Youngest Chamorro principal

Established in 1965, the Barrigada Elementary School was renamed the Baltazar P. Carbullido Elementary School, commonly referred to as BP Carbullido Elementary. Guam Public Law 08-82 was enacted on 14 January 1966, to honor the public servant and civic leader. Although there is no annual founder’s day celebration in honor of Carbullido, a color portrait and biography are prominently displayed in the main office of the school.

Carbullido was born on 18 February 1900, in the southern village of Hågat. He was the son of Jesus Blanco Carbullido and Enriqueta Borja Pangelinan. Baltazar Carbullido married Aurelia Sablan Borja on October 16, 1920. Together they raised eight children: Agnes, Bill, Charlie, Delfina, Eddie, Fred, Gilbert, Helen, Ivan, and Josephine.

At 15, Carbullido graduated from school and taught for a year before being assigned as principal of Asan Elementary School. Appointed at the age of 16, he is noted as being the youngest Chamorro principal. He also served as principal of Sumai, Maxwell, Dyer, Piti, Anigua and Barrigada schools. He retired as Barrigada Elementary School principal.

Politically, Carbullido served as a leader in the 2nd through 8th Guam Congresses. He was also a lieutenant colonel in the Guam Militia. As a military leader, he encouraging other members to serve others before themselves and to continue to learn as much as they could to prepare themselves for life.

Civically, Carbullido was an active Rotarian in the Rotary Club of Guam. He was a founding member of the Young Men’s League of Guam. He was also known for his business acumen, having established one of Guam’s earliest insurance companies and retail businesses in the village of Barrigada.

Carbullido died in 17 March 1963 at the age of 63.

By Patricia Long Diego

For further reading

Carbullido Elementary School. “B.P. Carbullido Elementary School – Home of the Koko’s.” Last modified 15 June 2021.