Krus Na Ligas is an urban community located close to the University of the Philippines. It was originally settled during the Spanish time and considerable changes had taken place since then. At that time, the community consisted of two sections: the community proper and the nearby sitio called libis. Residents in both places, however, carried on intensive contacts with each other.
The barrio was once a thickly forested area, with many tall trees and thick bushes. The people from the nearby town of Marikina referred to the place as the bundok or gulod (hilltop). At that time there were few houses scattered over the settlement. There were no known roads and only narrow pathways were used. As the early settlers were clearing the forests to look for a permanent site for their chapel, a tree called ligas was found with its twigs forming a cross thus, the origin of the name Krus Na Ligas. The tree was said to have medicinal properties, its leaves and roots could cure certain ailments so that it was much sought after. The site was later to become the location for the chapel, a small stone edifice, and one remaining symbol of the inhabitants’ rightful ownership of the land.
It was in the school year 1940 – 1941 when a grade one class with twenty-six pupils was opened in Krus Na Ligas under Mrs. Salud Maraol, the first teacher and whose class was held in the house of a certain Natalio Fulgencio. In 1941 – 1942, there were already 2 classes existing, Grade I & II under the same teacher. However, from 1942 – 1945, which was the Japanese time, school organizations, was entirely suspended.
During the liberation time which was from 1945 to 1951, children from KNL were sent to Balara Elementary School. On June 1951, a multigrade class composed of Grade I, II & III was reopened only one teacher handled the class and the barrio chapel was used as classroom. It was in 1954 when a complete primary grade was offered where two teachers were assigned to teach a combination class I & II, III & IV combination of classes was organized. The chapel and the house of a resident named Francisco Ramos were used as classrooms. Finally a two-unit pre-fabricated school building was constructed in October 1961 under the supervision of Mrs. Caridad Dumlao, who was then the principal of Balara Elementary School. The materials were donated by the Philippine Army while the construction was done through the joint efforts of the Barrio Council and concerned parents. An additional teacher was assigned thus making the total of three teachers. The school was an annex of Balara Elementary School. In School Year 1962 – 1963, another 6-classroom building was constructed which made possible the increase in enrolment and four additional teachers, making now the total of seven.
Mr. Fresco B. Licud, a Grade IV teacher was named as the Head Teacher. In 1963 – 1964, the school became a complete elementary school and teaching force increased from seven to eleven members and no longer an annex of Balara Elementary School.
The data below shows the growth and development of
KNLES from 1940 up to the present.
A. Pre-War Time
1940 – 1942 – Grade school in KNL was established
1. 1940 – 1941 – Grade I – 26 pupils
1940 – 1941 – Grade II
2. Shool House – Natalio Fulgencio’s house
3. Teacher – Mrs. Salud Maraol
B. Japanese Time
· 1942 – 1944 – School organizations was entirely suspended
· 1945 – 1951 – KNL children went to Balara Elementary School
· 1951- 1954 – Primary classes were reopened in KNL.
1. 1951 – 1952 – Grade I
1952 - 1953 – Grade II
1953 – 1954 - Grade III
2. There was only one teacher
3. School house – chapel
· 1954 – 1961 – complete Primary grades were opened
1. Two teachers were assigned to teach the four grades.
2. School house – The chapel and the house of Francisco Ramos were used as classroom.
· 1961 – 1962 – First school building was constructed
1. A two-unit fabricated school building was constructed in October 1961 under Mrs. Caridad Dumlao, principal of Balara Elementary School.
2. Teachers assigned to teach:
a. Mrs. Rizalina Flores
b. Ms. Paglinawan
c. Mrs. Purificacion P. Agustin
· 1962 – 1963 – The school was still an annex of Balara Elementary School and only primary grades were offered. The newly constructed 6 classroom building gave way to the increase in enrolment and four (4) more teachers were added making a total of seven.
Grade I – Mrs. Rizalina Flores, Mrs. Leonarda F. Favila and Mrs.
Clemencia C. Manalo
Grade II – Mrs. Rosa C. Belloso & Mrs. Ludovica Lachica
Grade III – Mrs. Purificacion P. Agustin
Grade IV – Mr. Fresco B. Licud – Head Teacher
· 1963 – 1964 – Complete elementary school was established, and then continued to grow.