Republic of the Philippines

Fourth Estate Elementary School BF Homes

Schools Division of Paranaque City

Students had to cover more than a kilometer of walk inside the walls of Manila Memorial Park and another kilometer from the crossroads just to reach Fourth Estate Elementary School. At times, these young people had to brave the rains and ran after their flying umbrellas. Some got distracted over the long walk and preferred staying on the greens of the park.

It was 2008 and the school wanted to ease the difficulties these children were facing.

Dr. Josephine Alcantara, then-principal of the aforementioned school, showed her resolve in providing a better life for the children. She coordinated with the right people of the village, the city government and the division office and finally opened up an extension school beyond the walls of the park. Fourth Estate Elementary School BF Extension was organized and started offering Grade 1 and 2 classes. 

In 2011, the leadership of the mother school coordinated again and opened two new levels. Bringing in a set of new teachers, the school started offering Grade 3 and 4 classes. Mrs. Digna Atienza assumed leadership of the school in the following year and served as the officer-in-charge for almost a year. It was not long before Dr. Virginia Ramos assumed the command post. It was during her leadership when the school had class expansions. Dr. Ramos was able to bring in a better number of pupils. At this point of time, Fourth Estate Elementary School BF Extension started seeking independence from the mother school. A school year ended and Dr. Ramos was assigned to another. Mrs. Susan Corro assumed office and served for less than a year. It was 2014.

In the same year, the division office assigned Education Program Supervisor Glenn O. Ducts to assume the command post of the institution. Mr. Ducta, the man behind the MAPEH programs, took responsibility for the leadership. It was in his time that the school expanded, built more classrooms, innovated the system, improved facilities, increased population, deployed more teachers, started raking in trophies from the district to the national level, and more importantly, the school took steps to work independently, albeit in a relative fashion.

Today, the school stands triumphant and proud with 1998 learners, 52 teachers, 13 non-teaching personnel, and an active community fully involved in the progress of the school.