One of the Most Effective Elementary Schools in the Philippines, 1993;
International Awardee, World Water Monitoring Challenge & 2010-2011 Mitsubishi Asian Children’s Enikki Festa (Excellence Award) The Making of a Great School
Diclum Elementary School was opened in 1930 as a community primary school by the people of Fatima, Diclum and Igdalaguit during the American period in the
Philip
pines. After the war, re-organized classes were held in some nearby houses in Diclum as there were no more school building to speak of. In 1947, the Diclum Primary School became Diclum Elementary School. On that year, the school held its First Closing Exercises with the graduation of its first grade six pupils. The school transferred to its present site in 1950. During the period from 1950s to 60s, the school underwent massive site development and school building constructions. At this time, the school bears the name “Community School of
Diclum, Fatima and Igdalaguit.”
In 1972, the school established the Diclum Barangay High School (DBHS) as its extension project. It operated the DBHS from 1972 to 1988 with focus on agriculture, fishing and craft trades such as buri-weaving and bamboo crafts. The legendary Diclum Drum & Lyre Corps (initially named as The Mariners) was district's first school band when started in 1970. Its landmark red and blue uniform was its mark of distinction for being a three-time champion and a runner-up in Binirayan Festival. During the 1970s, 80s and 90s, The Diclum Elementary School won acclaim several awards in the division, regional and national levels. This culminated in 1993 when the school was named as one of the Most Effective Elementary Schools in the Philippines. The school also made a distinction at this time of having the most number of master teachers in one school. On March 16, 2020, the school closed due to COVID-19 pandemic. I resumed operations on October 5, 2020 but on limited workforce and completely on remote learning through printed modules. This continues up to the present (2022). In July 2021, it held its first virtual program for its 74th Closing Exercises. Through the years, the school had produced an Atenean lawyer, a mayor, and a vice-governor all-in-one; physicians, nurses, teachers, engineers, seamen, UP & PMA graduates, a rock star, office professionals, accountants, health professionals, OFWs, and skilled workers among others. For the past 80 years, the Diclum Elementary School has had its ups and downs. It may have lost some its stars, but a new set of promising bright stars were born. It may have stumbled several times but it stood up and continued to walk on…
Truly, the school that the community built LASTS FOREVER.
