History
Exploring the Vibrant History of Jaena Elementary School
It is not easy for a small barrio like Jaena, to construct a school of its own. But for more than a century or hundred years ago, Jaena Elementary School sprouted and was given assistance by the municipal government. Being a public elementary school, it catered pupils in the community and around the vicinity to have an opportunity to avail formal education in preparation for the successful future of the young children in Jaena. My fellow comrades, following is a tedious but inspiring journey of Jaena Elementary School, tracing its milestone and giving honors to individuals who labored and contributed so much to its memorable legacy. Jaena Elementary School was allegedly established way back in the 1920’s , through the initiative of a few generous and cooperative group of individuals who looked after the future of these young people. Through the generosity and leadership of a certain Hermogenes Alao and Apang Alao Varron who donated parcels of land which is situated along the provincial road where Jaena Elementary School proudly stands at present, this four -room Gabaldon Building was erected made of durable Philippine Mahogany. This was realized through the cooperation of the Barangay Council, parents and ordinary inhabitants of Jaena who craved that their children be nurtured with quality education and could be acquired with accessibility in just a walking distance away from home. This environment setup of the school lasted for several years shaping, molding and instilling into minds of the pupils in Jaena, the proper and needed education which is fed by loyal and able mentors of the time. These are the important reasons why Jaena Elementary School was erected. They started the early years by recruiting pupils from Grades I-IV and slowly it grows and develop with its sacrifices, challenges, strength and cooperation. We cannot refuse growth and development of Jaena Elementary School as the fleeting years passed. Since there was enough space at the back part of the building, the PTA President in the person of Felix Leyson, cultivated the lot into corn and camote plantation, leaving an area for the pupil’s school garden. A nursery house and H.E. building were built. More recruitment was made by the teachers so that the intermediate grades were added to make a complete Jaena Elementary School , and thus produced the first elementary graduates in the year 1976. While the Gabaldon building thrived for several years, the national government gave a Marcos Type school room to every barangay. So it was included in the annual plan of the school that sooner or later more classrooms are needed especially that the Gabaldon building started corrosion. This proposal was realized and the government provided a classroom for every grade. While the construction was going on, Mrs. Leslie Arbiol, who was the head teacher at that time applied for the demolition of the Gabaldon building. So, here for the long years, Jaena Elementary School turned out a number of graduates who were pessimistic enough to pursue secondary education. At this golden time Jaena Elementary School stand gallantly exposing its vibrant beauty, carrying the crown of a successful thru its remarkable vines and fruits. Throughout its history, Jaena Elementary School, has been fortunate to have remarkable individuals who have shaped its character and success. The visionary school heads, like Mrs. Leslie Arbiol and Mr. Lorenzo Rebigan, have left an indelible mark on the school. Their unwavering commitment to pupils’ welfare, innovative teaching methods and the passion for learning have been instrumental in shaping the lives. In academic features, the primary grades were added with an intermediate grades, thus making it a complete elementary school with the first elementary graduates in 1976, with Mrs. Flotilde Mercurio as the Head Teacher and through the efforts of the parents and teachers too. It cannot be denied that lots of successful pupils have shown excellence because many of them have reached the peck of their knowledge as is demonstrated by those who acquired good standing positions in their works abroad as seafarers, domestic helpers and even in big commercial centers holding degrees like engineering, nursing, computer literates and most of all are high-ranked teachers. These are the fruits of the genuine knowledge they got from Jaena Elementary School as a basic education of what they are now. However, not all of them excelled academically, but they demonstrated varied talents on how they tackle the daily life struggle. To cute a few, one has successfully finished his vocation as a priest, and one is going Seminarian, engineers, beauty technicians, electric technicians, flight stewardess, tourist, nurses, midwives,bakers, chefs, cultural and variety entertainers, laymen and many more. Jaena Elementary School is proud of them all. Congratulations! Jaena Elementary School cannot attain utmost success in developing and shaping the young minds of the pupils in Jaena, if not for the total involvement of the community particularly the parents.Every time the school has activities, an academic or extracurricular, the community engages a full support to the school and to the pupils, either financial or manual because they know so much how important it is to cooperate as a “give and take” principle in good relationship between school and community so that they can show to the pupils a sense of responsibility, thoughtfulness, and generosity.
Over the years, Jaena Elementary School, encountered challenges. But the resilience and understanding of the community, school, parents, administrators and pupils enabled the school to overcome problems and challenges faced by Jaena Elementary School. The plains of Jaena ground is water-logged, and water canals were constructed but it didn’t work so well, so another step was made and it was another deeper cemented canal which cater more water from the school ground towards the big community drainage. Therefore, the challenge gathered sympathy from the parents and teachers to work together to make the school safe and hygienic to pupils and teachers alike. Another challenge was in academic excellence. The pupils were encouraged to show their abilities in the different subject areas when DepEd calls for academic examinations. The teachers were confident to let their pupils exercise their mentally of what they labored so much from the trainings and seminars. In the determination of the teachers to continue the link that connects the past, the present and the future, they have tendered extra efforts to make Jaena Elementary School a seat of pride and progress by conquering obstacles and remain committed to embrace future challenges. The rich and unforgettable history of Jaena Elementary School is a covenant and a living testament of the surmounting dedication to education. The tireless efforts of the educators and the remarkable achievements of the pupils reached to its maximum in order to attain its goals and tasks.
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Resiliency and Well-being
Figure 2. Hazard Assessment from Project NOAH
