Tomas Claudio Memorial Elementary School

Tomas Claudio Memorial Elementary School, formerly called Tomas Claudio Memorial School, was constructed in 1921 in honor of Private Tomas Mateo Claudio, the rst Filipino hero of Morong, Rizal, in the
Philippines, who died during World War I in France.[1]
The school is considered the Alma Mater of most
Moronguenos.[2]

already operating in 1901, which was housed at the

Commandancia.[2]
Former Municipal President Felix San Juan urged a committee to send a resolution to the National Assembly to
request for an appropriation of fteen thousand pesos for
a school building in honor of Private Tomas Mateo Claudio. On February 24, 1920, an act was passed and signed
into law by then Governor General Francis Burton Harrison to appropriate the sum of fteen thousand pesos as
additional funds for the construction of an intermediate
school in Morong, Rizal.[2][3]

History

As provided in Section 2 of the said Act, a bust or relief medallion made of bronze and marble representing
Tomas Mateo Claudio must be installed on the facade of
the school building.[2]
When the school building was completed, classes from
Grades 5 to 7 were held in the new building while Grades
1 to 4 remained in the Commandancia. In 1927, a Home
Economics building was constructed. A few years later,
more rooms were added to the main building. Former
First Lady Aurora Quezon admired the schools library
and museum during her visit to the school in 1938.[2]
At the time of the Japanese occupation in the Philippines,
the school was converted into a garrison until July 10,
1942, which compelled the classes to be held at the
Commandancia. The school was reconstructed in 1945
under the Rehabilitation Act, and resumed its use for the
intermediate classes. Still, the Commandancia was used
by the primary students.[2]
In 1959, a two-room prefabricated rooms were added and
used by Grade 1 and 2 students. Rodriguez-type buildings were erected in 1963, followed by the Marcos-type
buildings behind the Gabaldon-type building.[2]
When the Commandancia got damaged due to Typhoon
Yoling in 1970, all primary classes were transferred to
Tomas Claudio Memorial Elementary School, making it
a complete elementary school since then.[2]

2 Architecture
During the American period (1898-1945), about 3,000
Gabaldon-type school buildings were constructed and
American-style educational system was introduced.[4]

One of the Philippines oldest Historical Markers, installed in

1921. This marker is made of bronze and marble.

Before Tomas Claudio Memorial Elementary School Upon the signing of Act 2881, the townspeople of
was constructed, an elementary school known as Mo- Morong, Rizal contributed sand and gravel and a
rong Elementary School or Morong Central School was Gabaldon-type school building was erected in 1921.[2]
1

The U-shaped one-storey building has a concrete foundation with the oor raised from the ground to promote air
passage, an adaptation to the tropical climate in the country. The nine concrete arches at the facade of the building
reect an American-era image of the cultural heritage in
Morong, Rizal. Board panels on the interior and some
portions of exterior wall are arranged vertically and horizontally. Wooden air vents that promote air circulation
are placed on the lower part of the wall touching the oor.
Windows are either glass and capiz, which are retained on
the upper part of the wall. Cut-out fretworks with abacus
design are seen on the upper portions of the wall. These
not only give a decorative look, but also allow ventilation.
The roong is made of galvanized iron sheets.
At present, tiles are laid on a portion of the oor of the
main building. The school library and mini museum was
created by removing some classroom partitions to produce a larger room. To meet the need for additional
classrooms for the growing student population, additional
school buildings are being erected in the nearby areas.

Gallery
School Name
A closer look at the facade of the main building
showing the arches and the fretworks on the upper
wall
Double slab doors at the main building
Rear side of the main building
Facade of the northern wing of the building
Rear side of the northern wing of the building
The corridor of the south wing with original wooden
ooring
Gate made of metal grills bearing the 1930 insignia

References

[1] Tandoc Jr.,, Edson (June 2, 2006). Heirs try to keep

legacy of Filipino to die for democracy. Philippine Daily
Inquirer. Retrieved October 5, 2014.
[2] Pascual, Timoteo; Guillermo, Liwayway (1978). Morongs 400 Years. Manila: UST Press.
[3] Act 2881. Republic of the Philippines House of Representatives. Retrieved October 5, 2014.
[4] Villalon, Augusto (May 24, 2010).
PhilippineAustralian cooperation restores Gabaldon-type school in
Camiguin. Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved October
5, 2014.

REFERENCES

Text and image sources, contributors, and licenses

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