East Barrigada elementary school

Established in 1961, the East Barrigada Elementary School was renamed the Pedro Camacho Lujan Elementary School by Public Law 9-221, enacted on 1 August 1968. In 1972, the school was formally dedicated in his honor. On 1 March 1975 a bronze statue of Pedro Lujan was completed and unveiled at the school site. Today, the school is commonly referred to as PC Lujan Elementary School.

Pedro Camacho Lujan was born on 22 September 1908, in Hagåtña, Guam. He was the son of Jesus Garrido Lujan and Felomenia Muna Camacho, both of Hagåtña. Born and raised in Hagåtña, Lujan attended first grade and graduated from high school at the Leary School.

Clerk, judge, congressman and major

Lujan served a distinguished career in public service and politics in Guam. In 1924, he began working as an apprentice clerk in the Island Court of Guam. He rose through the ranks to chief clerk in 1935 and finally to senior judge, serving as judge from 1948 to 1952.

Politically, Lujan served as a Guam Congressman and was a member of the First Assembly of the Guam Congress. Later he was elected to the 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 6th Guam Legislatures.

Lujan also served his island and people as a major in the Guam Militia. As a military leader, he spent his time training young men in character formation and military discipline.

Pedro was married first to Isabel Garcia Garrido and they raised two daughters – Jovita and Julita. He subsequently married Ana Quitugua Fernandez and they raised two step-daughters – Frances A. Hamilton and Gladys F. Hamilton.

Lujan died unexpectedly in August 1961, while serving in the 6th Guam Legislature. He was 52 years old.

Although there is no annual founder’s day celebration in honor of Lujan, a statue is displayed in the front yard and a color portrait and biography are prominently displayed in the main office of the school.

By Patricia Long Diego

For further reading

Pedro C. Lujan Elementary School. “Home.” Last modified 4 June 2021.