Parade, Mr. & Ms. Foundation cap 90th Foundation Celebrations

A parade dramatizing the history of the school, the annual Search for Mr. & Ms. Foundation, and Sports competitions highlighted this year’s Foundation Day celebrations.

The parade, which was coordinated by the SPA Coordinator Mrs. Marilyn Api-it, showcased different eras in the school’s 90 years of existence:

Creation of MPHS (Loakan Annex students dressed in Ibaloi costumes, dancing, singing , and weaving together with 2nd Year students of the Main wearing baseball uniforms)

In the 1930’s, the need to create a secondary school to accommodate the growing number of elementary graduates in the City of Baguio became eminent, especially due to the influx of highland and lowland students. Thus, the Mountain Province High School was opened and classes were held at the Teacher’s Camp. Among the pioneering educators were Jesse Gains, Principal Juan Palagot, Servillano Tumaneng, Pedro Balagot, Genoveva Uamas, Esperanza Ver, Donato Guerzon, Cerace Miller, Petra Ramirez and Pilar Tan.
The MPS easily gained national popularity in both academics and athletics. For several years, it had the strongest baseball team in Nothern Luzon. The girls became famous for their excellent lace making and weaving skills, which were no doubt popular to tourists and vacationers. The graduates were also highly proficient in oral and written English.

BCNHS at Teachers’ Camp (SPA students dressed in Thomasites costumes)

In 1937, the National Government transferred the financial responsibility of maintaining the school to the city government. This is why the name was changed to Baguio City High school. Students of the normal course were transferred to the La Trinidad Agricultural High School(later to the Benguet State University), which became the responsibility of the Mountain Province. The general secondary curriculum transferred classes from Teacher’s Camp to the government center. In the same year, the school squatted at the present site of the Baguio government center until World War II broke out in 1941.

Japanese Occupation (3rd Year students depicting Japanese occupation)

Classes continued during the Japanese occupation at the Quezon Elementary School when despite the initial occupation and liberation battles. In 1945, BCHS admitted students at the Vallejo Hotel, moving back to Teacher’s Camp in the second semester of the year.

Display of BCHS uniform (4th Year students dressed in old BCHS uniform)

Every BCHS students must uphold the academic integrity of the school, endeavor to achieve the academic excellence and to abide by the rules and regulations, one of which is wearing of the prescribed uniform from Monday to Friday.

Establishment of Annexes (Students of each annex)

In the 1960’s, annex high schools were opened for the first and second year levels to accommodate the increasing scholastic demand. In 1968, annexes were opened at Baguio Central School, Dona Aurora, Loakan, Bonifacio and Rizal. Other annexes were later opened at Quirino in Irisan and later in Sto. Thomas and Quezon Hill. The number of students kept growing both in the BCHS main and its annexes that by 1980, it was imperative for Baguio Central School to be separated as another city-founded high school carrying the new name of Pines City High School. In 1981, four year levels in the Loakan annex were created. This was soon implemented with the other annexes.

From BCHS to BCNHS (Junior Police)

Baguio City High School is now known as Baguio City National High School. From the original main building, the ESF building, and the Science Laboratories I and II, numerous buildings were constructed such as the DepEd building and laboratory, Flavier I and II, and the Bagong Lipunan Building. The school also has a BERKS center and an extensive library.
The school has an auditorium, a gymnasium and an audio visual room. The school also utilizes the athletic bowl, which is adjacent to it. The school’s facilities are also rented to out-siders to generate more funds.
The school has canteens and home economic stores. All subject areas have learning center and the school has numerous computer laboratories.

Establishment of Special Programs (Special Science Program, Special Program in the Arts, Special Program for Sports, Open High School Program & EASE students)

The Special Science Program is one of the 110 ESEP (Engineering for Science Education and project)schools in the country with the support of the DOST-SEI by providing science equipment, books and science laboratory buildings.

In line with the DepED’s policy making the curriculum relevant to the needs of the learner’s. The Revised Secondary Education Program(ESEP) was implemented effective school year 2004-2005.

Under the special science classes, additional science and mathematics subjects are offered.

The Special Programs for Sports(SPS) is in line with the efforts of the DepEd to institutionalize a program that will identify/discover students with potential sports talents and train them for higher levels of athletic competitions. The Special Programs for Sports a four year secondary curriculum patterned after that of a regular high school with specialization
Special Program in the Arts(SPA)

The Special Program in the Arts(SPA) is a nationwide program for students with potentials or talents in the Arts. One pilot school in every region was selected to pilot and implement this program. The selected school offers comprehensive secondary education program centered in the arts, covering a range or artforms and disciplines. Arts education is an integral component of a balanced educational program in all year levels which also provides the background for post secondary level work. The curriculum is the general high school curriculum with enhanced humanities subject offerings. The program offers six areas: MUSIC: Band, Rondalla, and Vocal(Choir)- designed for dedicated students with interest in vocal or instrumental music. VISUAL ARTS- helps the students discover what they can produce through their own creativity through paintings, print making, creative crafts and designs, computer graphics, sculpture, etc. THEATER ARTS- emphasizes on group work skills and live performance of spoken text in a number of styles and genres; contemporary and classical acting techniques are introduced. DIGITAL ARTS- teaches students to use elements and tools of current and emerging technologies to create works. That can express feeling and ideas; Students are trained to analyze an create work through photography, video, audio, computer arts and interactive media. CREATIVE WRITING/MALIKHAING PAGSULAT- train the students to explore and write their own ideas and experiences; they will study and work on all literary genres. DANCE- develops students’ technique, movement, vocabulary and a deeper understanding of dance as a form of communication and expression.

School Leaders (Tarpaulin of Past & Present principals of BCNHS carried by Presidents and Vice Presidents of different organizations in the school)

Buela Head 1936- 1937
Pablo Reyes 1937-1938
Anselmo Patasil 1938-1939
Antonio Alba 1939-1940
Gregorio Ariz Sr 1949-1969
Florencio Buen 1969-1974
Dolores Valdez 1974-1976
Feliciana Penera 1976- 1979
Josefina Sarmenta 1979-1982
Lolita Florendo 1982-1991
Phillip Flores 1991- February 1997
Priscilla Bautista February to September 1997
Elma Dalog Donaal October 1997- present

Exemplary Graduates

Ever since the days of our MPHS, the school has produced exemplary graduates who excelled in every endeavor. Among the many alumni who have reached notable positions are:

In the armed forces we have Gen. Simeon Ver(`41), Gen. Samual Sarmiento(`41), Gen. Ernesto Bueno(`44), Gen. Florendo Aquino(`47), and Gen. Jose Baljadia(`59) to name a few Gen. Bueno also became a mayor of Baguio

The school also had numerous alumni who were appointed to Department Secretary status; Health- Dr. Juan Flavier(`52), Finance- Atty. Edgardo Espiritu(`52), Foreign Affairs- Delia Domingo-Albert(`58), Minister of energy- Arthur Sali; and DENR Assistant Secretary (for Planning and Policies)- Sabado Batcagan. Espiritu and Albert have also been appointed as ambassadors to the United Kingdom, and Germany and Australie, respectively.

For those who became Regional Executive Directors, the school takes pride in Arthur Figueras(`53)- NBI, Oscar Hamada(`58)-DENR, Peter Cosalan(`59) and Sean Dacanay Jr. (`72)- NEDA, Isabelo Cosalan(`54)- Telecommunications, and again Sabado Batcagan for the DENR

In the realm of politics, the school boasts: for congressmen-Atty. Samual Dangwa (`55) and Atty. Rene Pilando (`66);for governor-Ben Palispis (`34) and Dr. AndrEs Bugnosen (`49) FOR Benguet, and Tiburcio Edano Jr.(`50) for Zambales; besides Gen. Bueno, there are two other Baguio mayors-Virginia de Guia(`32) and Col. Fransisco Paraan (`34). For councilors we have Jose Buendo (`41), Atty. Ricardo Paraan (`44), Atty. Bert Fenesca(`48), Gerry Evangelista (`48), Atty. Leandro Carino (`49), and Atty. Daniel Farinas (`72).

Other alumni greats in Baguio are Mesdames Cecile Afable, editor in chief of the Baguio Midland Courier, and Leonara San Agusin, curator of he Baguio-Mountain Provinces Museum.

Another notable alumna is Atty. Zoraida Andam(`93) who was crowned Ms. Philippines in 2001.

In the Judiciary sector, we have judges Andew Belt Jr. (`50), Edilberto Claravall (`63), Evangeline Cortes-Cuilan(`65), Maribelle Demot-Marinas(`78) and Maria Teresa Guadana-Tano(`82)

In the education sector, we have numerous head of colleges. We have deans Gabino Goroy(`53)-commerce, St. Louis University;Eufracio de los Reyes(`57)- Commerce, SLU; Cesar Oraction(`63)- Law, SLU;Snia Daos-Education, Baguio Colleges Foundation/university of the Cordilleras;and Daniel Farinas(`72)- Law, University of Baguio. We also Have Division Superintendents in the persons of Dr. Pat Boquiren(`47) and Damaso Bangaoet Sr. (`29).

Parade Pictures by: Mrs. B. Piluden

Search for 2009 Mr. & Ms. Foundation

by: Danzen Dang-awan, Abigail Kitma & Adine Gapongli

Mr. Foundation: Marvin dela Cruz of San Vicente Annex

Ms. Foundation: Norlene Mae Junio of 3rd Year Main

Mr. Intramurals: Bret Zane Labawig of 4th Year Main

Ms. Intramurals: Virginia Jean Acosta of 4th Year Main

1st runners up: Erow Sar Badongan of Doña Aurora Annex & Rizabele Manalong of 2nd Year Main

2nd runners up: Earl Frances Macario of 2nd Year Main & Rahmat Bastian of Doña Aurora Annex

3rd runners up: Dan Andrew Cruz of Bakakeng Annex & Julia Opinion

Special Awards

Mr. Photogenic: Bret Zane Labawig

Ms. Photogenic: Kashmere Bangtawen of San Vicente Annex

Best in School Uniform: Marvin dela Cruz & Rahmat Bastian

Best in Sportswear: Marvin dela Cruz & Julia Opinion

Best in Creative Attire: Erow Sar Badongan & Virginia Jean Acosta

Best in Talent: Marvin dela Cruz & Norlene Mae Junio

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Search for 2009 Mr. & Ms. Foundation

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