History of the School

Long before, Sta Cruz was a formerly sitio of Baua and it was called Matuyem. In 1960, Matuyem was separated from its mother barangay through the initiative of the Town Executive, Hon. Cayetano C. de la Cruz and Mr. Julio Balgos who became the first barangay Captain of Sta Cruz. Sta Cruz derived its name from the Family name of the former Mayor of Gonzaga Cayetano C. De la Cruz

School children had their elementary grades either in Baua Elementary School or in Amunitan Elementary School. Children need to walk 2-3 Kilometers daily to reach their school. Their struggle to acquire basic education was noticed by the Barangay leaders. With generosity and open heart the barangay Captain Hon Julio Balgos donated one hectare or 10, 0000 sq meter lot solely for the establishment of school by the virtue of the deed of donation signed by the municipal judge Pederico C. Labio with doc. #123, page4, book #5 s. 1965 and was registered in the registration book at the register of deeds.

On that same year, a cogon “kamarin” was built to accommodate grade one and two combination classes. Their first teacher was Mrs. Marcela Apostol. In 1971 a three classroom building was built- RPUS Building which up to this time is still in good condition. Another teacher was hired in the person of Mrs. Carmelita Baclig followed by Mrs. Leonora Tamayo. Grades III and IV were opened and teachers were Mrs. Trinidad Hasim, Mrs. Prescila Gonzalez, Mrs. Ana Ramos, Mrs. Lilybeth Balais, Mrs. Ma. Theresa Agapinay-Andres , and Mrs. Grace Balanay and another LGU teacher was also hired Mrs. Loida Ibarra.. Mrs. Theresa Andres became the TIC for more than 10 years.

In 2004 there was an abrupt increase of enrolment so the combination classes were made into single classes .A permanent teacher was hired in the person of Ms. Sharon Ibera who handled grade two. Enrolment continuously increase every year. The following year Mrs. Balanay and Mrs. Andres sought transfer to their own barangay, so Mrs. Monaliza Flores from Batangan was hired to replace them. In 2008, Grade V was created and was handled by Edbert C. Pulido a LGU teacher and Grade VI was also created the following year. The Pioneer Graduates' graduated in 2011 with Roselle Vega as the Class Valedictorian. In 2011 Kinder Class was opened and it was handled by Mrs. Marjorie Hermoso and Mr. Leonardo Macoco. PTA building was constructed through a fundraising for the kinder learners under the leadership of PTA President Warner Somejo and the Teacher-In-Charge Sharon Ibera-Pulido.

In 2015 a two classroom building was built to accommodate grades four to six since four classes were staying in the barangay gymnasium. After a year, the generous Mayor Hon. Carlito F. Pentecostes donated a CFPJ building thru the barangay council headed by Punong Baranagy Hon. Mariano Almazan. The said building was used by grade five and grade six learners. The School Continuously earned awards, recognition as its star shines brighter every year. Shairah Joy Lucas became a Regional Champion in Story Retelling Contest in 2016 and the following year the school was awarded as Best School Feeding Implementer Division level.

At the moment, the School is manage by the School Principal, Sharon I. Pulido who has rendered 17 years of service in this school. It has 7 equally competent and dedicated teachers working together for greater glory and best quality of Basic Education. For Kindergarten is teacher Mae Shellah G. Abuyuan, Grade I teacher is Jonalyn T. Lucas, Grade 2 teacher is Sherwin R. de la Cruz, Grade 3 teacher is Jovelyn C. Sajor, Grade 4 teacher is Conie C. Hipolito, Grade 5 teacher is Edbert C. Pulido, and Grade 6 teacher is Sheiril G. Soller. They are the people behind the School Award as the Best Performing School First Runner Up in the Congressional Level and Best Brigada Eskwela implementer for three consecutive years.