History of Lucban Elementary School
Edited and Reprinted By:
Susana C. Aliping
ESP III
Susana C. Aliping
ESP III
February 13, 2009
The Establishment of the School
Lucban Elementary School is situated at the Old Lucban Community. Lucban was derived from the Ibaloi dialect, Dubban and Kankanaey dialect. Lubban is a tropical fruit known as Pomelo. Dubban or Lubban was later changed to Lucban, which is the Ilocano term for Pomelo.
(The Ibaloi and Kankanaey are the two dominant tribes of Benguet province. An Ilocano is a native from the Ilocos region. The evolvement of the name Dubban to Lubban to Lucban, characterizes the first settlers of the community).
The first community school was opened in 1922, during the pre-war period. Grades I, II, and III were organized with its first teachers, Mr. Mariano Perez and Mrs. Juliana Perez. The school became a complete primary school up to 1932.
In 1936, the primary school became a complete elementary school. Mr. Damaso Bangaoet, a Grade V Teacher is, at the same time, the school principal. Mr. Tomas Lachica handles a combination class of Grades VI and VII. Ms. Rosa Espiritu (who became the wife of Mr.Bangaoet), Mrs. Conception Obispo (a widow), and a certain Mrs. Rillera taught in Grades I-IV respectively. The school remained a complete elementary school until the outbreak of World War II on December 8, 1941.
Japanese Occupation Experience
The Japanese occupation covered the years from 1941-1945. Lucban Elementary School at some point in time was closed but reopened to continue its educational services. Brave and adventurous teachers went back to work, headed by Mr. Johnny Fair who taught in Grade VI.
Post-War Experience
Post-war experience saw the time for the rehabilitation of Lucban Elementary School, after devastating destruction brought about by the carpet bombings of the city by the American Liberation Forces. Tents were put-up to serve as classrooms. Then, the War Damage Commission provided for the reconstruction of the school buildings through the authority of the Philippine Rehabilitation Act.
The experience did not deter the children from going to school. Enrolment increased from year to year, despite too many sad experiences and devastations brought about by the war.
The school has grown from its beginnings and existed until today. The rest is history.
At present, Lucban Elementary School is the second largest public elementary school in the City of Baguio. It is headed by a school principal. There are fifty seven (57) permanent and three (3) casual teachers, one (1) permanent kindergarten teacher, four (4) service contract preschool teachers, one (1) permanent administrative aide, one (1) casual administrative aide, three (3) service contract security guards, and two (2) contractual utility workers.
Site Ownership
Presidential Proclamation No. 733
Dated: October 06, 1934