Don Marcos Paulino Memorial Building | Escuela PiaDon Marcos Paulino Memorial Building | Escuela Pia is a Registered Property, City of San Pablo, Laguna located at San Pablo City, Laguna, Region IV-A.
This was the original site of Escuela Pia, including that part of the lot where the Puericulture Center was constructed. Escuela Pia was the first formal school established by the Spaniards in the last quarter of the 17th century. It was built through forced labor under the administration of Capitan Damaso Alcantara. Only the rich were allowed to enrol, and teachings had emphasis on religion. Destroyed by a strong earthquake in 1880 and rebuilt in 1895. It was used as primary grades school by the Americans. In 1938, it was destroyed by a big fire that gutted the entire southside of the city proper including the public market. It was rebuilt in 1955 at the cost of P20,000with funds provided by the Public Works Bill, through Sen. Gil Puyat and congressman Manuel Concordia. The building was renamed “Marcos Paulino Building” in honor of the late Don Marcos Paulino, first elected municipal president of San Pablo (1902-1904) for his civic and political leadership.