BERNABE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
HISTORY OF BERNABE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Through the years, Bernabe Elementary School is committed towards making a difference in sustaining quality education by developing youth to become professionals, and socially responsible leaders and managers in the future. More than ever, BES management and teaching staff zealously work and focus all efforts in molding the younger generation towards educational excellence so as to attain the desired educational goals and thrusts. We share common commitment to our school mission and to advancing the success of our school children and teachers. Together, we create an environment of collaboration and support that nurtures and inspires every BES learner.
Bernabe Elementary School was named after Patricio Bernabe who was a special agent of the Katipunan and to the street where it is located now. It is only 50-meters away from Taft Avenue with an area of 633. 42 sq. meters. On its Eastern part is the Tripa de Gallena, and on western part is Taft Avenue. On the south is Gil Puyat Avenue and north is San Isidro Church.
In 1954 – 1958, Bernabe Elementary School was an annex school of Rafael Palma Elementary School. The school principal then was Miss Candida Dawis, followed by Mrs. Priscilla Uyengco in 1960- 1967 and then by Mr. Domingo Luna from 1967 – 1970. Pasay then was a division itself and not a part of the Integrated Municipalities.
In the early 60’s, the school was composed of a main building and an annex building owned by a certain Mrs. Rosarion Africa. The annex was a two-storey- eight room building with an area of 249.11 square meters at Tramo Street, Pasay City. This building was only rented by the government.
In 1980, Mrs. Petronila G. De Borja was assigned as school principal of BES. She was succeeded by Ms. Delia Salazar in 1983 and was able to request a two-storey building with toilets which have been part of the U-shaped building of the school.
Miss Delia Salazar was the school principal in 1983 – 1985 followed by Miss Natividad Ferrer, 1985 – 1986; Mrs. Socorro Rivera handled BES as school principal in the early quarters of SY 1986 – 1987 and Mrs. Erlinda Miranda in the remaining quarters of that School Year.
It was in the year 1987 – 1992 when Mrs. Constancia G. Mitra was designated as principal of the school. It was during her leadership that the school offered a complete elementary with kindergarten classes. There were seven academic classes, with H.E. room, guidance room, library, clinic , storeroom and a canteen.
Mrs. Lilia V. Labaco became the school principal in 1991 to 1995. This was followed by Mrs. Yolanda B. Javier in mid 1995. During the time of Mrs. Javier, SPED classes were organized through her effort. With the significant increase in enrolment, SPED classes were transferred to its new center at P. Villanueva Street, Pasay City for better accommodation.
After the term of Mrs. Javier, Mrs. Aida M. Rumbaoa took place for one year. She was succeeded by Mrs. Leticia Tamondong until her retirement in September, 2003. In the year 2003-2004, Mrs. Marietta P. Flores, the District Supervisor of the North District became the OIC of the school for one year. In 2004, Mrs. Marina M. Magbago was assigned as OIC-principal of BES until 2005.
It was in the year 2005 when Mr. Severo A. Bajado was designated as OIC-Principal of the school. He served as the school principal for four years until he was promoted as District Supervisor. On June 2009, Mrs. Evelyn D. Deliarte became the new Officer-in-Charge but was replaced by Mr. Tirso V. Gali on July 3, 2009 until May 4, 2011 because of the latter’s assignment to other school.
During Mr. Gali’s term as school principal, the E-Laboratory was constructed with sixteen computers which was funded by the Special Education Fund. Computer classes were organized from grades one to six pupils. Computer literacy was also conducted to all teachers to improve their teaching competencies through the use of computers. Construction of the uncovered stage was also done.
In 2011, Mr. Nunilon L. Moreno was designated as school principal. During his leadership, there were various linkages from the NGO’s. The School Library, School Clinic, Guidance Office, Kindergarten room were renovated and air conditioning units were installed to make it functional and conducive for pupils. The Rotary Club of Pasay, with the help of Dr. Bibly Macaya, financed all major renovation and also donated 4 sewing machines to the E.P.P. room. All comfort rooms were renovated as well.
In 2014, Mrs. Lea M. Marcelo became the new school principal after Mr. Moreno. It was just a short but memorable stay due to numerous victories of Bernaberians when it comes to district and division contests. School research for teachers was intensified as well as the continued partnership with the external stakeholders for the benefit of Bernabe Elementary School.
Mrs. Maybelle C. Salanio was the school principal of the school in 2015-2017. It was during her time when BES won the Most Functional Library/LRMDS in the division. The renovation of the school stage and the existing comfort rooms of the school was made during her time. The school also won several contests during Mrs. Maybelle C. Salanio’s time. The school also received a recognition as Third Placer for the 2016 Brigada Eskwela Best Implementer (Small School Category).
Dr. Felina P. Patagan was the school Principal of BES from May 2017-October 2019. After few months under Dr. Felina Patagan’s leadership, many changes had been made in both academic instruction and physical aspect of the school. An environment of collaboration and strong partnership with the parents and its stakeholders was set. This collaboration brought so many changes in school in terms of improvements. Teachers were geared toward excellence in every endeavors. Since one of the flagships/projects of the Local Government Unit of Pasay City is to improve and construct school building, the LGU advised us to transfer temporarily to Rafael Palma Elementary School in June 2018 while they are constructing the new school building. BES occupies the afternoon session from Monday to Friday and single session class for the Saturday’s Alternative Learning System (ALS).
At present, Bernabe Elementary School is under the leadership of Mr. Leonardo G. Balaguer. Prior to his present designation as the school principal, he was an experienced leader and educator for nearly 30 years in the Schools Division of Taguig-Pateros. It is a very challenging opportunity for him knowing that BES shared school facilities with Rafael Palma Elementary School and the battle with the challenges of the new normal education and at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Very rewarding at the same time because during his term and despite the challenges, BES received numerous awards and citations; one of Brigada Eskwela Best Implementers, Best School Website Creator, Best Program Implementer to name a few. The bar was also raised when it comes to learners and teachers development and progress through the different programs that were introduced during his term.
It was on August 6, 2021 when BES officially came back into the newly constructed building. The school community thru the internal and external stakeholders worked hand in hand to improve the school facilities. The Project PEBES or “Pataasin ang Enrolment sa Bernabe Elementary School was introduced to ensure that every school-age children in the catchment areas should go to school as well as the Project BEST sa BES or “Beautification Efforts of Stakeholders and Teachers sa Bernabe Elementary School” for the school’s beautification.
Indeed, education plays a vital role in the formation of every well-being. Bernabe Elementary School even being the smallest public elementary school in the Schools Division of Pasay City, continuously commit in giving quality education and transforming the DepEd’s vision and mission into reality.
After the administration of Mr. Leonardo G. Balaguer, Ms. Ma. Garde B. Cleofe became the next school principal of Bernabe Elementary School. Her leadership became another meaningful chapter in the continuing history of the institution. During her tenure, she worked toward the further development of the school and the improvement of the learning environment for BES learners. She worked with the teachers, learners, parents, and stakeholders in addressing the different needs of the school and in ensuring that the welfare and development of the learners remained among the priorities of the school. Although her stay in Bernabe Elementary School was relatively short, she was able to make meaningful contributions to the continued improvement of the school and the promotion of quality education.
Ms. Ma. Garde B. Cleofe was succeeded by Dr. Eleanor C. Capilitan, who served as the OIC-School Principal of Bernabe Elementary School. Although her tenure was also relatively brief, Dr. Capilitan made significant contributions to the continued stability and development of the school. She worked closely with the school personnel in maintaining order and addressing the different needs and concerns of the school. Her leadership helped ensure the continuity of the school’s programs, projects, and activities which contributed to maintaining a safe, organized, and conducive learning environment for the learners.
Following Dr. Eleanor C. Capilitan, Mrs. Loreta G. Petalcorin became the next OIC-School Principal of Bernabe Elementary School and served for nine months. During her administration, the school continued its efforts to gradually organize and improve its facilities and school operations following its return to the newly constructed building. She worked closely with the teachers, learners, parents, and stakeholders in addressing the needs of the school and in supporting various programs and activities.
During Mrs. Petalcorin’s term, Bernabe Elementary School continued to achieve various victories in different contests and competitions. Several learners and participants were able to advance and compete at the regional level through their determination, perseverance, and the support provided by the school. Mrs. Petalcorin gave unwavering support to the learners and participants, particularly in responding to their needs and providing encouragement as they represented the school in different competitions. Her administration further demonstrated that the achievements of the school are made possible through the collective efforts of learners, teachers, parents, and school leaders.
With the transition to a new school administration following the tenure of Mrs. Loreta G. Petalcorin, Mr. Ivan D. Grulla assumed the position of OIC-School Principal on November 2025. Under his leadership, the school continues to advance its commitment in improvement, innovation, development, and excellence.
Under his administration, Bernabe Elementary School has embarked on a continuing journey of school transformation, focusing on creating an environment where learners feel safe, valued, motivated, and ready to learn. Greater attention has been devoted to maintaining a clean, orderly, secure, and welcoming school atmosphere while ensuring that the needs and well-being of every learner remain at the heart of school operations.
Various projects and initiatives have been undertaken to make classrooms and other school areas more functional, accessible, and responsive to the needs of both learners and teachers. These improvements are intended not only to beautify the physical environment but, more importantly, to create spaces that encourage engagement, support effective instruction, and promote meaningful learning experiences.
The continuous transformation of Bernabe Elementary School has also been strengthened by the growing number and expanding network of stakeholders and community partners. More individuals, organizations, private institutions, and community groups have actively participated in and supported the school’s programs, projects, and various development initiatives.
Through stronger school-community partnerships, the school has gained additional support for the improvement of facilities, provision of learning resources, implementation of learner-centered programs, and response to the diverse needs of learners. Their continued support contributes significantly to the school’s efforts to enhance the quality of education, promote learner welfare, improve school facilities, and pursue academic excellence.
Under his term, the school has achieved numerous victories in different fields through the dedication and perseverance of its learners, teachers, and coaches, with the continuous support of the school administration, parents, and stakeholders. These accomplishments reflect the continuing efforts of the entire BES community to provide learners with opportunities to discover, develop, and showcase their talents and skills.
At present, he continues to uphold the culture of collaboration and commitment that has characterized Bernabe Elementary School throughout the years. Together with the teaching and non-teaching personnel, learners, parents, and stakeholders, the school continues to work toward improving its programs and services, responding to its needs, and ensuring that every learner receives meaningful opportunities for growth and development. The different projects and accomplishments under his administration further demonstrate the school’s determination to remain responsive to the changing needs of education and the community it serves.
From its beginnings as an annex school of Rafael Palma Elementary School to its development as an independent public elementary school, Bernabe Elementary School has gone through many changes, challenges, and milestones. Its journey has been shaped by the dedicated school heads, teachers, learners, parents, and stakeholders who have continuously worked together for the improvement of the institution. Each administration has contributed a significant part to the school’s development, whether through improvements in facilities, innovations in instruction, partnerships with stakeholders, learner development, or achievements in various competitions.
Indeed, education plays a vital role in the formation and development of every individual. Bernabe Elementary School, despite being one of the smallest public elementary schools in the Schools Division of Pasay City, continues to demonstrate that the size of a school does not determine the greatness of its dreams and accomplishments. Through the years, BES has remained steadfast in its commitment to providing quality education and in transforming the DepEd’s vision, mission, and core values into meaningful experiences for every learner.
Today, Bernabe Elementary School continues its journey with the same spirit of resilience, collaboration, and commitment that has carried it through the years. With its dedicated school leaders, passionate teachers, hardworking learners, supportive parents, and committed stakeholders, BES continues to move forward toward greater achievements and opportunities. The history of Bernabe Elementary School is, therefore, not only a record of its past but also a continuing story of people working together to build a better school, nurture young minds, and prepare Bernaberians to become responsible, competent, and productive members of society.
