San Agustin (Poro) Elementary School, located in San Fernando City’s industrial zone, has a rich history that reflects its cultural heritage and commitment to educating children from diverse backgrounds.

 

The school was established following the introduction of the free and compulsory Public Educational System by the Taft Commission on January 21, 1901, though its earliest records date back to the 1941-1942 school year.

 

Originally, primary education was overseen by the municipal government, with informal classes possibly beginning after the U.S. Cavalry acquired land in 1903. Early schooling took place at Wallace Air Station, with students later transferring to Gabaldon for intermediate grades. As the local population grew, community members, with American support, sought to establish a complete elementary school, leading to the construction of the first building on the current site, named Poro Elementary School.

 

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Classes officially began in June 1942, but were suspended during World War II as the building was repurposed by the military. After the war, the school reopened as Poro Community School, holding classes in makeshift structures until a permanent building was reconstructed in 1995.

 

In 1998, the school was renamed San Agustin Elementary School by Municipal Mayor Manuel C. Ortega, though it faced resistance from the local community. To honor its history, the name was officially modified to San Agustin (Poro) Elementary School. Over the years, the school has received significant support from local families and multinational companies, resulting in the construction of ten buildings on its 7,145 square meter campus.