BAGUIO Central School, said to be the first public elementary school in the Philippines, celebrated its 116th Foundation Day last September 2.

Baguio Central opened in 1899 as a one-room school in a house owned by Mateo Cariño, who later donated the two hectares of his land to the government.

The school had reeds (rono) and tall grass (cogon) roof, rough-hewn wood for walls and floor and was built low on the ground. About 25 boys, mostly Igorots, made up the first class with a Mr. Patrick from the American Armed Forces as the teacher.

The pupils were all young men; the youngest was 18 years old.

Dr. Jose Cariño and Maximo Carantes, who were among the first batch, recalled they sat on low wooden benches, used American books for reading, and slates and chalk for writing.

Instruction was concentrated on the teaching of reading, writing, and the speaking of English language.

The school first accepted female students in 1901, and in 1914 a complete elementary school was established.

Baguio Central closed during World War II, and it was damaged by natural calamities such as typhoons and earthquakes.

It was renovated by the Department of Education and Heritage conservation Society (HCS) in 2004 and declared as a heritage school.

Today Baguio Central is the biggest elementary school in the city, with about 70 classrooms 3,300 pupils and 83 teaching staff. (Arlito Pecay)