Primer of the National Organization

PESPA: It's History and Objectives

What is PESPA

PESPA is an acronym for Philippine Elementary School Principals Association. It is a national association composed of dynamic elementary school heads all over the country who are affiliated as members.

When was PESPA born?

PESPA was born in October 12, 1968 at Baguio City, 42 years ago. Its old name was Philippine Public School Principals Association or PPESPA. It’s founding President was Mr. Arturo F. Coronel, the former City Schools Division Superintendent of Manila. The Manila Public Elementary School Principals Association or MAPESPA spearheaded the move to organize a national organization, now known as PESPA.

What are its aims?

It has manifold aims to safeguard the welfare of its members through the following objectives:

  1. To promote and maintain unity, enhance professional identity and develop and support mutual assistance;
  2. To promote the cause of elementary education for national development;
  3. To raise and maintain standards of elementary school heads through effective leadership and enlightened fellowship;
  4. To stimulate, support and undertake researches, investigates and other professional activities that shall contribute to the improvement of principalship and disseminate new knowledge, information and materials through publications, seminars, workshops, lectures and conferences; and
  5. To assist the government in the solution of national problems through dynamic leadership and education excellence.

Where is the home office of the national association at present?

At present, the temporary home office is Room 303-304, 3rd Floor, Educators’ Community Center, Dorm-E, DepED Complex, Meralco Ave., Pasig City.

Who are the advisers of the Association?

The Advisers are: The Secretary of Department of Education, the Undersecretaries and the Bureau of Elementary Education director.

What is the main linkage as a potent organization?

As a potent organization it works hand and hand with the DepED, serving as a conduit to the field in order to support the programs, projects and activities of the department in coordination with the various officials in the different divisions and regions of the country.

On Leadership and Membership

Who manages the Association?

The association is governed by the board composed of thirty four (34) members elected as vice presidents and directors from each of the 17 DepED regions by their respective group of delegates in a convention usually held in May every two years – the term of their office. Following their election, they sit en banc immediately to choose among themselves the following officers.

  1. A President
  2. A Vice President General
  3. An auditor

The other officers not mentioned are appointed by the elected President as he fit and necessary with the concurrence of the board.

How long do the board and other officers serve and what happens when vacancy occurs?

They shall serve for a term of two years, with re-election, which coincides with the holding of national congress/conference in the month May every two years. When vacancy occurs within this period, the board being the policy making body, chooses the replacement – be it an officer or a board member by a majority vote.

How can one be a member of the Association?

Any elementary school heads, under the BEE is entitled to regular membership by paying (Php100.00) as membership fee paid only once, and an annual fee of Php100.00 subject to change by the board.

Is there an annual fee to regular and affiliate member?

Yes, the annual fee is (Php100.00 which is also subject to change by the board.

Is there a fee imposed to honorary members?

No, Honorary members are exempted from payment of any dues as provided for in the Constitution and By-Laws of the association. However, they can donate cash on voluntary basis to augment the operational expenses of the Association.

Can a private elementary school head affiliate with PESPA?

Yes, a private elementary school head can also be a member of the Association by paying the corresponding fee.

On Priveleges and Benefits

What does one get as a member of the national association?

As a bonafide member, he/she takes pride of being a member of a prestigious and largest professional organization that is now and respected all throughout the Philippines. As a board member or officer, one gets to know the important people who run the largest bureaucracy in the government, the local officials in the central office as well as in the region and division levels. Moreover, he gets a direct access to these officials. And soon, the board is considering giving welfare benefits when enough finances have been generated.

How is this possible?

As a member, he gets the chance to attend the biennial conference and congress being held every two years in Manila or any place designated. He is updated with the new thrust and developments in elementary education through information dissemination, education and communication programs.

As a board member or an officer, he attends the semestral executive development programs and national meetings for two years in different divisions and regions. By his active participation he can travel to almost all parts of the country meeting colleagues in the profession and enhancing his management capabilities in running the school. But of course, the highest goal is self fulfillment by having been able to serve the association with utmost dedication and unwavering commitment to service.

On Accomplishment and Goals

As one of the country’s largest professional groups, how does it play a significant role in fostering growth in the education sector?

As a big organization, PESPA is considered as a catalyzer for a change and as such, it has been in the vanguard for the implementation policies, programs and thrusts. It has undertaken worthy projects and activities which contribute to the total educational system in general and to the elementary education in particular.

Founders

Past PESPA Presidents

  • Arturo F. Coronel - Founding President - 1968-1974
  • Juan H. Hernandez
  • Alberto Mendoza
  • Santiago C. Paredes - 1976-1991
  • Marino T. Calibara - 1991-1995
  • Loreto V. Cruz - 1995-1999
  • Teresita V. Arriola - 1999-2007
  • Erico M. Habijan - 2007-2009
  • Franklin B. Marcelo - 2007-Present