Stories from the past that helped shape our local civilization, be they people, things, places or events. We remember them in our quest for a better life ahead for our generations, and beyond.
West & East Central Schools, Gabaldon School – How Much Do You Know?
(based on information provided by Fr. E. Josue)
The two Central Schools were built after the Royal Decree of 1863, when the State (Spanish Insular Government) took over the administration of public instruction.
Before 1863, education of natives was under the total control of the church. With the Royal Decree, primary schools of public instruction were built in the towns.
In Pasuquin, two schools were built: Escuela de Niños (School for Boys) and the Escuela de Niñas (School for Girls). The School for Boys is what is now West Central School. It was built in exact parallel with the convento, the present ruins converted to a church by Fr. Trinidad Ranjo after 1908. The School for Girls is the present East Central School, built within church compound.
Even after the 1863 decree, the Parish Priest remained to be the inspector of schools (supervisor/principal). He had the power to recommend the hiring of a teacher and his termination.
The earliest record existing about the the schools was 1870. The plan of the two buildings made of bricks are still extant at the national archives in Manila.
During the American regime, when the government totally took over the program of public instruction, another school was erected south of the Poblacion, the Gabaldon School (built ca. 1916). This appeared to be the intermediate school.
The West Central School was the primary school. The East Central School was one time a high school. During the American regime, the 2 schools were added with second floors. The second floor of the girls’ school was knocked down after the war, including its vestibule.
These schools are the oldest standing and functioning edifices in Pasuquin, dating back from the Spanish Regime