Calasiao Comprehensive National High School (CCNHS)

The history of Calasiao Comprehensive National High School over the past 70 years of existence documents significant events of its transcendence, featuring its humble beginnings, its transformation, and its emergence to eminence.

A review of CCNHS past accounts for early attempts toward the quest for quality education which reecho the demand, recapture the vision, relive the spirit and dramatize the essence of education.

A PEEK OF THE PAST

The record of CCNHS vestige dates back to the Japanese occupation. Organized on May 1942, it was then known as Pangasinan Provincial Boys High School. An outgrowth of concerted effort, the school was founded. Instrumental to its foundation were then Calasiao Mayor Miguel De Vera, Pangasinan Governor Dr. Santiago Estrada and Mr. Adriano Catbagan who consequently became its first principal.

One historical chapter points to the period when a national crisis posed threat to the school’s operation. When the country was at the verge of World War II, students were compelled to retreat in their safety underground refuge and fail to attend school. Classes were conducted in irregular sessions, thus Pangasinan Provincial Boys High met its closure in 1944.

The setback was short-lived. After the war, the school was reopened by Col. Parker on January 19, 1945 by the authority of Gen. Keuger, Commanding General of the US 6th Army. Noteworthily, the then Pangasinan Provincial Boys High was renamed Calasiao High School and retained its status as provincial school until 1962. Consequently, as the first high school established outside Lingayen, capital of Pangasinan, it immediately attracted a swarm of enrollees from neighboring towns and provinces. Scattered tents fronting the municipal hall, the local convent, and some big houses near the Poblacion served as classrooms for the unexpected deluge of students.

After the liberation, the municipal government purchased a portion of the present school site. The other portion was donated by civic-spirited residents. Forerunners of the school’s reopening were then Mayor Miguel De Vera, Mr. Jose F. Dizon, Mr. Teodorico Estrada and Mr. Andres F. Gutierrez.

In 1962, a remarkable transition was witnessed when the school was turned over by the provincial government to the municipal government. The late 50’s and up to the 60’s marked tremendous growth in terms of infrastructures, student population and manpower resources – more teachers were employed, the main building was constructed, the Home Economics/Industrial Arts building were renovated, and a piano and sound system were procured.

Peace Corps volunteers, a project of the late US Pres. John F. Kennedy, came to assist the teachers in the 60’s.

In 1969, Calasiao High School became an envy of secondary schools in the region. Through the leadership of its principal, Mrs. Visitacion J. Sabado, Calasiao High School was recognized as one of the best high schools in Region I. By this time, more buildings were constructed such as the Marcos-type building, the Pre-Fab building and the Alumni-Social Hall. The students were also involved in many campus activities and student clubs and organizations that mushroomed in number. The Hat Tribune posted as potent tool to promote student awareness and development. The Student Government Organization (SGO) provided proper forum and avenue for students’ welfare and advancement, a training ground for leadership and service.

However, the Hat Tribune and SGO were abolished upon the declaration of Martial Law by President Ferdinand E. Marcos on September 21, 1972. The Hat Tribune was later allowed to resume publication and the SGO was revised thru the efforts of Mr. Arthur M. Bauzon and Madam Necita T. Cezar in 1982.

In 1974, the CCNHS Drum and Bugle Corps was organized under the baton of Mr. Jose L. De Guzman. It was instrumental in bringing fame and honor to the school. The band was undefeated in several drum and bugle competition and was consistent division champion. However, the DBC was disbanded in 1990 due to antiquated instruments.


DATE OF NATIONALIZATION

September 29, 1977 highlighted the historical pages of the school. By virtue of Presidential Decree 1950, the school was nationalized. Subsequently, it was turned over by the municipal government to the national government, thus meriting its new title, “Calasiao National High School.”

The nationalization of the school ushered in complexities: demands of a growing student population, enlisting additional teachers, procurement of learning facilities, etc. Distinctively, a school nurse was requested to ensure students and faculty health needs, a resident auditor was provided by the Commission on Audit, and four security guards were hired to safeguard the school and security of the studentry.

THE START OF A COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM

Year 1982 became another milestone of success as CNHS reached its peak being the first of its kind in the province to be converted into a “comprehensive” national high school by virtue of Batas Pambansa Blg. 180, a law introduced by the late assemblyman Felipe P. De Vera, Sr., the father of Calasiao Ex-Mayor Felipe “Celso” De Vera, Jr.

As a comprehensive institution, the school was authorized to offer, in addition to the general academic curriculum, vocational and technological course, e.g. welding, animal husbandry, handicraft, graphic arts, entrepreneurship, metalcraft, cosmetoly, practical electricity, electronics, dressmaking and recently computer education.

1990 KILLER QUAKE JOLTED CCNHS

During the 90’s, CCNHS was at the crossroads. The July 16, 1990 killer quake devastated the school: tremor destroyed the main building, the H.E. building, the water system and 34 spans of the concrete perimeter fence. The school under the leadership of Mrs. Juana P. Gabrillo, (who was designated officer-in-charge upon the retirement of Mrs. Visitacion Sabado, on May 16, 1990) faced its biggest crisis ever.

CHALLENGES OF RECOVERY AND REHABILITATION

On August, 1990, Mr. Marcelo C. Publico was tapped to spearhead the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the school as principal. Immediately, he took action to remedy the pathetic condition of the school.

Three months after Mr. Publico’s retirement on February, 1994, Dr. Bernadette O. Ordonez assumed the principal’s post for seven months from June to December 1994.

Mr. Jaime N. Molano, education supervisor, was designated officer-in-charge upon the promotion of Dr. Ordonez as Principal IV of Bayambang National High School.
CCNHS rose at the advent of the new millennium (1995-2002), with its seventh principal, the late Mrs. Elsa P. Pasaoa. Like her predecessors, she initiated a number of projects most of which was the construction of several school buildings to solve the rising student population. On her demise on February 18, 2002, the school was left to find an equally competent successor to pursue Mrs. Pasaoa’s dreams for CCNHS.

The school was fortunate enough to have another alumnus and a former PEHM teacher of CCNHS (now an Education Supervisor I) to take charge of the school in the person of Mr. Alfredo Z. Nipal. His short stay (January 21 to August 21, 2002) had been a fruitful one as he was able to solve problems encountered by the school especially on student discipline. During his stay, a one-room building funded by the school canteen and an Alumni Hall courtesy of CCNHS Batch 1966 were constructed.


THE SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN THE MAKING

On August 15, 2002, the regional office finally appointed a new CCNHS principal to frontline more projects. Former Principal II of Mapandan National High School, Dr. Lourdes D. Servito took her first hand work in the school as Principal III on August 22, 2002 to become CCNHS ninth principal. With Dr. Servito at the helm, the school and the community welcomed the dawning of a transformed CCNHS… envisioned to be the “School of Excellence.”

At the onset of the school’s diamond years, CCNHS comes shining as it paves way for its outstanding achievements particularly in the fields of campus journalism, sports, arts, culture and technology. Guided by its trilocular mission of achieving culture of excellence, quality education and service for the common good, coupled with the vision to become a premier school in the country, CCNHS lays the foundation for life-long learning and continued commitment.

With the five-year plan bared by Principal Servito, major physical and instructional developments have been introduced. The outlay enumerated the upgrading of the teaching force, modern technology integration, development of computer education programs for teachers and students, managing a better operating system, raising the delivery of instruction, and continuing the publication of school paper. With Servito’s administration, “Ang Sombrero” was separated from the Hat Tribune as an independent publication having a new set of staffers for its own. In 2003, “Ang Sombrero” was adjudged as among the Top Ten Best School Papers in the Philippines.

The school launched its pre-accreditation synergy in 2003 through an internal and external environmental scanning and SWOTS analysis and figured out the strengths and weaknesses and the opportunities and threats, as well.

In line with the preparations for accreditation of the school, the International Latter-Day Saint Charities humanitarian and welfare-arm of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, donated US $10,000 for the reconstruction of five (5) classrooms and major repairs of dilapidated rooms. This project materialized through the laborious efforts, linkaging and networking of Dr. Servito.

Moreover, the participatory and consultative methods of administration and supervision of the principal resulted to the formation of a unified school canteen, legal registration of the CCNHS Cooperative with the CDA, and unification of the CCNHS Team. The first CCNHS Student Handbook, basis of conduct and discipline of students was also issued.

In addition, the Innovations 2003-2004 was advanced to meet the needs in all aspects of development and areas for accreditation. Eight more clubs/task forces were organized: CelebrITy Circle, Revitalized Guidance Team, School Engineering and Planning Team (SEPT), Student Leadership Development Council (SLDC), CCNHS Medical Team, Focus on Reading Team, Action Research Team and Media Information Circle. Added to those were Linkaging and Resourcing Team (LRT), Security Enforcement Team (SET) and Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC).


THE NATIVITY OF CCNHS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, INC.

At the onset of the school’s diamond years, CCNHS has propelled on major innovations to score triumphs in its quest for a school of excellence. Under the administration of Dr. Servito, CCNHS fused its thousands of graduates from its founding year in 1942 into a community of one vision rooted from their glorious Alma Mater. Thus, marks the nativity of the Calasiao Comprehensive National High School Alumni Association, Incorporated (CCNHSAAI) that embodies the unified organization of all batches.

Projects of great magnitude were manifested as a product of profound faith and unshakable resolve of the association. New majestic buildings were built for CCNHS by the alumni batches ’66 (Alumni ’66 Building), Batch 71, Batch 73, and Batch 75. The Senator Villar Building was acquired through the initiative of Batch 81; the two-storey Rene Velarde Building (dubbed as CCNHS Big Brother House) was donated by Rep. Rene Velarde of BUHAY Party List through Dr. Alfonso Doria of Batch ’46.

The CCNHS Alumni Relations Council (ARC) which is composed of the team of the alumni teachers and employees serve as coordinators and information officers for their respective batches within and outside the CCNHS campus.

ONWARD TO THE GOLDEN DREAM

Together with the strong alumni, CCNHS has embarked on a major project in answer to the school’s classroom shortage. Dubbed as “Golden Dream,” by Dr. Lourdes D. Servito, the P28M building is a proposed two-storey structure with twenty classrooms and four comfort rooms.

Funding for the first phase of the project were ventured by the CCNHSAAI or Alumni funds which were sourced from the Calasiao Town Fiesta 2005; donations of the Calasiao Alumni Association of San Diego, California, USA worth P100,000.00; an aid from the Local School Board Funds worth P2 million implemented by the Local Government Unit (LGU) led by the Municipal Mayor Roy. T. Macanlalay, president of the CCNHSAAI; donations of Senor Tesoro Association, Torres Clan, Congresswoman Rachel “Baby” J. Arenas, Representative of the Third District of Pangasinan; Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, and the donations of CCNHS Batches ’67, ’74 and ’81.

CCNHS SPECIAL PROGRAMS IN FULL BLOOM

CCNHS ventured on the offering of special classes in journalism and became one of the few schools that offered Campus Journalism from first to fourth year in Region 1 in the year 2004. Alongside its offering of journalism subjects to students, CCNHS was delegated to be one of the training centers in campus journalism. The Special Classes in Journalism at the Secondary Level are designed to nurture talents in journalism in both print and broadcast media.

In addition, the school piloted the Career Pathways in Enriched Technology and Livelihood Program in the year 2007. Courses on Handicraft and Clothing and Textile were offered.

In the year 2008, CCNHS opened another door for its multi-talented students with special inclination to music, visual arts, theater arts, creative writing and dance – the Special Program in the Arts (SPA). The SPA envisions an excellent young artist with aesthetic potential and renewed spirituality committed to the preservation of Filipino culture and heritage. A US Peace Corps Volunteer in the person of Zachary Martin Florent who finished B.S. Theatrical Studies as Magna Cum Laude at Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana extended his professional service in the Theater Arts Class for two (2) years.

During the school year 2010 – 2011, the Special Program in Science (SPS) was offered to nurture talent among budding scientists. This is an intense program for students with a fierce passion and strong aptitude for science. Students are introduced to some of the broad areas of contemporary scientific concerns through an interdisciplinary approach, a key cornerstone and hallmark of SPS.
AN EPOCH OF EMPOWERED LEADERSHIP

Through the creative and participative leadership style of Dr. Lourdes D. Servito, CCNHS have synergized the efforts, initiatives, skills and talents of its faculty and personnel making the school a better place to live, a more conducive cradle of learning, a training ground of future leaders, artists, and highly competitive professionals and technical workers and eventually a center of excellence in culture, arts, science and technology.

CCNHS created a powerhouse of resources that paved a way to achieve colossal tasks. As CCNHS calls for excellence, Servito reengineers the system by piloting the SBM or School Based Management intending to unite the school heads, teachers, students as well as parents, the local government units and community at large in promoting effective schools. SBM aims to improve student achievement, school performance and learning outcomes, where decision making is made by all those who are closely involved in addressing the needs of the school and of the students.

The school has embarked on a massive networking and linkaging program to improve its physical facilities. The Parents Teachers Association funded the repair of classrooms, construction of new classrooms, elevation of classrooms, construction of the PTA Office, procurement of monobloc chairs, cementing of pathways, funding for sponsorship for student activities like DLC, sports and seminars or contests.

With the steadfast support and deepest commitment of CCNHS stakeholders such as the LGU’s, NGO’s, PTA, alumni and other civic organizations, CCNHS became the Model School on Gender and Development (GAD) and the Most Innovative Brigada Eskwela School Winner.

SERVITO INTENSIFIES DRIVE FOR CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE

The advent of the school’s diamond years marks a major move by the Calasiao Comprehensive National High School in its curricular and co-curricular performances. With Servito’s leadership, the school maintains its eminence in campus journalism, student leadership, skills competitions, sports, environmental leadership, literary excellence and the alternative learning system (ALS).

The following initiatives can also be noted: the hiring of competent teachers; the promotion of deserving teachers; the prompt action on the implementation of approved ERF’s; conduct of in-service trainings; and advocating a child-friendly and environment-friendly school. Faculty members and student leaders became active participants to peer tutoring efforts, ecological waste management, cleaning and greening, supplemental feeding program as well as beautification and landscaping projects.

In response to the demands of the modern time, CCNHS also created its website which became a model website in the Division of Pangasinan I.

At present, the school continues to shine through the intensive improvements and changes for the better, carried out hand-in-hand by the principal, school administrators, faculty and personnel, student body, parents, alumni and members of the community.

From time to time, a throng of competent leaders continues to emanate from different batches of the alumni, showcasing meritorious accomplishments, exemplary performance, technical prowess and leadership skills, thereby bringing more honors to CCNHS’ name. The school remains to be an institution indispensable to nation building, dignified on its aim of nurturing and producing thousands of reputable nation builders.

“Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but we rather have those because we have acted rightly. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”
-Aristotle

Based on:
1. Highlights of CCNHS History by Napoleon F. Resultay
2. Research of Mr. Arthur M. Bauzon
3. Hat Tribune Files
4. CCNHS Diamond Jubilee Souvenir Programs
5. CCNHS Glimpse of the Past
By Atty. Sylvania Vinoya Gonzales