Page 6 - GSCS PUPIL HANDBOOK

History of Gonzaga South Central School

In 1924, the first public primary school in Gonzaga, which was then
Rumang-ay, was built in the lot of the late Mayor Francisco Torres, who was then
called municipal executive who was then called “Presidente” housing one grade
I. It was located in front of San Roque Parish Church. The temporary building was
roo’fed with “labig” or Palma prava leaves and the walls were made of wooden
bamboo slots when these grade I became grade II, they moved to a building
located at a private lot where the residence of Dr. Silverio Salvanera is located
today.
As enrolment increased, the founders of Gonzaga conceived the idea of
putting up a complete primary school in the place where the Gonzaga South
Central School is located today. This was during the time of the municipal Mayor
Leandro Zuniga, who was then the “president” and the school Superintendent
was Mr. John H. Butler, an American Negro.

After four years, a building for Grade V was built which was made of nipa
and bamboo. They finished Grade VII in the year 1930-1931.

After three years, Grade VII was abolished. Through the cooperative efforts
of the later generation, the Gonzaga Elementary School was improved. It was
later changed to Gonzaga Central School.

Due to the increased of enrolment at Gonzaga Central School in 1965, the
Gonzaga North Central School was put up. That was the time of the municipal
Mayor Francisco Baclig, and the principal in Gonzaga Central School was Mr.
Venancio Escalante. The late Mr. Pedro Bucaneg was the next principal when in
was named Gonzaga South Central School, with Mr. Sofronio Taguba as the
district supervisor.

Gonzaga South Central School has produced active government leaders. It is
worthy to note that the pride of Gonzaga, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, finished his
elementary education in this school. Another famous national figure is Mrs. Luz
Escalante Sabas, President of the National Recycling Movement on the
Philippines today, also finished her elementary education in GSCS. She was
awarded first honors in their class while Senator Enrile was second honors.

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