The Vision and Legacy of Mother Goose Playskool (MGP)

 

Like all great endeavors, Mother Goose Playskool (MGP) began as a vision—one deeply held by its founder, the late Dr. Luis F. Samson. Known affectionately as Daddy Luis, he was a self-made man, a respected leader, and a beacon of excellence and integrity in his community. His greatest passion was education, and today, the institutions he founded—MGP and the University of Luzon—stand among the country’s most esteemed providers of competitive education.

 

Long before his dream became reality, Daddy Luis had already crafted a groundbreaking educational approach, blending the Montessori, Piagetian, and Open Classroom methods. He envisioned making this innovative framework accessible to the people of Pangasinan and beyond, shaping future leaders and professionals. Decades later, his vision continues to redefine education in the Philippines.

 

To bring his dream to life, Dr. Samson enlisted his two daughters, Aurora and Gloria, both of whom he encouraged to pursue advanced degrees in education in New York. Upon their return, Gloria became the first Director of MGP Dagupan, while Aurora later assumed the role of Director for Academic Affairs after completing her studies. Since 1972, they have led MGP with unwavering dedication.

 

Growth and Milestones

 

When MGP opened in 1972, it welcomed just 41 students across nursery, kindergarten, and preparatory levels. Each year, the school expanded, graduating its first batch of students by 1979. Soon after, MGP pioneered a special education program for children with Down Syndrome, further extending its mission of inclusive learning.

 

Expansion followed swiftly. In 1976, MGP Pasig opened under the leadership of Gloria and Danilo Beltran, later earning recognition from DepEd for its outstanding performance in national exams. By 1988, it had produced its first elementary graduates.

In 1979, the Mother Goose Special Science High School (MGSSHS) was established in Dagupan. Under the leadership of Gertrudes Cuison Samson—an NYU graduate in Educational Administration—the school quickly rose to prominence, consistently ranking among the top five secondary schools in the Philippines and achieving a 100% passing rate in the National College Entrance Examinations (NCEE).

 

Expanding Reach, Deepening Impact

 

Driven by its success, MGP expanded across Pangasinan with branches in Urdaneta, Bayambang, and San Carlos, later adding high school departments in Dagupan and Urdaneta.

 

True to its social mission, MGP launched outreach initiatives to serve underprivileged communities. In 1980, Gloria Beltran established the Doña Josefa Mendoza Samson Day Care Center, providing free preschool and elementary education to over 200 children. Another outreach program followed in Montalban, Rizal, in 2003, with additional projects planned in Sta. Ana.

 

A Family Legacy Continues

 

Inspired by their grandfather and mother, Gloria’s children joined MGP as educators and administrators. New branches emerged under their stewardship:

• MGP Marikina (1997) – Managed by Vince and Danielle Beltran Arellano

• MGP Tribeca, Lipa (1999) – Led by Gerome Beltran and his wife Michelle

• MGP Makati (2002) – Founded by Vince and Danielle

• MGP Greenwoods (2010) – Established by Carmela Beltran and Marlo Beltran-Calimlim

 

A Lasting Legacy

 

Nearly 50 years since its founding, MGP’s remarkable success stands as a testament to Dr. Luis F. Samson’s vision, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to shaping the minds and character of Filipino youth. Today, his legacy lives on—through every student, educator, and community touched by Mother Goose Playskool.