HISTORY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION – DIVISION OF MALABON CITY
Situated in the northern portion of Metro Manila, the Schools Division of Malabon City is geographically bounded on the west and southwest by the City of Navotas, on the north by the City of Valenzuela, and on the east and southeast by Caloocan City. These neighboring localities were formerly grouped under what was known as the CAMANAVA area, an acronym representing Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela.
Pursuant to Section 50, Article XI of Republic Act No. 9019, entitled “An Act Converting the Municipality of Malabon into a Highly Urbanized City to be Known as the City of Malabon,” authored by the Honorable Federico S. Sandoval II, Congressman of the Lone District of Malabon–Navotas, the establishment of a Division of City Schools was authorized. This legislative mandate was subsequently implemented through the approval of the late Honorable Raul S. Roco, former Secretary of the Department of Education, and Dr. Corazon D. Santiago, then Director of the National Capital Region, leading to the formal creation of the Division of City Schools of Malabon City and Navotas.
On October 8, 2001, the Division of Malabon and Navotas (MANA) was officially established following its separation from the Division of Valenzuela, which became an independent division after the dissolution of the former VALMANA (Valenzuela, Malabon, and Navotas). Nine years later, the Division of MANA was further divided into two distinct and independent schools divisions. Despite this organizational restructuring, the Division of Malabon City continues to commemorate its official anniversary every 8th day of October, marking its historical foundation and institutional identity.
Since its recognition as an independent schools division in 2010, the Division of Malabon City has been guided by a succession of dedicated Schools Division Superintendents, namely: Andres M. Leabres (2010–2011), Mauro C. De Gulan (2011–2014), Alejandro G. Ibañez (2015–2016), Jenilyn Rose B. Corpuz (2016–2017), Helen Grace V. Go, CESO V (2017–2019), Mauro C. De Gulan (2019–2021), Ernest C. Cabrera (2021–2022), Cecille G. Carandang (2022–2024), Rustica R. Lorenzo (2024), and Juan C. Obierna (2025–present). Each administration has contributed to the sustained development and strengthening of basic education governance in the city.
The Division’s goals and objectives are firmly anchored on the Department of Education’s Vision and Mission, which envision DepEd as “a learner-centered public institution that continuously improves itself to pursue its mission” and to “protect and promote the right of every Filipino to quality, equitable, culture-based, and complete basic education.” In alignment with this mandate, the Division consistently prioritizes the development of a community of learners, educators, and stakeholders who demonstrate moral integrity, professional excellence, and global competence. Stakeholder participation is actively encouraged and systematically integrated to support the holistic development of every learner.
As part of its strategic thrust to strengthen instructional leadership and promote effective governance, the offices of the Public Schools District Supervisors (PSDSs) were transferred to the Division Office effective June 2013. This move was undertaken in accordance with Republic Act No. 9155, otherwise known as the “Governance of Basic Education Act,” which decentralizes education management to ensure responsiveness at the local level. At present, the Division Office is manned by a total workforce of 125 employees.
To address the increasing enrollment, particularly in the secondary level, two school annexes—Tinajeros National High School–Acacia Annex and Malabon National High School–Concepcion Technical-Vocational (Tech-Voc) Annex—were eventually granted independent status. Notably, the Concepcion Tech-Voc Annex was established exclusively to deliver the Senior High School (SHS) Program, thereby accommodating Junior High School graduates from schools without the capacity to offer SHS.
From a previous total enrollment of 94,224 learners, the Division of Malabon City currently serves 72,953 enrollees across both public and private elementary and secondary schools. Beginning in 2020 up to the present, the Department of Education revised school classifications within the Division as follows: 24 elementary schools, 4 junior high schools, 2 senior high schools, 8 junior high schools with senior high schools, 4 integrated schools (Kindergarten to Grade 10), and no integrated schools offering up to Grade 12, for a total of 42 public schools.
The number of private schools has likewise fluctuated in recent years. From 76 private schools recorded between 2017 and 2019, the number decreased to 49 in School Year 2020–2021 and further declined to 44 in School Year 2021–2022. This reduction is largely attributed to the operational and financial challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In terms of human resources, the Division is supported by 1,501 elementary teachers, 992 junior high school teachers, and 149 senior high school teachers, as reflected in the Profile of Teaching Personnel. School leadership is provided by 39 principals, comprising 28 elementary school principals, 7 junior high school principals, and 4 senior high school principals, with four schools currently under the supervision of Officers-in-Charge (OICs).
For non-teaching personnel, 30 out of 36 plantilla positions in the elementary level have been filled, leaving six vacancies. At the junior high school level, 76 of the 98 authorized non-teaching positions are occupied, while 22 remain vacant. In senior high schools, 36 of the 46 positions are filled, with 15 still unoccupied. Meanwhile, within the Schools Division Office, 71 of the 95 approved positions have been filled, leaving 24 vacancies.
Guided by its historical foundations, strengthened by responsive governance, and sustained by committed leadership and personnel, the Schools Division of Malabon City remains steadfast in its pursuit of educational excellence. Through continuous innovation, collaborative partnerships, and learner-centered programs, the Division endeavors to nurture empowered, resilient, and future-ready learners who will contribute meaningfully to nation-building and global citizenship.
