SULTATAG SEESIPAG

School Overview

Sultan Esmael Elementary School is the only school in Region IV - A with a predominantly Muslim/Maranao population. Established in 2001, the school is home to children of mostly Maranao traders which were relocated to the then municipality of Dasmarinas when they lost their homes through a fire that gutted their community in Quiapo in 1983.

School year 2001-2002 marked the beginning of Sultan Esmael Elementary school. Through the efforts of then Barangay Chair Lacongan O. Esmael, District Supervisor Dr. Lydia O. Orina, Mayor Elpidio F. Barzaga Jr., and its first Officer -in-Charge Mrs. Editha A. Sarmiento, the school was able to start operations. It was a tough during the initial stages. Classes were held at the Mosque, Barangay Hall, and Catholic Chapel. Only upon the completion of the west school building in October 2001 that teachers and pupils were able to hold classes in one roof.

Today it caters to the children and grandchildren of these settlers who are mostly itinerant vendors that ply their trade in the neighboring towns of the province of Cavite. In its 20 years of existence, the school has produced a vast array of professionals and businessmen who have done their share and contributed to the uplift of the community.

Much remains to be done, however. Its reputation as hotbed of criminality and illegal drugs persists. Thus, in spite of the cultural and religious divide, the school continues to build bridges in order to end the cycle of poverty and ignorance through education. It is only through this process that peace and prosperity would reign.

This, therefore, is the enduring challenge that confronts the school and its stakeholders. The task, of course, is never easy. It requires a delicate balancing act coupled with creativity and courage. Nevertheless, this is not insurmountable; the right blend of cooperation and focus will ensure the fulfilment of objectives.