Coral Cambing Elementary School: A Beacon of Community Resilience in Hacienda Luisita
Nestled within the sprawling sugarcane fields of Hacienda Luisita, Coral Cambing Elementary School (CCES) stands as a shining example of collaboration and resilience in Philippine education. Since its establishment in 1956 under the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement, this institution has evolved into a vibrant learning hub under the leadership of Principal Wilson G. Mataga, supported by a dedicated team of teachers, parents, and community partners.
Education Beyond Classroom Walls
At CCES, education transcends traditional classroom boundaries, extending into homes, barangay halls, and even the agricultural fields that surround the campus. The school has cultivated a living, breathing community of practice where educators, parents, volunteers, and local leaders work collaboratively to shape a brighter future for their children.
Overcoming Pandemic Challenges Through Innovation
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, rural communities like Hacienda Luisita faced particularly severe disruptions. With parents overwhelmed and learning barriers widening, CCES confronted a critical question: how could educational continuity be maintained in a suddenly fragmented world?
The answer emerged through Project Ugnay sa Pag-unlad, an innovative initiative that not only repaired broken connections but wove new collaborative networks. Spearheaded by PTA President Edna D. Amurao, this project revitalized partnerships between the school and its stakeholders through community dialogues, strategic planning sessions, and relentless cooperation.
Transforming Parents into Co-Educators
One of the project's most significant breakthroughs was its revolutionary approach to parental involvement. Rather than treating parents as passive spectators, CCES welcomed them as active co-educators in their children's learning journey.
- Retired teachers volunteered to mentor parents in educational techniques
- Young professionals returned to the community to design effective home-learning routines
- Comprehensive training sessions empowered mothers and fathers to become confident facilitators of daily lessons
This transformation turned living rooms into classrooms and kitchen tables into study desks. Parents who had never imagined themselves as educators became vital forces in their children's academic recovery.
Community Support and Infrastructure Development
The local government, led by Mr. Nicolas P. Santos and the Barangay Council in Education, amplified these educational efforts by funding learning materials and organizing distribution caravans. Recognizing the need for supportive learning environments, parents constructed makeshift study lounges within the school—a beautiful manifestation of the bayanihan spirit that defines Filipino community cooperation.
This spirit of collective action extended to infrastructure improvements. A benevolent alumni member, who consistently declined public recognition, contributed generously to fund projects including:
- A concrete perimeter fence for enhanced security
- Cafeteria upgrades to improve student nutrition
- A sports center for physical development
- An auditorium for school events and gatherings
Parents unable to provide financial support contributed labor instead—hauling construction materials, painting walls, repairing furniture, and ensuring the campus remained safe and welcoming for all students.
Recognition and Sustainable Development Model
These collective efforts have garnered attention from educational authorities. Department of Education officials have praised CCES for modeling the kind of community engagement and sustainable development that other schools across the Philippines can learn from and replicate.
A Movement That Continues to Grow
Today, Coral Cambing Elementary School stands as a powerful testament to what communities can achieve when they learn and grow together. Project Ugnay sa Pag-unlad has evolved beyond a mere program into a genuine movement that continues to nurture confident learners while building compassionate, lasting partnerships.
PTA President Edna Amurao perfectly captures this transformative spirit: "We initiated Project Ugnay sa Pag-unlad to enhance cooperation between parents and the school. Involving parents in every aspect of their children's education will greatly benefit the school."
In Coral Cambing, a school has become the heart of its community—and the community, in turn, has become the school's enduring soul, demonstrating how education flourishes when everyone participates in the learning journey.
