History

Mapurao Integrated Learning School is located at barangay Mapurao. It is one of the remotest barangays of the municipality of Allacapan and has a total land area of 19 sq. kilometers and a population of 2,430.

It is located southwest of the town proper of about 15 kilometers away. It is bounded in the east of barangay Capagaran, in the south by barangay Nagatttatan, in the north by barangay Kapanickian Sur of the Municipality of Allacapan, Cagayan, and in the west by barangay Allig, Flora, province of Apayao.

Mapurao is led by a barangay captain and is apportioned into seven zones, each is guided by a barangay councilor and some barangay tanod, who are elected and appointed respectively by the people and the Barangay Council who are re-elected or replaced after three years as mandated in the Philippine Constitution. Councilors have their own committee to lead like Committee on Peace and Order, Committee on Health, Committee on Programs and Projects, Committee on Education, and all others. Assembly meetings are held in every quarter of the year and teachers and the school head is often invited to talk about their queries concerning the school. During assembly meetings, it is observed that most community members are shy/fearful in giving suggestions, comments, or questions. At times, leaders are easily influenced by political factions from the higher political leaders that lead to political conflict in the barangay level.

Programs like “Agkaykaysa” and “Harry-Up” which are initiated by the provincial government and the municipal government respectively tend to maintain unity among residents of each zone by letting them choose and construct projects that benefit them.

Most of the residents depend on farming and livestock raising as a source of livelihood. Rice, banana, and corn are widely propagated and some vegetable farms are generated as a source of extra income whereas selling to the town proper is challenging due to bad road condition. Farmers often resort to availing debt with high interest because of deficit due to natural disasters flashflood and pest infestation. Farm technicians are also worried that farmers do not get maximum harvest due to their minimal knowledge on new methods of panting that can maximize crop yield. Most of the farmers belong to low-income families and many are recipients of 4Ps.

At times, petty quarrels and misunderstanding occur between and among residents. In meetings, there are incidence of misunderstanding between the community leaders and members because leaders do not want to hear suggestions and comments from members. Moreover, community members are easily discouraged to do their work when hearing unpleasant words from fellow leaders and members. Also, sometimes unhealthy competition occurs among community leaders or members that lead to community factions. However, most of the residents show industry and unity in zonal programs and projects as shown in their attendance and comments of the purok leader.

The barangay is blessed with a clinic for which residents, especially pregnant women have their check-up and receive free medicine and other medical benefits. Still, however, some residents do not believe in medical doctors and go to quack doctors, faith healers, and “hilot” to heal their patients that lead to increased fatality rate.

It has also two pre-school centers, a chapel, a cemetery, and a public school which caters both elementary and secondary levels. Though there is still significant number of out-of-school pupils and students who cannot afford to go to school because of financial difficulty and distance of their home to school.

The residents primarily speak Iloko and most are good in Filipino. English is also used as a mean of communication. At times, poverty rocks the place but the courage to pursue higher education does not hinder those who value education.