Master Teacher I, was awarded as Outstanding Division ELLN Coordinator during Pagkilaea 2021. Mrs. Carolyn I. Santero, Teacher III, was awarded a plaque of Recognition as District Child Protection and Gender and Development (GAD) Coordinator during the Division GAD Awarding Ceremony.

Buruanga Elementary School was the first school in the District of Buruanga and among the pioneering schools in the Division of Aklan to open during the Limited Face to Face Classes in 2021 under the visionary leadership of Mrs. Rosa R. Sualog, Principal I.

The School Gulayan through Mr. Marcos A. Sualog, District Agriculture Coordinator has been recognized in the Division of Aklan. Gender and Development (GAD) was recognized as one of the Best Implementers in the Division. Pupils excel in Sports, Cultural, Academics, and Arts Contests up to the National Level.

Mr. Lyzander E. Dioso, Master Teacher I excelled in Sports and participated up to the national level, Mrs. Ellyn Joy O. Tañega, Teacher III was also one of the writers/contextualizers up to the national level. Mrs. Mary Lee P. Arieta, Special Eucation (SPED) Teacher has represented in pieces of training up to the national level, Mr. Romano B. Casuncad, Special Program for Journalism adviser has joined Journalism activities up to the regional level. Mrs. Ma. Linda C. Panganiban, National Gold Service Award of Boy Scout of the Philippines, and Mrs. Flordelita P. Precioso, Scouting National Bronze Service Award. Other teachers were also designated as District Coordinators- Mrs. Mary Rose S. Acosta, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) District Coordinator, Mrs. Lorebic P. Alamis, District Remedial Reading Coordinator, Mary Larchy D. Mano, Science and Health Coordinator, Mrs. Annie J. Rojo, District Music Coordinator, Vincent Dee L. Flores, District Alternative Learning System Coordinator.

Stories and Narratives

• Professional Graduates.</h4> Buruanga Elementary School (BES) has produced thousands of graduates dating from its foundation in 1932. Many successful individuals graduated from this institution and landed in different professions like Education, Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry, Priesthood, Criminology, Business Management, Marine, Information and Communication Technology, Agriculture, Hotel and Restaurant Management, Pharmacy, Seafarers, Law, and all other professions. They have served and some are presently serving both public and private offices, in the country and foreign lands.

• Personal Accounts/Tales.</h4> As narrated by BES Teacher Lorebic P. Alamis, from the experience of her younger sister when she was a Kindergarten Pupil in this school in 1990, she saw a headless priest inside the comfort room while she was peeing. The headless priest was floating in the air. To her fright, she immediately went out of the toilet and told her classmates who were waiting outside. When they entered the toilet, the priest had disappeared. They told the incident to their teacher and other classmates and so there was a commotion and fear was felt in the campus that day. That was the first and last time that the headless priest was seen.

Ma’am Melanie O. Tropa a Kindergarten teacher now of BES shared her story about her classmate when they were in Grade Six in the year 1999. They were in the middle of their class when her classmate Eduardo shouted “Indi ako magsunod sa inyo!” He told them that there were three persons trying to drag and bring him out but they don’t see anybody else. In the next class in another classroom, the same incident occurred. The whole class was in fear that day! The next few days it happened again to Eduardo and so they were already afraid to be with him. Their teachers did some prayers and rituals by putting ginger, lighted candles, and rosary which they believed had dispelled the believed bad spirits.

Aside from that, there were also stories of sighting white ladies, horrifying shadows, giant folklores (kapre), and elves.

Logo

• Lighted Torch. TA lighted torch symbolizes the guiding light for every learner for them to reach their aspirations in life and to keep the flame burning in search of knowledge.

• Globe with Rays. Globe means we are preparing learners to be globally competitive individuals and the sun’s rays represent the light that can guide them as they explore the world.

• Wreath Laurel. A laurel wreath stands for the achievements and victories of every learner.

• Open Book with DepEd Logo. Represents the knowledge and lifelong learning that every learner can achieve through the guidance of the teachers under the supervision of the Department of Education.

• Quill Feather Pen. Symbolizes the assistive instrument that a learner can use in pursuing his/her search for knowledge.

• Year 1932. The 1932 shows the year the school was founded.

• Two Stars on Opposite Side. The 2 stars on the opposite side represent the regular curriculum and the special programs being offered by the school.

• Blue Water. Represents the water body of the sea where most of the barangays lie beside it and serve as a source of livelihood.

• Ten Lines at the Back of the Globe. Represents the ten subject areas: English, Filipino, Science, Mathematics, Araling Panlipunan, Mother Tongue, MAPEH, Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao, Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan and Special Program in Journalism.

• Agricultural Land. Represents the agricultural source of livelihood of the families of the learners.

• Rope Surrounding the Logo. The rope represents the firm commitment and unity of the Department of Education, teachers and employees, pupils, parents/guardians, and other stakeholders to uphold quality education.

Type of Cultural Institution

Formal Education. K-12 Basic Education Curriculum from Kindergarten to Grade VI with Alternative Learning System.

Significance

Historical: From its foundation to the present, for the first time that the school was recognized in the entire country when in 2022, Joli Panganiban-Ilin, Master Teacher II of this institution won as one of the National Semi-Finalists of Dangal ng Bayan Award of the Philippine Civil Service Commission during the prestigious Search for Outstanding Government Workers. She received a Certificate of Recognition and a cash prize from the agency. Her qualification to the national level steamed from her stint as Regional Winner in the whole Region VI as Dangal ng Bayan Award of the Civil Service Commission. In 2016, she was also the first Buruanganon to win as one of Aklan’s Ten Outstanding Mentors (ATOM) in the Division of Aklan bagging the Top 3 post. All these have brought honor and pride to the school and the whole community.

After the Covid-19 pandemic, Buruanga Elementary School was the first school in the District of Buruanga and among the pioneering schools in the Division of Aklan to open during the Limited Face to Face Classes in 2021 under the visionary leadership of Mrs. Rosa R. Sualog, Principal I.

Aesthetic: Buruanga Elementary School serves as an important landmark in the Municipality of Buruanga as it is nestled atop a hill facing the West Philippine Sea and the lush green vegetation surrounding it. Continuous maintenance and beautification of the school surroundings and premises are implemented by the school administrator.

Economic: The school provided the foundation of education for the learners and served as their tool in achieving success in the different professional and endeavors in life that have alleviated the standard of living as well as the gross domestic product of the municipality.

Social: This learning institution plays an important role in the various social activities in the municipality through active and productive involvement in every endeavor that requires the participation of school personnel and pupils.

Political: Buruanga Elementary School has been the training ground for local leaders as they were exposed to school politics at an early age. School leadership in various organizations molded them and became effective and efficient leaders of this municipality. Municipal Mayors, Vice Mayors, Sangguniang Bayan Members, Barangay Captains, and other officials were the products of this institution. The school was also utilized as Voting Precinct during the election period.

Spiritual: Spirituality has been taught in all classes that kept pupils aware of their relationship to the Creator making them God-fearing, loving, and caring for others. The pupils were taught catechism by the volunteer catechists. The school also celebrated Holy Spirit Mass once a year.

Assessment of the Institution

Condition/Status of the Institution

Most of the school buildings are in good condition and conducive to learning for the pupils. Continuous maintenance is carried out with general funds from Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE). A dilapidated Marcos Building is scheduled for demolition and replacement soon. Parents Teachers Association (PTA), alumni, and other donors also help in the provision of other needs for the improvement of the school. The designated school library is being worked out for improvement. There is no complete concrete perimeter fence for the school. Water supply facilities need more improvement.

Constraints/Threats/Issues/Challenges

Due to the long years after its construction, the Marcos Building needs to be replaced, and waiting for the implementation of the project from the Central Office. The school library building is newly put up and needs ample time for improvement. The funds for constructing the perimeter fence have to be allocated. Although there is a continuous water supply, a bigger water tank is needed, especially for the classrooms located on the hilltop.

Measures and Description of Safeguarding Measures Taken

A follow-up to the Division Engineering Office was conducted by the school administrator for the Marcos Building project. Solicitation for books and library needs among alumni and other stakeholders was done. Gradual construction of a perimeter fence through PTA and other stakeholders was solicited. The budget for a bigger water tank must be allocated from MOOE as one of the WINS projects.

References

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION:

Print, write-ups

KEY INFORMANT/S:

ROSA R. SUALOG<

School Principal I, Buruanga Elementary School District of Buruanga

CARLOS D. DUMALAOG

Retired Principal, In-charge of the District

MELANIE O. TROPA

Master Teacher I

Buruanga Elementary School

LOREBIC P. ALAMIS

Teacher III

Buruanga Elementary School

REFERENCE/S AND OTHER RESOURCES:

Erlrenerich(Class of 1962)

NAME OF PROFILER/MAPPER:

JOLI PANGANIBAN-ILIN

Master Teacher II

Buruanga Elementary School

LANGUAGE EXPERT:

DIONADITH GAY H. ISTURIS

Teacher III

Numancia Integrated School

LAY-OUT ARTIST:

EZEQUIAS C. BANSULI

Master Teacher I

Manocmanoc Elementary School

CONTENT EVALUATORS:

DENNIS E. BONTOGON

Master Teacher III

Kalibo Pilot Elementary School

WIKI EDITOR:

ERWIN P. NAVAREZ

Teacher I

Buruanga Vocational School

APPROVED:

RUBY AGNES B. ESTRADA, PhD

Education Program Supervisor

Araling Panlipunan

DATE PROFILED:

September 30, 2022