Kalibo Elementary School

Kalibo Elementary School

(Facade of the structure where the cultural institution holds office)

I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

MUNICIPALITY/CITY: KALIBO

PROVINCE: AKLAN

LOCATION/ADDRESS: XIX MARTYRS ST. POBLACION KALIBO AKLAN

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

Kalibo Elementary School	name of the educational institution
Kalibo, Aklan	name where the institution is situated
Green Circle	signifies unity, wholeness and infinity towards achieving quality education
Green Color of the Logo	represent commitment and community to continuously improve creativity and soar excellence
Torch	as educational institution, it serves as a beacon of light for our learners to see the path towards a bright future and eradicating, darkness of ignorance
Open Book	symbolizes that knowledge is freely shared to everyone
Laurel leaves	stands for knowledge and learning

TYPE OF CULTURAL INSTITUTION:

(Indicate if it is a library, museum, formal education, alternative learning system, gallery and/or others)

Kalibo Elementary School is a public educational institution that provides quality education programs and services. It is identified as the central school among the nine (9) schools of the District of Kalibo II. The school identification number issued by the DepEd is 114756. The school has the complete educational program from Kindergarten to Grade 6 and an alternative learning system with a core curriculum. The school is composed of 46 teaching staff, of which 3 are Master Teacher II, 5 Master Teacher I, 20 Teacher III, 7 Teacher II and 7 Teacher I. It has a total land size of 8, 254 sq.m. and serves a thousand learners each year.

II. NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION

(Include the mandate, history, officials, contact details and other pertinent data)
Kalibo Elementary School was founded in 1901 upon the enactment of Act Number 74 by the Second Philippine Commission. The act formally established the primary schools that year and the intermediate schools in 1904.

Mr. Thomas Leonard, Supervisor-Inspector of Public Works of Capiz Province, reported to Dr. Fred Atkinson, General Superintendent od Public Instruction, that the first schools established were in Calivo which were started by the Infantry Regiment.

With the arrival of five hundred twenty-three American Thomasite teachers in Manila on August 21, 1901, twenty-three were assigned in Calivo.

Calivo Central School was housed in Escuelahan it Hari (Museo de Aklan) in 1912, Act Number 2029 granted the petition of Emeliano Baltazar Acevedo, Presidente Municipal de Calivo, for the construction of a Gabaldon School House. The building was labeled Building 1 known as Calivo Elementary School.

The growth in pupil’s population called for more school buildings. Building 1 being in a big lot, housed the intermediate grades. In the block, several buildings were constructed: Home Economics, Industrial Arts, Lunch Counter and a building for offices. The block was enclosed by Toting Reyes Street on the east; Roxas Avenue on the North; Mabini Street on the West and 19 Martyrs Street on the South. This block was later known as Compound 1.

The primary classes were in a building on the west side of Compound 1. This block was bounded on the east by Mabini Street, on the north by Archbishop Reyes Street, on the west by Veterans Avenue and on the south by 19 Martyrs Street. This became Compound II.

Additional building was constructed on the block south of Compound II. This accommodated primary grades classes. Enclosing the block were Mabini Street on the east; 19 Martyrs Street on the north; Veterans Avenue on the west and F. Quimpo Street on the south. This became Compound III.

In 19955, a massive fire razed buildings in Rizal Street. Commercial establishment, residential houses and even the municipal building were reduced to ashes.

The new municipal building was constructed in the lot in front of Compound II. This lot was the vegetable garden of intermediate pupils. The municipal building was built close to Veterans Avenue. The space along Mabini Street was turned into a park named after President Magsaysay the bill separating Aklan from Capiz Province. He was supposed to attend the inauguration of Aklan as a new province on April 25, 1957. Unluckily for Aklanons, President Magsaysay died in a plane crash in Mt. Manungal in Cebu on March 17, 1957.

New trends and innovations in education require intensive in-service training for teachers. It was deemed necessary to have a model school with committed teachers to spearhead the implementation of these new trends.

Kalibo Elementary School being in the capital town in Aklan, was chosen to serve as the pilot school. Thus, in the early 60’s, Kalibo Elementary School became Kalibo Pilot Elementary School.

In 1985, Kalibo was split into two districts: District I and District II. Kalibo District I is composed of schools in New Buswang, Andagao, Pook, Caano, Nalook, Briones, Mabilo and Kalibo Pilot Elementary School as the Central School. Mr. Fulgencio Tumbokon was the District Supervisor.

Comprising the District of Kalibo II are schools in Estancia, Tigayon, Linabuan Norte, Tinigaw, Mobo, Bakhaw Norte, Buswang Old-Bakhaw Sur and Kalibo Elementary School (formerly KPES Compound II) as the Central School. Supervising District of Kalibo II was Mrs. Sefalina D. Peralta. Mr. Romeo Tumaob was assigned principal of the central school.

Two Grade V classes and two Grade VI classes were moved from the Kalibo Pilot School to Kalibo Elementary School. These were the two lowest sections in the Kalibo Pilot Elementary School. Moving with the children were Mrs. Jessie Y. Gerardo, Master Teacher I, Mrs. Jeanette Vizcarra, Physical Education Teacher, Mrs. Elisa I. Jimenez, Master Teacher I and Mrs. Mora S. Teodosio, Master Teacher II.

The move took place in January 1985. The once lowest sections in all grade levels got the chance to be Section I. In March that year, Kalibo Elementary School had the first graduates with emy dela Cruz as the first honors.

The teachers were challenged to exert their best efforts and strategies to convince and inspire the parents to motivate their children to attend school regularly, do their homework and participate in school activities. Parent-teacher conferences were held and problems and concerns were discussed and resolved. The teachers showed they are capable of producing excellent pupils. More pupils join contests and other school activities. They gained self-esteem and always looked forward for activities and projects that were both fun and challenging.

In 1987, Mrs. Mora S. Teodosio won the Metrobank Foundation nationwide search for ten outstanding educators. She was the first recipient of the award for elementary level, large school category. In 1989, Miss Jessy Y. Gerardo, the District Science Coordinator won the same award.

Mrs. Jeanete I. Vizcarra, District Physical Education Coordinator, organized the Drum and Lyre Corps in 1988. According to Mrs. Vizcarra, they were the first to organize the marching band in the Division of Aklan.

In 1990-1991, SPARK (Spell, Pronounce, Act, Recite, Know) was undertaken by the Speak English Club in cooperation with the Pupil Government. This was an educational-cultural fund-raising project aimed at improving the school facilities from the proceeds. The Science Club, Future Homemakers of the Philippines Club, Physical Education Club, Filipino Club, Music Club and Mathematicians Club joined the fund-raising and their share from the proceeds were used for their club’s project. The Pupil Government constructed concrete mini-fence along the pathway from the gate to the intermediate grades building. These served as seats for pupils during recess and for parents while waiting for a conference to start or for their children’s dismissal.

Kalibo Elementary School won as the Most Effective Elementary School in the Division in 1990. This was made possible through the combined efforts of teachers, pupils, parents and the community. The strong leadership of the District Supervisor, Mr. Fulgencio Tumbokon and Mrs. Mora S. Teodosio, Master Teacher II, in-charge of the school, could be a factor too.

In the year 1999, Kalibo Elementary School was separated from Kalibo Elementary School I. It was initiated by the newly promoted principal that time, Mrs. Remia H. Donguines. Some teachers of Kalibo Elementary School had transferred to the new established school. Later on, Kalibo Elementary School II was renamed Kalibo Integrated Special Education Center to pave way and cater the children with special needs. Through the years, teachers of Kalibo Elementary School never failed to inspire, to counsel, to instill moral values and encourage pupils to follow their dreams. Many KES graduates have become teachers, nurses, engineers, lawyers, doctors, police officers, medical technologist. Some have gone abroad in search for greener pastures.

With young, energetic and ambitious teachers joining the staff, Kalibo Elementary School is on the go! The selection of several teachers in the search for Aklan’s Ten Outstanding Mentors are proof that Kalibo Elementary School is moving up.

DESCRIPTION OF SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES:

Pupils were motivated to join contests and activities in the school and district levels. District winners joined Division level contests. In 1988, Maria Lee D. Abello won second place in the Division Science Fair and participated in the Regional Science Fair.

In 1987, Mrs. Mora S. Teodosio won the Metro Bank Foundation’s Search for Outstanding Educators (Large School Category). She was the first recipient of this award in the Division of Aklan. Ms. Jessie Y. Gerardo won the same award in 1989.

Mrs. Jeanette I. Vizcarra was the first to organize the school Drum and Lyre Corps in 1988. She had trained 60 band majorettes. Their first performance was during the Alay Lakad in 1988.

The Regional Search for the effective elementary school in 1982 bought together the concerted efforts of teachers, pupils and the community to improve teaching and learning as well as the school facilities. Classrooms were improved through the PTA, comfort rooms were built in each classroom. Kalibo Elementary School won the Division Level Most Effective Elementary School.

During School Year 1990-1991, SPARK (Spell, Pronounce, Act, Recite, Know) was undertaken by the Speak English Club in cooperation with the Pupil Government. This was an educational, cultural endeavor and a fundraiser aimed at improving the school facilities from the proceed of the program. Several clubs joined the fund raising and their share was used for the project. The Pupil Government constructed a concrete fence along the pathway from the gate to the intermediate grades building. These also served as seats for pupils during recess or for parents while waiting for their children.

The Kalibo Elementary School was also the pilot recipient of 2012 DepEd Computerization program under the leadership of Mrs. Evelyn C. Aranas, the School was given several units of computers with interactive whiteboards. In the year 2020, 50 tablets with laptops and televisions were additionally given.

Some teachers in KES were awarded as Aklan Ten Outstanding Mentors namely Mrs. Nelda G. Tumbokon (2015), Mrs. Marvi V. Magno (2016), and Mrs. Grace F. Nabiong in 2017. They received the plaque of recognition and some cash incentives from Cong. Teodorico T. Haresco.

The school was also awarded as Regional Best Brigada Eskwela Implementers winner for two consecutive School Years, 2013-2014 under the leadership of Mrs. Wilma Werigene M. Villa and in School Year 2014-2015 Ms. Abe Joy S. Isaran was the assigned principal of the KES at that time.

Ms. Christina C. Iradiel has become the 2017 National Awardee for being the Prime Mover in the development of MTB-MLE materials for Akeanon Language and the groundwork of its language planning. The awarding ceremony was held at Mariveles, Bataan on Aug. 3, 2017.

Several teachers were also awarded during the Pagkilaea (Division Initiated Award Giving Activity) for their exemplary performance. Ms. Christina C. Iradiel (2017) as National Contextualizer in Mother Tongue (Akeanon), Mr. Jester Cheery N. Nadura (2018) Most Outstanding ALS Teacher, Mrs. Ricel V. Diaz as GAD and Child Protection Implementer. The school was also awarded as Most Outstanding Public School in Elementary Level that same year.

The Kalibo Elementary School has been known in its excellent and outstanding performance in different areas. Most teachers are commendable and passionate in their respective areas of responsibilities and functions.

III. STORIES AND NARRATIVES

The Kalibo Elementary School has been a second home for many of its graduates. Here, they found friends who help them to develop their social and emotional skills they will need to succeed in life.

One great story that many may not know is that, the Kalibo Elementary School has been part of where a great friendship blossomed into a wonderful love story.

Pheby and Phillip started as childhood friends in Kalibo Elementary School where they became classmates since Grade 4. They already built the foundation of love to each other through their innocent ways. Most of the time, they used to play together along with other friends.

Philip already knew that he has this special feeling for Pheby. He expressed it through his own little ways. However, Pheby seemed not to take it seriously. Her goal was studying with little play. For three years of being friends in Kalibo Elementary School, their well-being and bond grew together. Pheby has been with JPMARLS (the name of their group) and Phillip also has his also set of friends.

They graduated in Kalibo Elementary School with flying colors. Both were among the honor rolls. Pheby possessed these traits of being one of the smartest, hardworking and diligent students. Aside from that, she has been a beauty with good physique that stood out from others. No wonder Phillip was charmed by her beauty and personality. Phillip in the other hand had has good looks and character. Both of them complimented each other.

Though they were tagged as love team, this special love didn’t pursue because both were goal-oriented and bounded by their promise to their parents to finish their studies.

Love really works in mysterious ways. Who would have thought that after graduating in elementary, their path crossed again as high school classmates. Phillip never outgrew his feelings for Pheby. In fact, he pursued courting heby by sending her sweet love letters which was written by his accomplice Irvin, a friend of theirs.

At last, after years of wooing and expressing his honest intention, Pheby finally gave her sweetest “Yes.” They became couple only when they were in 4th year. Phillip was the first boyfriend of Pheby and she was his first love too.

They had been together for some time in college. Both of them took up accounting course because Phillip wanted to be with Pheby.

Like any other love story, the couple also experienced some challenges that tested their love. Though it’s very hard for both of them, they agreed on focusing into pursuing a career. Phillip transferred school and took Veterinary Science which he loved while Pheby, after graduation had to worked in Manila to seek for greener pasture.

Both of them met new people and opened their hearts for a new love and committed themselves to new relationship. However, as the saying goes, first love really never dies. Though they separated both ways, their feelings never gone.

Back in 2004, in an unexpected moment, Pheby and Phillip found each other again. This time, both were not committed. Actually both said that they never took serious relationship because they hold special feelings in their hearts and longed for the presence of each other.

Again, destiny took its part and Phillip this time pursued to win back Pheby. Every time Pheby went home in Kalibo, he would exert effort to meet up with her. Long distance relationship worked on them. They became couple again and right there and then, he knew that Pheby was the one.

In year 2008, both of them decided to unite as one. They exchanged vows both in their civil and church wedding. Presently, Mr. & Mrs. Phillip Remola has been married for 18 years and has been blessesd with two (2) children, Marshall, 15, and Nicole, 9.

Pheby worked at Discovery Shores Boracay as Revenue Audit and Phillip as Farm Technologist in an Agri-Industrial Farm in Cavite.

This story has inspired the KES Community to believe that love can wait. Anyone can be successful both in love and in career as long as God is the center of every decision in life and you hold on to your promises.

IV. SIGNIFICANCE

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

Historical

The Kalibo Elementary School formerly Calivo Elementary School was among the first schools to be established by the 6th Infantry Regiment in the province.

Two teachers namely Mrs. Mora S. Teodosio and Miss Jessie Y. Gerardo put the name of Kalibo Elementary Schools in the history when they were awarded as Metrobank Foundation Ten Outstanding Educators. Mrs. Mora Teodosio was the first to recipient of the award for elementary level, large school category.

Aesthetic

The school improved the fence with sculptured concrete bricks to look aesthetically.

Economic. The school community take part in every school activities particularly during Brigada Eskwela in which they voluntarily share their resources in kind, labor and monetary contributions.

Social

The school has become venues of big events in the districts and division. The school also conducts Pag-ieieba, a family day for learners where different activities are prepared for family bonding and get together.

Political

The school has served as precinct polls for local and national election. Teachers also take part as poll clerks during elections. The school also invites local officials to be part of different occasions. School Supreme Pupil Government down to classroom officers are organized to prepare learners to become leaders and to educate them about school governance.

Spiritual

The school is a non-sectarian school that welcomes different religious organizations. Scheduled mass for Catholics are being held every month. There are also catechists who teach children during free time to inculcate the MakaDiyos core values.

V. ASSESSMENT OF THE INSTITUTION

A. CONDITION/STATUS OF THE INSTITUTION

Despite being the Central School in the District of Kalibo II, the school has not received any new classroom construction projects for the longest time. The school as of now is in need of more classrooms due to transfer of Grade II classes from KISEC compound where they were situated before. Presently, there are 29 substandard classrooms and 18 of these classrooms have been in existence for 4 to 5 decades.

Since its construction, the said structures have undergone many repairs and are currently in disrepair with the roof, walls and ceiling being eaten away by rust and termites thus posing a great risk to the safety of our children. Two (2) of advisory teachers teach in makeshift rooms. Also, a portion of our school site is occupied as offices by the SDO-Aklan. On top of this, 6 teachers are temporarily using 6 classrooms of another school. This building is also in bad shape-with old and rusty roofs, broken ceilings and cracked walls.

B. CONSTRAINTS/ THREATS/ ISSUES/ CHALLENGES: (Reasons for the condition/status)

The school’s limited buildable space, any new construction would equate to the demolition of the old structure and would require a large amount of money. As much as the teacher wants to provide best learning experience and quality education, the realization of a huge project will go beyond the budget.

C. MEASURES AND DESCRIPTION OF SAFEGUARDING MEASURES TAKEN

The school has assigned a security guard to monitor the safety of the children and the school against any threat. The fire safety inspection is done with the help of other government agencies like Bureau of Fire Kalibo and Aklan Electric Cooperative personnel during Brigada Eskwela and the opening of classes to ensure electrical safety. As of now, the school classrooms’ floor was elevated, and teachers also put-up hanging cabinets where they put up important school records and textbooks due to the threat of flood.

VI. REFERENCES

KEY INFORMANT/S: Mrs. Mora S. Teodosio, Mr. Jesus U. Lim, Mrs. Amelia P. Lim, Mr. Dennis E. Bontogon, Mrs. Marvi V. Magno, Mrs. Pheby Remola OTHER RESOURCES: The Founding History: Kalibo Pilot Elementary School