116th anniversary: BCS, country’s oldest public elem school holds foundation

By Juliet D. Cestona

BAGUIO CITY – Sept. 2 marked the 116^th Foundation Day of Baguio Central School, a Heritage School and believed to be the oldest public elementary school in the Philippines.

To commemorate this event, a thanksgiving mass was officiated by the parish priest of St. Vincent Parish Church, followed by program participated in by the retirees, Faculty members and pupils. The BCS history program was later held through dramatization by higher grade pupils. Intermission numbers were presented by representatives from the GPTA retirees and pupils.

Being the biggest elementary school in the city, BCS had served as excellent training ground to its more than enrollees which for this year numbered around 3,000. Through the years, it has produced graduates who are now successful in different fields they have chosen.

“Learning and growing together towards one goal  -- excellence was this year’s foundation day’s theme.

The celebration was graced by Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan who mentioned in his message the importance and

influence his teachers have contributed to his success. He also challenged the parents to do their role and give their best inguiding their children in good behavior and respect for elders.

Celebrating with BCS are officials from the division office led by the schools division superintendent Francis Cesar B.Bringas, who urged pupils to listen to him attentively because he will give prizes to whoever will answer his questions correctly after his talk.

The pupils got excited and were amused because they were told to give their answers in Ilokano dialect.

Present also during the occasion were Councilor Elmer Datuin,a BCS alumnus, barangay captain Benjamin Macadangdang (BCS GPTA president), barangay captain Col. Reyes(Palma Urbano Barangay), BCS retirees and alumni.

A Concert for a Tool was also held in the afternoon. Selected faculty members rendered songs which were enjoyed by pupils and parents who sang with the performers.