A Brief History of Aggugaddan Primary School now Penablanca East Central School

Peňablanca East Central School formerly Aggugaddan Elementary School was created in 1938, this is according to Mr. Feliciano Alipio who was one among the first batch of learners enrolled in Grade 1 in the SY.1938-1939 under the care of the late Mrs. Juana Jose. He then enrolled Grade 2 in the following SY.1939-1940 under Mr. Pedro Tuzon. There were only four (4) teachers then namely: Mrs. Juana Jose, who taught in Grade 1, Mr. Pedro Tuzon as the Grade 2 adviser and at the same time the Teacher In –Charge, (TIC) Mr. Antonio Molina and Mr. Cenon Casco who taught in Grade 3-6 by session. The Grade 1 and 2 classes stayed in a “Kamalig” which served as their classroom and a Gabaldon building for Grade 3-6. Education however ceased in 1940-1945 with the outbreak of World War II.

After the World War II, formal education continued in 1946.The school was headed by Mr. Teodoro F. Apostol for 15 long years from being a TIC to Head Teacher then to Principal until 1961. Following Mr.Apostol was Mrs. Lirio C. Carag who was the Principal from 1962-1964. Next to her was Mrs. Initania T. Apostol, wife of Mr. Teodoro Apostol. She was the Principal From 1965 – 1972. After her was Mrs. Saturnina J. Saquing who was designated Teacher In-Charge for four years from 1972-1976. Next to her was Mr. Jose G.Pattaguan who was the Principal from 1977-1978. Another Principal who manned the school for 10 years was Mr. Cirilo F.Bassig from 1979-1989. Following him was Mr. Perlito B. Baccay, the Principal from 1989-2000. It was in 1989 when Peňablanca East District was created with Mr. Jose A. Calagui Sr. as the pioneer District Supervisor. This led to the renaming of Aggugaddan Elementary School to Peňablanca East Central School (PECS). Mr. Martin A.Calagui succeeded Mr. Baccay from 2000- March 2007 as Principal II, who was replaced by Mr. Jorge C. Taguinod, Principal II from April 2007-February 2008. Then Mrs. Teresita T. Mariano , from Amulung District was appointed Principal 2 in 2008-November 17, 2009. She was succeeded by another lady administrator in the person of Mrs. Rachel A. Tanguilan , from November 18,2009 – present ,leading the school as Principal III.

Peňablanca East Central School catered to the educational needs of the young learners not only for barangay Aggugaddan and Malibabag who are at present the feeder barangays of the school but also barangay Quibal, an adjacent barangay in the north until it became a complete Elementary School in the early 1990’s.

The people in the community value so much education, as they strongly believe in the saying “Education is the Key to Success”, that it is only through education where they can uplift their socio-economic condition. This inspired the community folks to become more hardworking, persevering and determined in support to the educational needs of their children as well as their support to all the programs, projects and activities of the school.

Through the years, PECS continuously gained prestige and honor with the many successful graduates who became professionals in their own respective chosen careers as well as the self-employed individuals working here and abroad. In fact, the two feeder barangays-Aggugaddan and Malibabag are known to be the Home of the Professionals in the Callao area. This brand gives us the feeling of fulfillment and pride being the educators in the school who provides the people in the community with quality basic education.

Further, this is a manifestation of the good qualities of the past and present administrators mentioned earlier, and the former and present teachers who undoubtedly disposed their duties and responsibilities with utmost sincerity and commitment, also to include the support and love for education of the internal as well as the external stakeholders.