ILOILO City – The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) endorsed the establishment of a full-fledged elementary school at the city’s relocation site in Barangay San Isidro, Jaro district.
Prior to the endorsement, however, there was a heated debate on the school’s proposed name – Uswag San Isidro Elementary School.
“The name of the place is San Isidro…how about ‘Uswag’? It has no significance at all,” said Councilor Eduardo Peñaredondo.
Councilor Joshua Alim said “Uswag” has “political connotation.”
“Uswag” was the slogan that Cong. Jerry Treñas used in past elections.
It was Treñas who sought the SP’s endorsement in line with his House Bill No. 8054 for the school’s establishment with the new name of “Uswag San Isidro Elementary School” from its current name “Uswag San Isidro Elementary School – Judith Lazarraga Tiongco Memorial School Extension.”
The SP committee on education chaired Lady Julie Grace Baronda conducted hearings and later came out with a favorable recommendation.
“‘Uswag’ has political connotation. Now kun magdaog si Mayor Joe (Espinosa), islan ‘ya naman na sa ‘Pag-ulikid Elementary School’,” Alim said, referring to Espinosa’s flagship community outreach program “Pag-ulikid.”
Treñas and Espinosa are expected to run against each other for mayor in next year’s midterm election.
“Just delete ‘Uswag’ and maintain ‘San Isidro Elementary School,’” said Alim.
Councilor Lyndon Acap suggested that the school better be named after Treñas’ father, the late senator Potenciano Treñas.
Baronda said the establishment of a “stand alone” school is necessary for it to be recognized by the Department of Education and to be given funds included in the proposed 2019 budget year.
“We are fast-tracking all the documents to be submitted before October so it will be included in the national government (appropriation),” she said.
The school presently depends on the budget that is given to the Judith Lazarraga Tiongco Memorial School. It has 24 teachers with 842 students using 14 classrooms.
San Isidro Village has a population of 18,000 with 3,505 belonging to 5 to 14 age group./PN
