SCHOOL HISTORY

Balara Elementary School was established before World War II. The schools early beginning composed of first and second grade pupils who were gathered in a multi-purpose hall known today Balara Filter Chapel. It was meant to cater to the educational needs of the children of employees and laborers residing in what was later known as the Balara Filtration Plant compound of Metropolitan Water District now MWSS. Unfortunately, the operation of the school was interrupted during the outbreak of World War II.

Shortly after the war in 1946, a 7-room building was constructed within the MWSS compound which was used as classroom for pupils who were then MWSS employees residing within the area. This was made possible by the Metropolitan Water District Officials with the Honorable Ricardo Nepomuceno as chairman of the Board of Directors and the other members were Hon. Manuel De La Fuente Vice chairman, Hon. Pedro Magsalin , Hon. Regino Padua, Hon. Sixto Antonio, Mr. Alejo Aquino,Mr. Pedro Siccuan and the EXECUTIVE OFFICIALS Mr. Manuel Manosa as the Manager, Mr. Jesus C. Perlas Asst. Manager, Mr. Gaudioso Cruel Chief Engineer, Mr. Daniel Laurel Comptroller and Mr. Elias M. Ativiado Treasurer.

A Gabaldon Type Building was formally erected in August 1948 as shown by its stone marker attached to the 2 storey administrative building. Mrs. Zosima Martin was the school’s first principal. At that time there were only Grade I-IV who were having their classes in the newly erected building. In 1952 the school became a complete elementary school which necessitated the additional construction of a separate H.E building and industrial Arts Shop.