132 nd Birth Anniversary of Don Rosendo M. Mejica
Baluarte Elementary School remembers philanthropist founder

Text and photos by Ronelo S. Ladiao

History remained witness to the greatness of Don Rosendo M. Mejica who founded Baluarte Elementary School as the country's first public elementary school in 1905 in his noble mission to propagate the importance of education in the lives of his fellow Ilonggos and the Filipinos as a whole. It all started as a small school house founded during the American period in the Philippines and now it stands as the principal building of the Baluarte Elementary School in Molo .

The “ nipa ” school began with only 65 pupils including some old folks. The Americans who took over as the regular teachers were later amazed how quick the Filipino children learned English. There were rigid examinations and students were taught with diagramming, debating, public speaking and mathematics aside from the four R's. Pilar Madrazo , one of the first graduates of the school became the wife of the founder.

In 1910, the municipal council of Iloilo purchased a bigger site for the school and part of the amount was donated by Don Rosendo Mejica . The new Baluarte Elementary School had 18 rooms and admitted a thousand of pupils. Later on, the brilliant and philanthropist founder was honored by the municipal council for his priceless contribution in solving the illiteracy problem of Iloilo City . Since then Baluarte Elementary School transformed and grew into a bigger school accommodating more pupils not only from Molo but from other places. Notably, Baluarte Elementary School has already produced a lot of famous and distinguished people. Among her graduates are Senate President Franklin Drilon , former Senator and Congressman Rodolfo Ganzon ; Judge Felix V. Macalalag of the Court of First Instance of Lanao and many others.

Last March 1, 2005 Baluarte Elementary School celebrated and commemorated the 132 nd Birth Anniversary of Don Rosendo M. Mejica . The school's faculty and staff prepared a simple yet meaningful program to highlight the occasion. The program started at 7 a.m. with a solemn mass. Mrs. Maura Gellangarin , Principal III of Baluarte Elementary School gave the opening remarks. Hon. Mayor Jerry Treñas and Erlinda Gencaya , Schools Division Superintendent both delivered significant messages for the occasion. Atty. Rex Salvilla , a notable Ilonggo historian gave a vivid insight on the life of the founder Don Rosendo Mejica . The energetic and vigorous students of Baluarte Elementary School shared their precious talents on Binalaybay , Isahang Tula , Vocal Solo and acrostics in honor of the philanthropist founder.