Tamalagon Integrated School

Category: Cultural Institution

District of Tangalan

Background Information

Municipality/City: Tangalan

Province: Aklan

Location/Address: Centro 2, Tamalagon, Tangalan, Aklan

• 

  Photo Credit: Marichu T. Daroy June 7, 2023 (Façade of the structure where the cultural institution holds office)

• 

  Photo Credit: Dr. Ju-im T. Jimlan October 2022 (Aerial view of TIS)

Narrative Description

Tamalagon Primary School (TPS), now, Tamalagon Integrated Scchool (TIS) was opened in 1906, with its first teacher, Maestra Geralda de Rubias. Due to the insufficiency of government funds, no schoolhouses were constructed. Hence, all classes were accommodated in different houses in Sitio Ilawod, Brgy. Talamagon. Two classes were conducted in the residence of Mr. Gonzalo Goboy in the same compound as the home of the former Mayor Augusto Goboy, while other classes were assigned in the residences of Mr. Calixto Tabang and Mr. Apolinario Trance, respectively. Later, a building for Tamalagon Primary School was built on the hill owned by the late Amando Francisco, located west of Tamalagon Bridge, owing to the efforts of the community's civic-minded residents, led by the late Mr. Rufo Tuban. After a few years of existence, the building was destroyed by a storm. The classes were again accommodated in the residences of Mr. Tomas Antaran and Mr. Gonzalo Goboy for some time until a new building was constructed near the Tamalagon Bridge. In 1928, another strong typhoon that passed through caused damage to the school building. Due to that, the classes were once again housed in the residences of Mr. Alejandro Tapican, Mr. Pio Taririt, and Mr. Gonzalo Goboy. That year was marked by a financial crisis and failure on the part of the parents to donate a parcel of land for a school site which led to the closing of the classes. Despite the circumstances, those parents who were attentive to their children's education sent them to the town. However, considering the proximity of their homes to the school and the parent's financial limitations, only a few children pursued their education.

In 1937, Mr. Gonzalo Goboy, who was active in promoting the community's welfare and providing for the needs of local youths, donated a part of his land as the site for the barrio school, presently where Tamalagon Integrated School stands. Simultaneously, an extension class was opened. One of the requirements imposed by the Bureau of Education is for any school to have an adequate land area. Hence, Mr. Gonzalo Goboy once again donated an additional parcel south of his previously donated land. In addition, Mr. Numeriano Antaran donated another lot adjacent to Mr. Gonzalo Goboy. In 1940, Mr. Rafael Tumbukon, former representative of the 3rd District of Capiz, now the Lone District of Aklan Province, in gratitude to the good people of this barrio, allocated PhP 2,000.00 from his pork barrel fund for the construction of one-room semi-permanent school building. As class enrolment increased, the school became a complete primary school that same year. The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) officers constructed another temporary school building for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades. This American period was marked and characterized by so many progresses in the people's lives in the barangay. Furthermore, the people were free and contented, especially in line with popular education.

On December 8, 1941, World War II broke out, and schools were closed. And on March 18, 1945, came the liberation army under General Douglas Mac Arthur, and Commonwealth Government was restored and began to function. The first public buildings that were constructed were the schools. The PTA officers of TPS shouldered the reconstruction of the school building as no funds were coming from the government. The PTA, through the guidance of the Head Teacher, Mr. Benigno T. Molo, the assistance of the PTA Officers under the Presidency of the late former Mayor Augusto Goboy, and with the cooperation of the teachers and the people of the barrio, a fifth-grade class was opened in 1950. The TPS changed its name to Tamalagon Elementary School (TES) the following year after becoming a full-fledged elementary school. Mrs. Pacencia Teston donated additional land to meet the requirements of the Bureau of Education; however, the lot was located far from the school site, as it was a rice field. It was exchanged with the lot adjacent to the school site owned by Mr. and Mrs. Ricardo Iguin. After the term of Mr. Goboy, as the PTA president from 1951 to 1971, Mr. Juan Tabang took over and led the PTA of TES.

As the years passed, the population increased, and in 1964, there were 13 classes in the school, as well as 14 teachers, including Mr. Benigno T. Molo, the head teacher. On October 22, 1964, Mr. Benigno Molo was promoted to principal and was assigned to Naile, Ibajay, Aklan. Due to Mr. Molo's transfer and promotion, Mr. Juan Panagsagan, a classroom teacher and property custodian, was promoted to Head Teacher and assigned this duty in his stead. A year later, another teacher was assigned to this school to implement the 3-2 plan in intermediate grades, totaling 15 teaching staff, including the Head Teacher. As enrolment increased, the number of shop teachers, now known as Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) teachers, also increased.

On February 24, 1969, a historical event occurred in this barangay. The school leadership was changed from Head Teacher to Principal, and TES is one of the ten schools in the Division of Aklan was granted. Since there was a vacancy in the said position, Mr. Juan Panagsagan was promoted to principal. Under his administration, Tamalagon Elementary School has six (6) rooms in an Army Type building, three (3) rooms in a Marcos-Type building, two (2) rooms in a semi-permanent building, a semi-permanent Home Economics building, a two-room temporary building, a permanent shop (TLE) building, and a stage. All these two last buildings were made possible through the cooperation of the Barangay Officials under Barangay Captain Godofredo Bautista and of the people of this community.

The administration of Mr. Juan Panagsagan made significant progress in the school until July 25, 1976. Then, he was transferred to Tangalan Central School as principal of both elementary and secondary levels. He was succeeded by Mr. Norberto Yap, a Head Teacher from Jawili Elementary School. Mr. Yap assumed his office in Tamalagon Elementary School on July 26, 1976. After a year, on October 28, 1977, Mr. Yap was promoted to principal. During his administration, the improvement made was remarkable. The Home Economics building was reconstructed with 'lawanit' ceiling, and the whole ground floor was cemented. In addition, the multi-purpose stage was repaired. All these were made possible through the assistance of Barangay Captain Godofredo Bautista and of Barangay Council; the five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) Presidential aid to Barangay Tamalagon was donated to the school.

On November 5, 1980, Mr. Norberto P. Yap was transferred to Tangalan Municipal High School. Due to the absence of an administrator in TES, Mr. Emiliano T. Tabia, a classroom teacher, and a property custodian, was designated by the Division Office to take charge of the school on November 6, 1980. Under this new administration, a new one-unit with three (3) rooms Bagong Lipunan Modified-Type School Building under the ESF was constructed, and a one-room semi-permanent classroom was annexed to the Marcos-Type Building. During his time, the school fence, made of cyclone wire and concrete, was constructed in front of the school along the highway. Hence, Mr. Emiliano T. Tabia was promoted to Head Teacher on July 16, 1981. Successively, Mrs. Aploren A. Bereber, Mr. Pedro V. Sitjar, Mrs. Saludita B. Longay, and Mr. Jesse E. Bereber, Jr. served as past administrators of Tamalagon Elementary School.

In June 2006, because of the need of the residents of Tamalagon and nearby barangays for a higher level of education, Tamalagon Elementary School became Tamalagon Integrated School upon approval of the Sangguniang Bayan of Tangalan, Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan, Department of Education personnel and other concerned stakeholders. The school now offers an elementary school curriculum and a secondary one. Its first high school graduates already produced eight (8) newly licensed teachers. All of them were first-takers and had a 100% passing rate among their batch.

In 2017, its 11th year of operation as an integrated school, the school caters to learners from kindergarten up to senior high school with a population of almost 1,200 learners and 53 teachers and staff at all levels. The school was overall headed by Principal II, Mr. Joni T. Antaran, and assisted by Mr. Mark T. Daroy, Head Teacher I of the secondary level together with Mrs. Desiree A. Campos Master Teacher II and the Officer-In-Charge at the Elementary Level. On July 1, 2019, Mr. Mark T. Daroy was promoted to Principal I and was assigned to Vivo Integrated School. In his place as Head Teacher, Dr. Ju-im T. Jimlan, a Science teacher from Tangalan National High School, was promoted as Head Teacher.

In 2023, the school population is 1255, with 62 teaching and non-teaching staff, including the principal and head teacher.

Description of Significant Milestones

Tamalagon Integrated School (TIS) has always been ready for action in various competitions. During the 2023 Division Schools Press Conference held in Numancia Integrated School last May 20-21, 2023, the school ranked 5th in the Top Ten Best Performing Schools at the elementary level and 7th in the secondary level. Last December 2022, TIS is a Finalist of the Curriculum and Instruction Regional Champions for Learning Excellence (CIRCLE) Awards in Most Learning Focus Secondary (K Stage 3) Grade 7 to Grade 10 under the Very Large Category. Moreover, on June 23, 2022, TIS bagged 2nd Place in Mega School Category and 3rd Place in the Large School Category on March 5, 2021, in Brigada Eskwela Best Implementing School. During the 2012 Division Schools Press Conference, TIS ranks 3rd in Top Ten Best Performing Schools.

Stories and Narratives

Tamalagon Integrated School, like any other school, started from a humble beginning. From a primary school to an elementary school and an integrated school at present that offers special program in journalism.

Logo

The logo of Tamalagon Integrated School symbolizes the strong unity and commitment of teachers, learners, school administrators, and other stakeholders to enlighten the mind and hearts of learners to achieve high literacy rate pursuing excellence.

Twisted Rope. Signifies solid form and firm commitment.

Laurel Leaves. Symbolize honor and achievement.

Open Book. Represents literacy.

Flaming Torch. Represents light for enlightenment.

Stars. Symbolize excellence.

Dotted Circle. The dots represent teachers, learners, school administrators, and other stakeholders. The circle that is formed out of the dots represents unity among them.

Type of Cultural Institution

The Tamalagon Integrated School is a formal educational institution that demonstrates its commitment to providing a nurturing environment for holistic development among its learners.

Significance

Economic: The school ‘s enrolment is rapidly increasing, so there are more opportunities for teacher-applicants to be employed. The income of the school’s canteen augments the school expenses and other expenditures not allowed in Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses of the school. Tamalagon Integrated School gives way to economic opportunity for others. Many sari-sari stores, restaurants, and ‘pisonet’ business were opened in front of the school, which give livelihood to people in the community.

Historical: Tamalagon Integrated School is the first integrated school in the district of Tangalan. Likewise, the first school in the district of Tangalan that offers a special program in journalism. The first school in the district of Tangalan with a four-story building.

Spiritual: Before the pandemic, Tamalagon Integrated School sponsored monthly mass and conducted catechism classes for Grade 6 and 10 learners.

Political: The covered court of the school was constructed through the leadership of former Governor Joeben Miraflores. The school is also utilized as the voting center of Barangay Tamalagon and Tondog during National and Local Elections.

Social: The covered court of Tamalagon Integrated School is sometimes used during the conduct of Senior Citizen’s meeting or Barangay Assembly when the barangay hall is not available. It is also utilized as covid vaccination site during pandemic. Also, the school serves as school evacuation center during typhoons. Last October 23-24, 2021, 6 rooms of Tamalagon Integrated School catered 13 families, a total of 60 evacuees.

Assessment of the Institution

Condition/Status of the Institution

The school continues to develop to cater to learners not only from Tamalagonons but to Tangalanons in general with the help of internal and external stakeholders.

Constraints/Threats/Issues/Challenges: (Reasons for the condition/status)

The land title of the school site is in the process. Lack of school classrooms to accommodate the increasing number of enrollees. The school site is a low-lying area that is prone to flooding.

Measures and Description of Safeguarding Measures Taken:

The present school administrator is applying for a land title. Due to the lack of classrooms, a make-shift classroom is constructed. The institution is fully enclosed by concrete fences and reconstructs the drainage system to prevent flood. The school is monitored by CCTV.

References

Supporting Documentation:	Print, write-ups, photographs and sketches
Key Informant/s:	ATTY. ANTONIO T. TABANG - 90-year-old, studied at Tamalagon Primary School in the year 1940
	MR. SALMER G. ANTARAN - 77-year-old, son of one of the lot donors, her mother was one of the teachers at Tamalagon Primary School
	MR. JESSE A. BEREBER - former Principal of Tamalagon Elementary School now Tamalagon Integrated School
	MR. MARK T. DAROY - one of the pioneer secondary teachers during the time that Tamalagon Elementary School was converted into Tamalagon Integrated School
	MR. JONI T. ANTARAN - Principal II during the time that Tamalagon Elementary School was converted into Tamalagon Integrated School - the present Principal II of Tamalagon Integrated School
	DR. JU-M T. JIMLAN - the present Head Teacher I of Tamalagon Integrated School
Reference/s and Other Resources:	Interview History And Cultural Life of Barangay Tamalagon – Prepared by Mr. Emiliano T. Tabia, Head Teacher of Tamalagon Elementary School on July 16, 1981 Student Report Card of Late Soredoria Tabanera of School Year 1952-1953
Name of Mapper/s:	MARICHU T. DAROY Teacher III Tamalagon Integrated School
Language Editor:	MARIA FE RICAMONTE Teacher III Regional Science High School for Region VI
Layout Artist:	JOEBEN A. DUMARAN Teacher I Ondoy National High School
Content Evaluator:	JOSEPHINE P. VICENTE Teacher III Regional Science High School for Region VI
	DENNIS E. BONTOGON Master Teacher III Kalibo Pilot Elementary School
Wiki Editor:	JERIBEL S. CARPIO Master Teacher I Tamalagon Integrated School
Approved:	RUBY AGNES B. ESTRADA, PhD. Education Program Supervisor
Date Profiles:	June 26, 2023