Historical Background

  

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The Division of Bago City Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (by: Mrs. Merilyn Marba-Gonzaga)   Listen! Wisdom is calling out, Reason is making herself heard On the hilltops near the road And at the crossroads she stands . . .   “… I am Wisdom, I am better than jewels Nothing you want can compare Me I am Wisdom, and I have the insight; I have knowledge and sound judgment.”                                                                                                             Proverbs 8:1-12

              Wisdom’s call has not been in vain. Many have received the message and answered her call. Through the years, awards have been reaped; accolades have been received; programs and projects have been accomplished; thousands of lives have been touched.

               When a teacher or an administrator fondly thinks of the Division of Bago City, he/she can’t help but reminisce the past for one has been a part of its existence. Like a young parent, he/she has seen how it was conceived, watched it born and nurtured by loving and capable hands.

The PAST

                 Prior to its creation as a division, it has been a part of the Division of Negros Occidental. That time, it has only 2 districts namely: District I composed of 19 elementary schools with 294 teachers under the supervision of Mrs. Juana M. Aggabao, and District II with 15 schools and 245 teachers headed by Mrs. Josefina Alabado.

                 There was only one high school, the Bago City High School under Miss Elisa Dreyfus.

                 With its rapid growth and expansion in terms of population and facilities, the Division of Bago City was created to serve the educational needs of the growing populace not only of the city but of the neighboring towns and barangays as well.

                 Thus, the Division of Bago City was born on September 8, 1975 amidst the jubilation and warm welcome from administrators, teachers, government, officials, parents and students.

                 The first division office was held in a building known today as the division clinic. Superintendent Telesforo Lina assumed office as the first Division Superintendent, Mr. Archimedes Besa was named School Administrative Officer I.

                 The Secretary of Education that year was the Hon. Juan L. Manuel; the Regional Director was Dir. Antonio Tanchuan CESO II.

                  More districts were created headed by the different District Supervisors:

                 District I was headed by Mr. Roberto P. Villacruz manning 10 schools. During this period, Calumangan Elementary School was the central school, later, it was transferred to J.L Elementary School (Mr. Villacruz is still the District Supervisor.)

                  At present, District I has 10 elementary schools with Mr. Victorino Pailano as the OIC District Supervisor.

                 District II was supervised by Mrs. Flor Bañas heading 7 schools. Balingasag Primary was created in 1993. Presently , Miss Mercedita Gecosala is the District Supervisor handling 9 elementary schools.

                 District III was composed of 8 elementary schools headed by Mrs. Veronica Martir. At present, Elenita C. Jolito, Ph.D. is the District Supervisor managing 9 schools.

                 District IV was under Mr. Hernane Insuelo acting as the Principal In-charge with 11 schools under his jurisdiction. P.F. Elizalde Elementary School was created in 1984. Mr. Rutchillo J. Ducay is now the District Supervisor.

                 In 1975, there was only one existing secondary school, Bago City High School headed by Miss Ninfa T. Jardinico, who took the reign from Miss Elisa Dreyfrus, who was promoted General Education Supervisor for English. The school was later named Ramon Torres National High School on July 1983 through BP #411.

                 In 1982, six extension high schools were created in the different barangays namely: Ma-ao Sugar Central, Dulao, Malingin, Sagasa, Louisiana and Taloc.

              Schools were under Teachers-In-charge under the supervision of a Principal, Miss Ninfa T. Jardinico and later Miss Heidi M. Estandarte, who assumed office in 1993.

                 

                In 2000, all secondary schools were nationalized and became independent from the main high school. Later, these extension high schools were converted into newly nationalized high schools with their own respective principals.

                There have been up to the present 9 Superintendents and 7 Assistant – Superintendents, who shared their managerial skills and expertise and took turn in molding and shaping the future of the division. Each has his/her stories to tell in making the Division of Bago City what it is today.