History

HISTORY OF THE DIVISION OF BACOLOD CITY

The Division of Bacolod City was organized in 1951. It is located in the capital of Negros Occidental—the highly urbanized City of Bacolod, also known as the City of Smiles—endowed with vast natural resources, a mild climate, and a rich cultural heritage. Originally, the Division of Bacolod City was part of the Division of Negros Occidental. It began operating independently in 1951, with Mr. Patricio Guzom serving as acting assistant from 1951 to 1952. The division appointed its first Schools Division Superintendent in 1953, Mr. Dominador K. Lopez, who served until 1956.

The Division of Bacolod City has since been led by the following Schools Division Superintendents:

• Mr. Ricardo C. Gonzales (1970–1983), with Dr. Marcela T. Tating as Assistant Schools Division Superintendent;

• Mr. Manuel C. Taglorin (1984–1986), with Mr. Alfredo R. Gonzales promoted as Assistant Schools Division Superintendent;

• Dr. Sergia Q. Agas (1987–1990);

• Dr. Trinidad D. Seva (1991–1994);

• Mr. Teodosio M. Borres (1996–1999);

• Dr. Milagros S. Gonzales, CESO V (1999–November 3, 2009), with Dr. Luisito J. Escalona as Assistant Schools Division Superintendent.

From 2008 to 2014, Mrs. Ma. Gemma M. Ledesma, CESO V, served as the Schools Division Superintendent, while Mr. John Arnold S. Siena served as the Assistant Schools Division Superintendent.

As an epitome of excellence, the Division of Bacolod City has spearheaded numerous projects and programs of the Department of Education. These initiatives focus on enhancing academic achievement and delivering quality education, ultimately contributing to the development of a strong nation of upright, self-reliant, and productive citizens in the generations to come. The division serves the needs of the masses while consistently demonstrating excellence in various endeavors.

Quality education for academic excellence is the common goal of all schools in the division. It has earned prestige as a consistent top performer in the Regional Achievement Test (RAT) for Region VI – Western Visayas at the elementary level from SY 1997 to 2004. Schools within the division have played a significant role in implementing the programs and projects of the Department of Education and the City of Bacolod, such as the Clean and Green Program, which has contributed to the city’s recognition in recent years.

The Division of Bacolod City has long established a reputation for excellence—but it has never been content to rest on its achievements. With an unwavering commitment to growth and innovation, the Division continues to pursue higher standards, embracing the belief that excellence is a continuous journey, not a destination. It remains steadfast in its efforts to earn even greater recognition and distinction in the years to come.

On June 11, 2024, the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines enacted the "Negros Island Region Act", officially creating the Negros Island Region (NIR) as a distinct administrative region of the Republic of the Philippines. This landmark legislation signifies the formal separation of Negros Occidental from Region VI - Western Visayas and Negros Oriental from Region VII - Central Visayas, uniting the two provinces under a single, autonomous regional administration.

In line with this historic development, the Division of Bacolod City continues to stand out—not only within the island but also on the national stage. Its achievements in sports and journalism at the regional level have brought pride and recognition to the newly established Negros Island Region, serving as a testament to the Division's unwavering pursuit of excellence and its vital role in shaping the region’s bright future.

MISSION, VISION, & CORE VALUES

The DepEd Vision

We dream of Filipinos who passionately love their country and whose values and competencies enable them to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to building the nation. As a learner-centered public institution, the Department of Education continuously improves itself to better serve its stakeholders.

The DepEd Mission

To protect and promote the right of every Filipino to quality, equitable, culture-based, and complete basic education where:

• Students learn in a child-friendly, gender-sensitive, safe, and motivating environment

• Teachers facilitate learning and constantly nurture every learner

• Administrators and staff, as stewards of the institution, ensure an enabling and supportive environment for effective learning to happen

• Family, community, and other stakeholders are actively engaged and share responsibility for developing life-long learners

Mandate

The Department of Education was established through the Education Decree of 1863 as the Superior Commission of Primary Instruction under a Chairman. The Education agency underwent many reorganization efforts in the 20th century in order to better define its purpose vis a vis the changing administrations and charters. The present day Department of Education was eventually mandated through Republic Act 9155, otherwise known as the Governance of Basic Education act of 2001 which establishes the mandate of this agency.

The Department of Education (DepEd) formulates, implements, and coordinates policies, plans, programs and projects in the areas of formal and non-formal basic education. It supervises all elementary and secondary education institutions, including alternative learning systems, both public and private; and provides for the establishment and maintenance of a complete, adequate, and integrated system of basic education relevant to the goals of national development.

Core Values

• Maka-Diyos

• Maka-tao

• Makakalikasan

• Makabansa

Panatang Makabata

Ako, si (banggitin ang pangalan), bilang mamamayang Filipino, ay kinikilala ang kahalagahan ng mga bata sa lipunan.

Dahil dito, ako ay nangangakong isulong, protektahan, igalang, at pangalagaan ang karapatan ng bawat bata, anuman man ang kaniyang kulay, kasarian, lahi, relihiyon, kultura, estado sa buhay, may- kapansanan man o wala.

Upang matiyak ang kasiyahan ng mga bata, naniniwala akong nararapat na matamasa nila ang mga ito:

• Maisilang at mabigyan ng sapat na pangangailangan upang mabuhay ng maayos;

• Lumago ang kaalaman, kakayahan at talento;

• Maproteksyunan sa anumang uri ng pang-aabuso, panganib, at karahasan;

• Makalahok sa mga gawain patungkol sa mga bata; at

• Maipagtatanggol at matutulungan ng pamahalaan sa lahat ng panahon.

Sa tulong ng Poong Maykapal, ito ay aking isasapuso at isasagawa ang lahat ng ito dahil ang mga bata ang pag-asa at siyang magpapaunlad sa ating bayan.