History
Amguhan Elementary School came into existence in the school year 1950–1951. It got its name from the name of Barangay Amguhan. Since 1950, Amguhan Elementary School has stood as a beacon of education and opportunity for the students of Barangay Amguhan Baybay City, Leyte. As a public elementary school, it has played a pivotal role in shaping young minds and preparing them for a successful future. The school has a great impact on molding learners into good citizens in the community. This article delves into the inspiring journey of Amguhan Elementary School, tracing its milestones and honoring the individuals who have contributed to its enduring legacy.
Amguhan Elementary School was established in 1950 with the noble vision of providing quality education to students in Barangay Amguhan Baybay City, Leyte. Due to the continuous growth of the population in the barangay, with the help of the people residing in the barangay and the leadership of the late barangay captain, Hon. Polonio Llano constructed one classroom. The school was pioneered by Mr. Juanito Balaga, who eventually became the first teacher of the school. It started as a primary school with a grade level of 1. Its founding was driven by the determination of the helping hands of the Amguhanon to create a nurturing educational environment that would empower students to thrive. That led to the creation of the school. The early years were marked by many challenges, including the distance of the school from the proper of Baybay, the lack of a proper classroom for learners, and combat between the New Peoples Army and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The teachers were terrified because the school was the area of their conflict, and they also received threats from the NPA. All teachers vacated and went home. At that moment, there was no operation at the school and no class. In 1988, there were teachers assigned to the school in the names of Evelardo T. Paña and Marianito Y. Abay-Abay, who bravely came in and started the operation again. That was four grades, grades 1 to 4. After the conflict between the NPA and soldiers, the teachers went to school every Sunday afternoon, escorted by the soldiers from Barangay Ciabu, and went back every Friday afternoon, still escorted by five soldiers.
Since its inception, Amguhan Elementary School has witnessed tremendous growth and development. The Marcos Type Building was built in 1969 under the auspices of the national government. As time goes on and the population in the barangay increases, the Parent-Teachers Association decides to have another classroom. So they shared an amount in order to build a makeshift classroom. During 1988–1989, two classrooms were built with the help of Mr. Evelardo T. Paña, who was the officer in charge who requested the LGU through late congressman Eriberto P. Loreto and opened a combination of six classes. At that time, there were a total of two faculty members: Marianito Y. Abay-Abay and Marilou Ompoy.
Moving forward in 2008, Mrs. Mercedes A. Gulayan took over as school head with the support of Barangay Amguhan under barangay Captain Hon. Gelroy R. Tenaja Amguhan ES was able to put up another classroom, the computer room, with the help of LGU. The school's commitment to academic excellence and holistic education has propelled it to new heights. Significant milestones, such as winning a scholarship, some of the students of Amguhan ES were able to get a scholarship from Sister Mary of Cebu City, and learners received an academic award, have marked the journey. Academic achievements, including those of the school under Mr. Russell Dupal, received recognition from the division on ICT innovation and positive feedback from teachers of Ciabu NHS that learners coming from Amguhan ES are mostly achieving learners and noted that they are good learners, which is a testament to the dedication of students and educators alike.
Throughout its history, Amguhan Elementary School has been fortunate to have had remarkable individuals who have shaped its character and success. The visionary school heads—accordingly by year 1950 up to 2021: in 1950, Mr. Juanito Balaga became the first OIC of the school; in 1988, Mr. Evelardo T. Pana was assigned as the OIC after the war stop; in 1996, Mrs. Marilou Ompoy was assigned as the OIC; in 2007, Mrs. Gloria Albarillo was the Head Teacher; in 2008, Mrs. Mercedes A. Gulayan was the Principal of the school; in 2012, Mrs. Perlita Mirador was the Head Teacher; in 2013; Mrs. Charo C. Sombilon was the Teacher In-Charge; in 2015, Mr. Russell Dupal was the Head Teacher; in 2020, Mr. Roberto Pagalan was the Head Teacher; and in 2021, Mrs. Charo C. Sombilon came back as principal of school and just a few months later same year Mrs. Niezel C. Pertimos took over as the Teacher In-Charge. Their unwavering commitment to student welfare, innovative teaching methods, and passion for education have been instrumental in shaping the lives of countless students.
Academic excellence lies at the heart of Amguhan Elementary School's mission. The school has consistently strived to provide students with a strong educational foundation. Noteworthy achievements include the Division Level DAMATH contest, where Ms. Delsa T. Barcos got second place and Justine Bongcales year 2201got second place, and the District Level Math Quiz, where Ms. Nissa Llano got first place in the Division Level,In 2021 the school won first place in the division level of verse choir. The following learners won the scholarship of Sister Mary for consecutive years: Rosana Tenaja, Ruby Casil, Jessa Sadomia, Irish Coral, Melvin Mahinlo, Melvin Pondolanan, Joven Coral, Crystal Mae S. Casil, and Lynjon C. Yare, demonstrating the commitment of both students and teachers. Beyond academics, Amguhan Elementary School encourages a thriving extracurricular culture, with achievements in table tennis. Females got first place at the district level, and the school was known to excel in chess. Niño Vincent Casil and Aidan Casil got first place in the division level, making the school a hub of talent and creativity.
At Amguhan Elementary School, community involvement is deeply ingrained in its values. The school actively engages with the local community through various initiatives. Partnerships with community organizations, volunteer projects, and social impact programs like providing access to clean water, the construction of two classrooms, and planting trees have fostered a sense of social responsibility among students, instilling in them the importance of giving back and making a positive difference. The school's staff is involved in the events hosted by the barangay, like fiestas, and so the community takes part in the big improvement of the school. They initiated different projects to make the school surroundings beautiful, and the classroom was equipped with furniture under the leadership of the barangay captains. The engagement of the community by constructing one classroom way back in 1950 had a great impact on establishing Amguhan Elementary School. This partnership led to the tremendous achievement of the school, both physically and academically.
Over the years, Amguhan Elementary has encountered its fair share of challenges. The resilience of the school community, including students, parents, teachers, and administrators, has enabled the school to overcome obstacles. Some of the key challenges Amguhan Elementary School has faced include: the school has become the camp of soldiers, and it is the area of the war between soldiers and the NPA. Many people died during the fight, and the barangay became "No Man's Land. The conflict lasted for four years. That year, the school stopped the operation. After four years, there were two male teachers assigned who were brave enough to conquer their fears. With that, school back in operation, with four combination classes, another challenge was lacking classrooms and teachers due to the continuous growth of learners. The assigned OIC Mr. Evelardo T. Pana requested from the local government unit for an additional two classrooms and also requested from the Leyte division for additional teachers. Each challenge has provided invaluable lessons, fostering a spirit of determination and adaptability that defines the essence of Amguhan ES. As we look back on our journey, we take pride in the collective efforts that have allowed us to conquer these obstacles, and we remain committed to embracing future challenges with the same resilience and determination."
