Researched and Written By Christian Edu B. Villegas, Ringgo Geopano, Subhadra D. Surban and Emann Feb N. Barrutag
In the year 1990, Guihulngan Poblacion High School was established. A legislation was passed by the Local Government Unit (LGU) in the administration of then Mayor Ernesto A. Reyes. The resolution passed by the local legislature was unanimously voted upon by the Sanggunian Bayan (SB) members.”
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF GUIHULNGAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL-POBLACION
The Department of Education, Culture, and Sports (DECS) of Region VII granted the school permission to function, and in its modest beginnings, just three pioneer teachers made history and began forming minds in its first academic year. Run by Mrs. Teresita Limbaga, the designated school supervisor by the Central Visayas Polytechnic College (CVPC), the school was overseen by Mr. Renato O. Estorco, Mr. Roy M. Hino-o, and Mrs. Nida G. Llegado.
Six (6) more teachers joined the young and expanding GPHS family in the next academic year (1991–1992): Mr. Belmar Dupio, Ms. Sheila Aguirre, Mrs. Rizalina Paglinawan, Ms. Maribel Sanchez, Ms. Nelsie Camingay, and Ms. Teresita Cañete. Even though the school is still in its early stages, it showed promise by winning its first event at the Unit Meet in Canlaon—the 1,500-meter girls’ track and field event. Ana Marie, the gold medallist in running from the unit competition, competed on behalf of the school in the Provincial competition.
This achievement paved the way for a fruitful and successful endeavor in the days ahead, winning more praise from many competitions. The following academic year (1992–1993), GPHS really did quite well in both the academic and athletic competitions, placing third in the Unit Meet held in Ayungon. Under the guidance of Teresita C. Peñonal, Luisito Vallespin, the school’s representative, finished the investigatory project in third place. Josephine Dorimon, who placed third in the Negros Oriental High School Science Quiz, added distinction and dignity to the organization.
The school’s scientific prodigy went on to compete at the regional level, proudly representing the Negros Oriental Division as one of the competitors. As part of the school’s exploration of journalism, Grade 7 student Genevieve Sayre created a lasting impression by representing the institution at the Division of Negros Oriental-sponsored Press Conference, which took place at the Boys Scout building. Genevieve Sayre placed third in the Filipino category.
Nine (9) more brilliant individuals joined the GPHS faculty and staff at that point, including Mrs. Perla Sayon, Ms. Avelina Libaton, Mrs. Pedrita Domen, Mrs. Mimi Sitones, Mrs. Liza Tampos, Mr. Dante Gabuya, Mr. Glenno Bayotas, Mrs. Estrella Cagang, and Mr. Robert Vallespin. The school’s faculty and staff had already been steadily expanding.
During the 1993–1994 school year, three historic events took place that made it one of the most important years in the school’s history: the building of the Secondary Education Development Program (SEDP) building, the first NCEE, and the first tactical inspection of the CAT-1 Unit.
A new group of distinguished academic professionals—Ms. Luzvisminda Benlot, Mrs. Rosalinda Droña, Mr. Narciso Droña, Mr. Arthur Bayawa, Mrs. Melcha Barillo, Mrs. Cecilia Malabago, Mrs. Araceli Candido, Ms. Claire Hino-o, and Mrs. Ruby Erames—entered the halls of this thriving institution.
Guihulngan Poblacion High School persevered over the years and built a strong and enduring relationship with the Local Government Unit (LGU), particularly with its Founding Father and the Local Executive, Hon. Reyes, Ernesto A. Together with his constituents, Mr. Cesar Macalua, the Vice Local Executive, and the following members of the local legislative body: Atty. Materno Folgo, Mrs. Carmen Rivera, Mr. Samuel Rizon, Mr. Jesus Trinidad, Mr. Teresito “Chito” Planas, Atty. Darry Trinidad, the SK spokesperson at the time, and Ovido Hijara Sr.
The PTCA has been the cornerstone of the school since its founding in 1990, strengthening its basis via shared governance, teamwork, and a commitment to providing high-quality education.