SCHOOL  HISTORY

Nestled in Barangay Tanquigan, 7 kilometers from San Fernando City's center, Tanquigan Elementary School stands as a testament to resilience and community spirit. The barangay itself, known for its fertile agricultural lands producing rice, tobacco, corn, and diverse vegetables, takes its name from a blend of "Tanquig" (its hilly, unirrigated areas) and "Annam" (its flat, irrigated lands), a name adopted after the Spanish colonial period.

 

The school's history began in 1922, long before the land was officially donated on April 17, 1952, by Eduardo Flores of Birunget. The 1.198-hectare site holds a poignant past, having served not only as a school but also as a Japanese military prison camp and internment center during World War II (1941-1945). This dark chapter in its history is tragically marked by the numerous lives lost and the artifacts, including treasures and golds that remain buried on the school grounds. The school's flagpole, scarred with bullet holes, remains as a stark yet silent witness to this period, the only surviving structure from the original Tanquigan Community School.

 

The post-war years saw a painstaking rebuilding effort, fueled by the dedication of community members and parents who contributed significantly to the labor. By the mid-1950s, two three-classroom Gabaldon-type buildings and a Home Economics room had been constructed. Mrs. Ceriaco Assuncion of Luna, La Union, served as the school's first registered principal, guiding the school through its early recovery and growth. As one of the first schools in San Fernando to offer a complete Grades 1-6 curriculum, Tanquigan Elementary School became a vital educational resource for several neighboring barangays.

 

Today, the school continues to thrive. Modern amenities, including a covered court and a water refilling station, complement its updated facilities. Two new buildings, donated by the Lions Club International, house Grades 1-3, while a building donated by the United States during Pacific Partnership 2023 accommodates Grades 5 and 6. The youngest pupils learn in a kindergarten building, a gift from the San Fernando City government in 2014. Additional buildings house Grade 4, the Principal's Office/Clinic, ICT/DRRM/School Library, and storage.

 

Tanquigan Elementary School serves the communities of Birunget, Tanquigan, and Narra Este, supported by a dedicated team of eight competent teachers and a visionary, empathetic, and supportive principal. More than just a place of learning, the school fosters a collaborative environment where teamwork, respect, and individual success are paramount. Initiative-taking identification of pupils, needs and the implementation of targeted interventions ensure that every learner receives the support they need. The strong community partnership, which values education and instills hard work, ensures that all children have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background. Indeed, at Tanquigan Elementary School, learning is truly more fun.