PASAY CITY WEST HIGH SCHOOL
The people’s persistent clamor for a higher level of education touched the hearts and opened the minds of then Pasay City government officials to put up a secondary school in the city. Thus, on July 1, 1949, the present Pasay City West High School was born in Dominga Street this city.
Originally, the school was named Manuel L. Quezon High School. It started operation with nine teachers, a clerk, a janitor and a principal to manage the institution.
In its opening year, 234 youth of different ages from Pasay City enrolled. They attended classes from 7:30 in the morning to 4:30 in the afternoon in an old building divided into nine classrooms. Meanwhile, because many other schools were named after the late President Manuel L. Quezon, the school officials proposed to the city council to change the name of the institution. So, in 1952 through resolution No. 145, Manuel L. Quezon High School was renamed Pasay City High School.
The first year of operation was a resounding success that in the next two school years, enrolment increased by almost 100%, this time students coming not only from Pasay City but also from the neighboring city of Manila and municipalities of Makati, Paranaque, Taguig, Las Pinas and Muntinlupa.
The rise in the number of enrollees had caused two major problems- who will teach the students and where to accommodate them. But the city officials led by the late Mayor Carlos Revilla were undaunted. They raised funds from various sources for the hiring of more mentors and for the purchase of a 10,292 square-meter lot along F.B. Harrison Street. One year after, a 23-room school house stood imposingly in the piece of land acquired. And on August 25, l952, the building was inaugurated with then Vice President Fernando J. Lopez as guest speaker.
On the new site, one by one buildings rose-all through the initiative of Mr. Bernardo A. Fajardo, the first principal and the support of the city officials led by the late Hon. Pablo Cuneta, city mayor. Some were destroyed by natural calamities while others were damaged by the rust and dust of time. But each ruined one was promptly repaired to keep holding of classes uninterrupted.
Mr. Fajardo, after eighteen years of successfully leading the school to progress and prominence retired on August l6, l967. Mrs. Anita H. Pizzaro, the assistant principal took the helm of leadership.
The new principal strived even harder for the school to reach new heights. Classrooms were added, teachers were hired and facilities were acquired or installed. But more than what was expected, a big number of students enrolled causing congestion in the school. A big problem once more. Each problem however to the minds of the school administrators and city officials, has a solution. Wasting no time, they agreed to put up annexes. Thus, the birth of Pasay City East High School in Malibay District and Pasay City South High School in Nichols Air Base, now, Villamor Air Base. After a year, the two annexes became independent so, for the second time, Pasay City High School was renamed. This time and until now, officially Pasay City West High School.
Mrs. Pizzaro ably stirred the school to fame and glory. She raised the level of professionalism of teachers and school personnel, developed the culture of good discipline among students and promoted goodwill to the city government officials and to the leaders of various organizations in the city and neighboring municipalities. She left the school with many legacies to be proud of for a more challenging assignment- as assistant superintendent of the schools division of Cavite City.
Mrs. Maura U. Sevilla took over the leadership. She continued the programs initiated by Mrs. Pizzarro. She also undertook various projects, all for the benefits of the teachers and students. Meanwhile, the school’s enrolment reached the 3,000 level. This is despite of the proximity of the school’s location to other secondary educational institutions. Mrs. Sevilla reached retirement age on November 29, 1988. Mrs. Antonia V. Santos then assistant principal, took over as OIC-Principal.
Mrs. Santos served for only six months but her impact was greatly felt. She initiated the clean and green project, revived the culture of punctuality among teachers and personnel and changed the study habits of the students. It was during her time when the school led in cleanliness, discipline of students, professionalism of teachers and proudly, in academic excellence.
A new Principal Mr. Felix A. Balbaguio was installed as fourth principal on July 1989. He served only up to July 1991 but in two year-time, he had shown through his deeds the example of an honest government official.
Dr. Vivencio Q. Mendoza was the next principal. He led the school up to July 26, 1997. His six-year stay was also worth remembering. He improved the facilities of the school and face lifted the buildings through repainting of walls and installing of grills on the windows and corridors.
Dr. Mendoza was promoted to assistant superintendent in the Schools Division of Palawan province. The next day he left, Mrs. Aracelli T. Chua, the principal of Pasay City East High School took his place. She stayed until May 31, 1998 leaving a legacy of friendliness to her subordinates and discipline to the students.
June 1, 1998, Mrs. Nancy D. Flores, principal of Pasay City South High School transferred to replace Mrs. Chua. Like the previous principals, she left a legacy of her own. She organized the ANKLUNG Ensemble and procured costumes for the school’s cultural performers. She transferred back to Pasay City South High School after four years of serving Pasay City West High School.
Dr. Jeremias Pascual, principal of Pasay City North High School replaced Mrs. Flores. A man of courage and dedication, he worked for unity and cooperation of teachers and school personnel. He retired on January 16, 2004, Mr. Lourdes G. Garrido, the English Department Head, was assigned as OIC principal.
Mrs. Garrido served for a short period of six months but her excellent leadership earned her a promotion. Not too long after, she was designated as OIC principal of Pasay City North High School, Annex. Just recently, she was promoted to permanent position. On July 2004, Dr. Myrna M. Sarmiento became the tenth Pasay City West High School principal.
Pasay City West High School, now in its 61th year of service to the people of Pasay and neighboring cities. It had sailed through stormy days. It had survived many trying times. It is challenged every now and then. But it will keep on serving the youth of Pasay and anyone who desires to learn. It will soar high to reap honors and glory for the city and the tens of thousands alumni. It will move on in a fast pace to provide quality education to those who enter its portals.
It will continue producing the likes of Leriza Leano, the first high school student in the land to address the senate officials and employees, Mary Jane Garrido, PPCRV Oratorical Contest ’95 Grand Champion, Alexander de Asis NSSPC ’94 Editorial Cartooning National Champion, Djoselle Aranas, Rotary Club Essay-Writing Contest’94 Champion, and Aldryne C. De Vera Eco-Poster Making Contest’95 National winner . It will train singers to win national contests, cultural dancers to perform before Kings and Queens and foreign dignitaries and players to represent the country in various sports competitions. It will continue to excel in regional science contests, vocational skills competitions, and leadership in computer education, Mathematics Olympiads, MAKABAYAN contests and many other battles of the brain. It will maintain its status of leadership in oration, declamation and other speech competitions. Above all, it will lead in moral values orientation.
Pasay City West High School, 61th years after is stronger and more dynamic in fulfilling its mission of providing quality education. With the visionary and dynamic Dr. Myrna M. Sarmiento as Principal assisted by highly competent and dedicated Department Heads Dr. Freddie J. Bonillo. Filipino; Mrs. Ma. Ligaya H. Sarria, mathematics; Ms. Gloria G. Lugtu, Science and Technology; Mrs. Rita H. Repoquit, Social Studies; Mr. Perfecto E. Bobis Jr, Technology and Livelihood Education; Mrs. Elizabeth Liberty Lemi-Villanueva, Home Economics; Mrs. Hermelina D. Varias, Guidance, Officers In-Charge; Mrs. Ofelia P. David, Values Education; Mrs. Perfecta L. Pascual, English; Mr. Robert L. Sandajan, MAPEH supported by 184 loyal and dedicated teachers and 18 non-teaching personnel.
At present, the school aside from the Regular Program, offers three (3) Special Programs namely the engineering Science Education Program (ESEP) formerly known DOST Program; Special Program for Foreign Language (SPFL) specifically the German Language and Alternative Learning System (ALS) for the Our of School Youth. Pasay City’s premier secondary educational institution will keep flying high. It will continue to be a pilot school excellent in teacher professionalism, exemplary in student discipline and values and enviable in academic excellence.
Originally, the school was named Manuel L. Quezon High School. It started operation with nine teachers, a clerk, a janitor and a principal to manage the institution.
In its opening year, 234 youth of different ages from Pasay City enrolled. They attended classes from 7:30 in the morning to 4:30 in the afternoon in an old building divided into nine classrooms. Meanwhile, because many other schools were named after the late President Manuel L. Quezon, the school officials proposed to the city council to change the name of the institution. So, in 1952 through resolution No. 145, Manuel L. Quezon High School was renamed Pasay City High School.
The first year of operation was a resounding success that in the next two school years, enrolment increased by almost 100%, this time students coming not only from Pasay City but also from the neighboring city of Manila and municipalities of Makati, Paranaque, Taguig, Las Pinas and Muntinlupa.
The rise in the number of enrollees had caused two major problems- who will teach the students and where to accommodate them. But the city officials led by the late Mayor Carlos Revilla were undaunted. They raised funds from various sources for the hiring of more mentors and for the purchase of a 10,292 square-meter lot along F.B. Harrison Street. One year after, a 23-room school house stood imposingly in the piece of land acquired. And on August 25, l952, the building was inaugurated with then Vice President Fernando J. Lopez as guest speaker.
On the new site, one by one buildings rose-all through the initiative of Mr. Bernardo A. Fajardo, the first principal and the support of the city officials led by the late Hon. Pablo Cuneta, city mayor. Some were destroyed by natural calamities while others were damaged by the rust and dust of time. But each ruined one was promptly repaired to keep holding of classes uninterrupted.
Mr. Fajardo, after eighteen years of successfully leading the school to progress and prominence retired on August l6, l967. Mrs. Anita H. Pizzaro, the assistant principal took the helm of leadership.
The new principal strived even harder for the school to reach new heights. Classrooms were added, teachers were hired and facilities were acquired or installed. But more than what was expected, a big number of students enrolled causing congestion in the school. A big problem once more. Each problem however to the minds of the school administrators and city officials, has a solution. Wasting no time, they agreed to put up annexes. Thus, the birth of Pasay City East High School in Malibay District and Pasay City South High School in Nichols Air Base, now, Villamor Air Base. After a year, the two annexes became independent so, for the second time, Pasay City High School was renamed. This time and until now, officially Pasay City West High School.
Mrs. Pizzaro ably stirred the school to fame and glory. She raised the level of professionalism of teachers and school personnel, developed the culture of good discipline among students and promoted goodwill to the city government officials and to the leaders of various organizations in the city and neighboring municipalities. She left the school with many legacies to be proud of for a more challenging assignment- as assistant superintendent of the schools division of Cavite City.
Mrs. Maura U. Sevilla took over the leadership. She continued the programs initiated by Mrs. Pizzarro. She also undertook various projects, all for the benefits of the teachers and students. Meanwhile, the school’s enrolment reached the 3,000 level. This is despite of the proximity of the school’s location to other secondary educational institutions. Mrs. Sevilla reached retirement age on November 29, 1988. Mrs. Antonia V. Santos then assistant principal, took over as OIC-Principal.
Mrs. Santos served for only six months but her impact was greatly felt. She initiated the clean and green project, revived the culture of punctuality among teachers and personnel and changed the study habits of the students. It was during her time when the school led in cleanliness, discipline of students, professionalism of teachers and proudly, in academic excellence.
A new Principal Mr. Felix A. Balbaguio was installed as fourth principal on July 1989. He served only up to July 1991 but in two year-time, he had shown through his deeds the example of an honest government official.
Dr. Vivencio Q. Mendoza was the next principal. He led the school up to July 26, 1997. His six-year stay was also worth remembering. He improved the facilities of the school and face lifted the buildings through repainting of walls and installing of grills on the windows and corridors.
Dr. Mendoza was promoted to assistant superintendent in the Schools Division of Palawan province. The next day he left, Mrs. Aracelli T. Chua, the principal of Pasay City East High School took his place. She stayed until May 31, 1998 leaving a legacy of friendliness to her subordinates and discipline to the students.
June 1, 1998, Mrs. Nancy D. Flores, principal of Pasay City South High School transferred to replace Mrs. Chua. Like the previous principals, she left a legacy of her own. She organized the ANKLUNG Ensemble and procured costumes for the school’s cultural performers. She transferred back to Pasay City South High School after four years of serving Pasay City West High School.
Dr. Jeremias Pascual, principal of Pasay City North High School replaced Mrs. Flores. A man of courage and dedication, he worked for unity and cooperation of teachers and school personnel. He retired on January 16, 2004, Mr. Lourdes G. Garrido, the English Department Head, was assigned as OIC principal.
Mrs. Garrido served for a short period of six months but her excellent leadership earned her a promotion. Not too long after, she was designated as OIC principal of Pasay City North High School, Annex. Just recently, she was promoted to permanent position. On July 2004, Dr. Myrna M. Sarmiento became the tenth Pasay City West High School principal.
Pasay City West High School, now in its 61th year of service to the people of Pasay and neighboring cities. It had sailed through stormy days. It had survived many trying times. It is challenged every now and then. But it will keep on serving the youth of Pasay and anyone who desires to learn. It will soar high to reap honors and glory for the city and the tens of thousands alumni. It will move on in a fast pace to provide quality education to those who enter its portals.
It will continue producing the likes of Leriza Leano, the first high school student in the land to address the senate officials and employees, Mary Jane Garrido, PPCRV Oratorical Contest ’95 Grand Champion, Alexander de Asis NSSPC ’94 Editorial Cartooning National Champion, Djoselle Aranas, Rotary Club Essay-Writing Contest’94 Champion, and Aldryne C. De Vera Eco-Poster Making Contest’95 National winner . It will train singers to win national contests, cultural dancers to perform before Kings and Queens and foreign dignitaries and players to represent the country in various sports competitions. It will continue to excel in regional science contests, vocational skills competitions, and leadership in computer education, Mathematics Olympiads, MAKABAYAN contests and many other battles of the brain. It will maintain its status of leadership in oration, declamation and other speech competitions. Above all, it will lead in moral values orientation.
Pasay City West High School, 61th years after is stronger and more dynamic in fulfilling its mission of providing quality education. With the visionary and dynamic Dr. Myrna M. Sarmiento as Principal assisted by highly competent and dedicated Department Heads Dr. Freddie J. Bonillo. Filipino; Mrs. Ma. Ligaya H. Sarria, mathematics; Ms. Gloria G. Lugtu, Science and Technology; Mrs. Rita H. Repoquit, Social Studies; Mr. Perfecto E. Bobis Jr, Technology and Livelihood Education; Mrs. Elizabeth Liberty Lemi-Villanueva, Home Economics; Mrs. Hermelina D. Varias, Guidance, Officers In-Charge; Mrs. Ofelia P. David, Values Education; Mrs. Perfecta L. Pascual, English; Mr. Robert L. Sandajan, MAPEH supported by 184 loyal and dedicated teachers and 18 non-teaching personnel.
At present, the school aside from the Regular Program, offers three (3) Special Programs namely the engineering Science Education Program (ESEP) formerly known DOST Program; Special Program for Foreign Language (SPFL) specifically the German Language and Alternative Learning System (ALS) for the Our of School Youth. Pasay City’s premier secondary educational institution will keep flying high. It will continue to be a pilot school excellent in teacher professionalism, exemplary in student discipline and values and enviable in academic excellence.