Daniel M. Perez Central Elementary School SPED Center, Bunawan District, traces its humble beginning to the pioneer. And natives of the place. Don Daniel M. Perez selflessly donated a portion of his land about 2.2 hectares located along Davao Agusan Road, when traveling it reaches/runs 24 kilometers from the city proper.

 

This happened before the war, on May 2, 1945, the school started with primary school with the Perez family the donor of the site settled with Mr. Pablo Tesorero, a nurse by profession who became the first teacher hence, followed by Mrs. Gertrude Bosque and Mr. Arellano, with Mr. Nicolas Dampions as the School Head. The school was yet called Bunawan Primary School with One Hundred (100) pupils from Grades one to three adopting the multi-grade scheme, from that year on, the increase of enrolment was unstoppable every year.

 

From 1950-1965, Mr. Ambrocio Centeno, head the school followed by Mr. Pacba, in 1966-1969, then Mrs. Cal in 1969-1970 whereas Mr. Antonio Bulato was on 1978-1983, followed by Mr. Roberto Cadeliῆa, followed by Mr. Rizalino Solana (became supervisor) on 1985-1990, while Mr. Santos Ortega (became supervisor) on 1990-1991, then Mr. Celedonio Palo (became supervisor) on 1991-1992 followed by Mr. Eduardo Manongas (became supervisor) on 1992-1995, succeeded by Mrs. Belma Ebardo on 1995-2008. Rodrigo Ada, served the school year 2008-2009, followed by Mrs. Narmela Espedido (who became supervisor) in 2009-2010. Mrs. Analiza Abayon served the school from 2010-2011, Mrs. Rosalita E. Monsanto served the school from September 01, 2011, to June 30, 2013, followed by Maricel Noquiao from July 1, 2013, to July 2014. And the current principal Mrs. Renalyn S. Calunzag assumed her post on July 2022 until the present.

 

On March 7, 1984, under the law of Batas Pambansa, No. 666 under the Parliamentary Bill no. 2985 approved the resolution of changing the name of Bunawan Elementary School to Daniel M. Perez Central Elementary School through the initiative of Congressman Manuel Garcia, turn-over happened on February 2, 1985, the school had an area of 20,319 sq. m. donated by Perez Family while 874 sq. m. was purchased by the school. It’s along the highway and part of the 2nd Congressional District is somewhat an advantage since it is accessible to any land transportation for the roads are developed and cemented. Hence, children can reach the school by walking especially nearby, tricycle, bicycle, jeepneys, and buses. District Office is a stone's throw away, likewise, with the Barangay.The school caters to at least 25% of the middle class of the community populace 50% below the poverty level and 20% are indigenous people like Ata and Muslims, at least 70% are the residents of the place, 5% are renters or transients (due to factories existence) and 5% are squatters, that don’t belong to Barangay. Their means of livelihood are farming, office workers, and businesses (big and small). It has been noticed that there are at least 10% of youth do not attend school, they are dropouts, and some are helping their parents to survive daily, through any means, that’s why the school is not safe for any criminalities especially robbery, force opening of classrooms, stealing of electric wires and getting school properties. The present school head is trying her best to alleviate and transform the school so that the community can follow.