Home. Second home. Best home. This is Doña Aurora H. Bueno Elementary School, Camp 8’s pride since 1981.
By Thelma M. Pang-et
Nestled in the heart of Camp 8, Baguio City, stands an institution that has become more than just a school — it is a pillar of the community and a second home to generations of learners. This is the Doña Aurora H. Bueno Elementary School, or DAHBES, a name that resonates with pride, discipline, and academic excellence.
What began as a small primary school with only three classrooms has blossomed into one of the most respected public elementary schools in the city. Its story is a testament to what community spirit, dedicated leadership, and committed teachers can build together.
From Camp 8 Primary School to DAHBES: The Birth of a Name
Before it became known as DAHBES, the school was simply called Camp 8 Primary School. It started its operation in 1981, serving the children of Camp 8 and nearby barangays. At that time, it offered only two grade levels, a humble beginning that reflected the limited resources but unlimited hope of the community.
The turning point in the school’s identity came on December 29, 1983. Through City Ordinance No. 6283, approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Baguio City during its regular session, Camp 8 Primary School was officially renamed Doña Aurora H. Bueno Elementary School.
The ordinance gave honor to Mrs. Aurora H. Bueno, the mother of a former City Mayor, who was recognized for her invaluable contribution to community development. Her compassion, civic-mindedness, and dedication to uplifting the lives of others left a lasting legacy. By naming the school after her, the city did not only immortalize her name but also instilled in the school the very values she lived for — service, generosity, and love for the community. Until today, the school carries her name with dignity and strives to live up to the honor bestowed upon it.
Years of Growth and Development
THE SCHOOL AS A LIVING LABORATORY. Learning goes beyond the four walls of the classroom. School ground serves as a functioning laboratory where learners learn by doing.
The growth of DAHBES was steady, purposeful, and driven by the increasing trust of parents in the community. After opening in 1981 with two grades, the school added another grade level in 1982. Year after year, the grade levels increased, accommodating the growing number of enrollees who sought quality education closer to home.
This gradual but consistent expansion reached a significant milestone in 1986, when Grade 6 was finally completed. In that same year, the school celebrated its first batch of graduates — 16 young learners who made history as the pioneers of DAHBES. Those 16 graduates were more than just students; they were the proof that a small community school could dream big and deliver.
From then on, there was no looking back. As the years passed, enrollment continued to increase. Parents from Camp 8 and adjacent barangays chose DAHBES not only for its accessibility but for its reputation for providing quality and disciplined education.
Facilities: From Three Classrooms to a Complete Learning Environment
The physical transformation of DAHBES is one of the most visible signs of its progress. It started with only three small classrooms — simple, modest, and lacking in many facilities. Today, the school proudly stands with 18 fully functioning classrooms, each designed to provide a conducive learning environment for its learners.
Aside from the classrooms, the school now has its own clinic, ensuring that the health and well-being of learners are attended to, and a principal’s office that serves as the center of administrative leadership and guidance. These improvements reflect the collective effort of the Department of Education, the local government, parents, stakeholders, and alumni who have continuously supported the school’s development.
Strong Stakeholder Support for Programs and Activities
BAYANIHAN in ACTION! No programs and activities succeed without a community behind it.
One of the greatest strengths of Doña Aurora H. Bueno Elementary School is the unwavering support it receives from its stakeholders and other government agencies. The school does not work alone; it thrives because of the strong partnership it has built with parents, the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), barangay officials of Camp 8, the Local Government Unit of Baguio City, alumni, non-government organizations, private partners, and other volunteers.
The school receives continuous support from stakeholders with the programs and activities that are being implemented. Whether it is Brigada Eskwela, Reading Programs, Feeding Programs, Wellness and Mental Health activities, Gulayan sa Paaralan, sports fests, scouting, or school improvement projects, stakeholders are always present — offering manpower, financial assistance, materials, and moral support.
This culture of Bayanihan ensures that every program is not just implemented but sustained. It is this shared responsibility that makes DAHBES more resilient and more capable of providing holistic education to its learners.
The People Behind the Success: A Breeding Ground for Leaders
Behind every successful school are dedicated people who give their heart to teaching. DAHBES started with only three teachers. Today, it is composed of 18 highly qualified teachers, a supportive principal, an Administrative Officer, a school guidance associate, an administrative aide, and a watchman.
The school maintains two sections in Kindergarten, three sections each in Grades One and Two, and two sections from Grades Three to Six, ensuring manageable class sizes.
What makes DAHBES even more remarkable is that it is not only a home for learners, but also a training ground for educational leaders. It is a proud fact that former teachers at this school have become Principals, Public Schools District Supervisors (PSDS), and Education Program Supervisors (EPS) in the Department of Education. This achievement speaks volumes about the quality of professional culture nurtured in DAHBES — a culture of mentorship, excellence, and continuous growth. The school not only produces successful learners but also develops teachers who later become education leaders.
A Mark of Excellence
TALENT, CULTURE, AND PRIDE ON DISPLAY! Our DAHBESian learners showcase their talents, skills and love for culture through a vibrant cultural dance performance.
It can’t be denied that DAHBES is one of the best schools in Baguio City. This reputation is earned through years of consistent performance in academics and co-curricular activities. DAHBES has produced and is continually producing competitive, disciplined, successful, and professional men and women in various fields.
The school actively participates in district, division, and regional competitions — from press conferences and science fairs to sports and cultural events — bringing honor to the school and community. But more than awards, its greatest achievement is molding children into good citizens.
As the saying goes: “DAHBES is the best!” This simple phrase captures the pride, loyalty, and love that the entire DAHBES community has for their school. Despite humble beginnings, a school built on community love and dedication can become the best and can produce the best.
Today, DAHBES continues to move forward, guided by its rich history and inspired by the legacy of Doña Aurora H. Bueno, committed to providing quality, accessible, and relevant basic education for all.
About the Author:
Thelma Mi-ing Pang-et. An alumna and current faculty member of Doña Aurora H. Bueno Elementary School. She has been the adviser of the school publication for years and has helped learners develop their skills in writing. With years of experience in elementary education, her work focuses on holistic learner development and stakeholder engagement.