History

The story of Barangca began centuries ago, when Spanish conquistadors landed on our shores in 1521. a historical account narrates that the grand folks themselves were asked to build along and widen canal by the armorless Spanish authorities by means of forced labor. Within a month-long period, the canal system were developed. 

following the construction of the said infrastructure, this prompted the rural barrios to scrutinize why such massive canal was build until an answer to their queries were answered. Local folks were observed that the water coming from its nearby town passed along the canal they had built. 

Immediately afterwards, original occupiers of the land uttered the name Barangka which was literally derived from the word "barangca" which means canal. 

It is interesting to think that Barangca was a part of barangay Sto. Nino, a progressive barrio famous for the pyrothecnics industry nowadays. In fact, Sto. Nino was the patron saint of Barangca. As to how and when did the two barrios were separated was revealed in the popularly-known legend. It was accepted as historical though not verifiable. 

It was a long time ago, there lived a fragile, gray-haired man whose constant companion was his grandson. The former loved the latter very dearly until such time when his doting grandson was down with a terrible illness. The grandfather sought fervent prayer to the Divine Providence for the sake of his grandson's ill health, and that favor was granted; he's ready for any circumstances it may bring, even if it means his life, which is at stake. The old man quickly put on a "stampita" of Sto. Nino on the lad's chest while the latter was being nursed by a quack barrio doctor. Oddly as it may seem, the boy regained consciousness and was finally cured. The boy's spiritual recovery had a distressing effect in return. Inexplicable, the grandfather succumbed to an untimely death instantly. 

Miraculous healing of the young fellow spread rapidly in the community. Elders were convinced that a chapel, in honor of the Sto. Nino needed to be established as soon as possible. 

“Tracing the Roots: How Barangka and Sto. Niño Gained Their Identities” 

If we look at the history of how Barangca and Sto. Nino gained sovereignty on its territorial boundaries, here's how it happened. 

By 1956 to 1959, it was Honorable Roberto Chico, who was then the municipal mayor, a group of local folks headed by Francisco Bautista decided to have a territorial division on both places. Bautista's partly initiated a plan to take internal control of teh territory they belong to, that is severing its tie to the area from where the chapel was located. 

However, the group of Fausto Flores and Julio Vicente contested on the idea of territorial division as to who shall carry the name proper of Barangca. 

Both Flores and Vicente, along with their supporters, remained steadfast on their convictions, that whoever decides to sever its tie from its root, shall not carry the original name of the place, instead, they are given the authority to create its own name. just to pacify things regarding the territorial dispute, the matter was brought to the municipal hall.

This matter of concern, though does not quite end yet. In 1960, barangay polls were slated nationwide. It has been declared in a State Policy (Barrio Chapter) to hold such election. Two polls were held separately. Each using the name Barangka. Elected officials were Bautista, while in the other, Flores.

The local government recognized the two elected officials and in order to avoid confusion , it was noted that the area where Flores has jurisdiction is to be called "Barangka (Sto. Nino)" for their patron saint is within their vicinity. 

After two to three local elections, laymen accustomed themselves in using the name Sto. Nino to identify such particular place. Later on, the proper name of the place has to put in circulation. 

Meanwhile, the case was filed before the municipal council has remained unattended until such time it was left out done. 

Year 1970 marks teh emergence of new chapel in Barangka, its facade is situated in front of Dr. Guillermo dela Merced Memorial School, while its patron saint is the Black Nazarene.   

Barangka lies within 3 kilometers north-west from the town proper. In addition, Barangka is considered a tranquil place to live i, surrounded by its neighboring barrios, Sto. Nino, Paitan, Tangos, San Roque, Paco and Ulingao in San Rafael, Bulacan. In a n aerial view, this site is being cradled with picturesque fields. 

With its fast-growing population reaching 1,200 mark in 1972, a growing demand for agriculture including rice planting, poultry and swine raising, fishery were the sources of livelihood among rural dwellers. 

In some previous years, buntal weaving used to be their means of livelihood, however weaving does not sustain long. Consequently, most weavers became sewers who used power-sewing machine while other prefer manual type of pedaling. 

The distribution of power to homes and improving health and sanitation were apparent during Guillermo "Emo" Santos term as barangay chairman. he and the councilmen strived hard to construct infrastructures whichj will benefit their community. These are of the offices of the governor and the municipal mayor and with the voluntary support of the community; installing of health center and barangay hall; installing of 30 water pumps in various areas in Barangka, cementing of road along Dr. Guillermo dela Merced, Luis Tongco Street and others.  

HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL 

Dr. Guillermo dela Merced Memorial School, formerly Barangca Elementary School was established in School Year 1950-1951 with the persistent request of the barrio folks. Classes then were only held in a private house but when a philanthropist politician, Dr. Guillermo dela Merced, municipal mayor in 1938 - 1941 donated a school site measuring 10,000 square meters, two (2) standard classrooms were immediately constructed in 1954-1955. 

To date, the school is composed of two 3-storey buildings with 9 classrooms, one (1) 2-storey building with four classrooms , Home Economics Building, Multipurpose Building, Canteen, Covered court and other buildings (Marcos Type etc.)

The institutions sets an impetus in uplifting quality education and raising the level of academic excellence thru the fusion of teaching innovations, interactive approach, thematic approach, communicative competence approach, alongside the inclusion of multiple intelligences in the education circle. 

With the advent of technology in the 21st century, Dr. G. dela Merced Memorial School recognized that technology may serve as a conduit to its clientele in expanding its field of experience and enhancing the cognitive faculties of each individual through the power of multimedia equipment. 

Moreover, integrating technology in the classroom facilitate and enhance the learning process thus DGMMS is at the forefront of this effort.