Don Bernardo Benedicto Gym, Zapatera Elementary School

Don Bernardo Benedicto, a philanthropist-businessman and adopted son of Cebu City, by virtue of a Cebu City Council Resolution No. 1936 passed on August 26, 1968 built a gymnasium while he was still alive.

The gymnasium was built in Zapatera Elementary School. The construction started on February 14, 1983 and completed on July 7, 1983. The construction of the gymnasium was supervised by the son of Don Bernardo, Honorable Francisco L. Benedicto, who at that time was President of the Bernardo Benedicto Foundation Inc.

The gymnasium was donated by Don Bernardo Benedicto to the school authorities. The president of the Parent Teachers Association at that time was Judge Julio L. Falcone. The Schools Division Superintendent was Mrs. Amada S. Trinidad. The Assistant Principal was Miss Gloria O. Leyson, while the District Supervisor was Miss Atanasia M. Ouano. The Head Teacher was Miss Juanita Sih Piecco.

The regional office of the education department, called at that time as Ministry of Education Culture and Sports or MECS, was represented by Dr. Natividad M. Herrella, Acting Assistant Regional Director-Officer in Charge, Regional Office 7. The Cebu City government was represented by its Mayor, Dr. Florentino S. Solon.

The gymnasium built by Don Bernardo Benedicto serves the residents of three barangays, aside from Brgy. Zapatera. At that time, the barangay captain was Bernardo Zamora. The second barangay is Barangay Day-as. At that time, it was headed by Brgy. Captain Genson. The third barangay is Barangay Lorega. At that time the barangay chairman was Jesus Sentillas. Don Bernardo, the donor of the gymanisum, died on May 19, 1990. A bust of Don Bernardo is erected on the right side of the main building of the school as memory of his generosity to the people of Barangays Zapatera, Day-as, and Lorega.

The gymnasium was primarily conceived and made a reality in the hope that the pupils of the schools will use it to the fullest advantage to develop stronger and healthier bodies and minds.

There is a street in Cebu City named in honor of Don Bernardo. This is by virtue of City Ordinance No. 1377 enacted on October 22, 1990. The street is situated at the North Reclamation Area, starting from Pope John Paul II Avenue towards T. Padilla St.

A street is also named after the wife of Don Bernardo. It is the road formerly called as "Sepulveda Extension." It was renamed as "Emilia L. Benedicto Street" by virtue of City Ordinance No. 1000 which was enacted on July 17, 1978.

A decade before the gymnasium was built, a statue of President Ramon Magsaysay was erected in front of the main school building. The Parent Teachers Association officials, school year 1973-1974, were headed by Atty. Cecilio V. Guaren, president. The vice president was Ranulfo Divinagracia. The secretary was Norma Flores, the treasurer was Mrs. Teresita Sarmiento, auditor was Jaime Visitacion, public relations officer was Gavino Lumapas Jr., the sergeant-at-arms was Lt. Carlos Aradanas.

The advisers of the PTA School Year 1973-1974 were Julian Dacalos, Mrs. Paquito Flores, Principal Zapatera II, and Mr. Severio Albaracin, the City District Supervisor.

The Zapatera Elementary School was established in 1909. Among its alumnus is former Senator Ernesto Herrera of Class 1956.