SCHOOL HISTORY

The Pantao Elementary School (Pantao ES), with a school ID of 119285, is a small public elementary school located at Sitio Pantao, Barangay Carnaza, Daanbantayan, Cebu, an island located at the northernmost tip of Cebu. Before, Pantao ES was formerly known as Pantao Primary School (Pantao PS), which was established on June 10, 1966, and only consisted of two grades, grade 1 and grade 2. In the year 2000, the two classrooms were separated due to the land’s deed of exchange by the Municipal Mayor, Hon. Ma. Luisa J. Loot. When Typhoon Yolanda struck on the year 2013, the grade 2 classroom, which was located at the hilly part near the seashore of Sitio Pantao, was totally damaged, so the grade 2 class was transferred to the plain area, which is the new school site where the grade 1 building was located. A temporary classroom for the grade 2 class was built. In 2014, the non-government organizations (NGO’s) built two non-standard classrooms for Kindergarten and Grade 2. 

In 2017, Pantao PS became Pantao ES with only three rooms and three (3)teachers handling multigrade, the rest were temporarily sheltered. In 2018, the school had a complete teacher, handling every grade, from Kindergarten to Grade 6. As years went by, the school was able to build makeshift rooms, a school stage, and quadrangle through the efforts of the parents and teachers. Last 2023, a school partner, One Million Light Philippines, Give Power, and Rafi, donated solar panels to support the school’s electricity together with the smart TV’s, wall fans, and the school’s internet connection. Pantao ES continues to grow, but amidst these changes, the school remains committed to the mission to foster a nurturing learning environment that promotes pupils’ growth and development. The school is on the remote island of Carnaza situated at the northernmost tip of Cebu and the main source of living is only fishing. The school, despite being far from the mainland, did their best and aim to impart knowledge and help the learners grow and would not be left behind on education. The school’s vision is to cultivate a community of lifelong learners who are equipped to thrive in a global society. The school aims for the learners to grow and prosper and achieve their dreams so that they will not be stuck on the island and struggle to live like their ancestors. 

Pantao ES was established in the year 2017, but before it became an elementary school, it was formerly called Pantao PS and was established in 1966. The Primary School consisted of two grades, grades 1 and 2. The land where the classrooms were built was owned by the Municipality of Daanbantayan. In the year 2000, the two grades were separated due to the land’s deed of exchange. When Typhoon Yolanda struck, the grade 2 classroom was destroyed, so it was relocated to the new school site. 

In the year 2017, the former primary school was becoming an elementary school with only three rooms and three teachers handling multigrade. As years went by, the classrooms and teachers were complete and with the help of the parents and the school partners, the school grew and prospered. In 2023, partners from a private organization donated a very useful and helpful donation that helps the school prosper.