Regional Science High School for Region VI

Regional Science High School for Region VI (formerly , Science Development National High School)

(Facade of the structure where the cultural institution holds office)

(Facade of the structure where the cultural institution holds office)

Category: Institution

District of Kalibo II

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

MUNICIPALITY/CITY: Kalibo

PROVINCE: Aklan

LOCATION/ADDRESS: Old Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan

(Logo of the institution with description of the symbols and meanings)

Set upon a green-bordered disc, the school’s name, Regional Science High School for Region VI, is embossed in the logo with its date of establishment. An institution designed for the scientifically and mathematically gifted, the inner circle, which forms the focal point of the emblem, evidently displays the book of knowledge containing a microscope and some mathematical symbols. Laid beneath the book is a torch symbolizing the RSHS VI blazing mission of providing wisdom for communal progress through science, the battle cry it pays to practice.

Deeply set in the foreground is the map of the Island of Panay as the school is considered the region’s flag bearer of the Department of Education in Science and Mathematics education, set to cater to the exceptionally-endowed youths of Western Visayas. The dominant color scheme used in the logo is white and green. As white signifies brilliance, green, on the other hand, indicates hope and growth that fairly lies in this institution and these well-educated young minds.

TYPE OF CULTURAL INSTITUTION: (Indicate if it is a library, museum, formal education, alternative learning system, gallery and/or others)

The Regional Science High School for Region VI is a formal education secondary public science high school.

NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION

Adhering to the belief that education is the best investment for future generations, Dr. Constancio I. Constantino, then Chairman, Committee on Education and Culture of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the Province of Aklan sometime in 1979 conceived the idea of establishing a unique provincial high school for the intellectually-gifted and science-mathematics oriented youth of the province. Supportive to the novel idea, former Governor Roberto Q. Garcia issued Executive Order No.22, s. 1979, creating a steering committee to study and work for establishing the provincial high school. Based on carefully evaluated and verified information submitted by the committee, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, during the 45th regular session, approved Resolution No. 178, s. 1979 on December 7, 1979, which authorized the establishment of Aklan Development High School (ADHS).

The school's mission is to prepare from among the province’s best minds a corps of future leaders for all development phases. The ADHS is modeled after the Manila Science High School, which offers a Special Science Secondary Education Curriculum with selective admission and retention requirements for students.

The authority to operate the first-year class was favorably endorsed by Schools Division Superintendent Joaquin Tesoro and was approved by Minister Onofre D. Corpus on March 11, 1980. The pioneer first-year class consisted of 37 scholars who were selected based on a competitive admission test administered by the Science Foundation of the Philippines Center No. 6. The class was formally opened by the MEC Regional Director Antonio B. Tanchuan on June 9, 1980, for the school year 1980 to 1981 and temporarily housed at the Bagong Lipunan Building of the Kalibo Pilot Elementary School. The second, third, and fourth years were progressively organized every succeeding year thereafter. The school was transferred to its temporary site at the Provincial Capitol compound in the school year 1981-82.

In the school year 1982 to 1983, SP Resolution No. 58, s. 1982 requested a change of the name of Aklan Development High School of Aklan ( SDHSA) to make it more suggestive of its Special Science Secondary Education Curriculum. Approval of the change of name was signed by MEC Minister Onofre D. Corpus on December 23, 1982.

The most remarkable event in the historical development of the school was the acquisition of a permanent school site. On June 21, 1991, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed and approved Resolution No. 039, s. 1991, donating a portion of one (1) hectare of real property acquired by the Provincial Government from the Development Bank of the Philippines to the SDHSA and authorizing the Provincial Governor to execute the Deed of Donation. The Deed of Donation was made and entered into by and between the Provincial Government of Aklan, represented by Governor Corazon L. Cabagnot, and the Department of Education, Culture, and Sports- Science Development National High School of Aklan represented by the Assistant Schools Division Superintendent, Officer-in-Charge, Division of Aklan, Mr. Crescente S. Alabado on July 11, 1991. The newly-acquired school site is located in Barangay Old Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan.

The P3.2 million DECS-SEDP Building consists of an Administration Office, four academic classrooms, library, laboratory, and home economics room. (Retrieved from SDNHS Yearbook, Batch 2000)

The new school site was inaugurated on October 4, 1993 in Barangay Old Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan. Present during the ceremony was Gov. Corazon L. Cabagnot, Mr. Felix Garzon, Chief of the Division of Secondary Education, Schools division Superintendent Crescente S. Alabado, Mayor Diego S. Luces, Rev. Fr. Alex A. Meńez, Parish Priest of Kalibo, and Brgy. Capt. Rodigondes R. Marte of Old Buswang. (The Pillars’ Memoirs, SDNHS Yearbook, Batch 1995). SDHSA was then changed to Science Development National High School (SDNHS) due to the Department of Education, Culture and Sports order that all barangay high schools be named national high schools.

A permanent extension classroom and a guard house (through the effort of the PTCA) were built in 1994-1995. Two more classrooms were constructed in SY 1995, and a fence was built a year after, also through the efforts of the PTCA. Because of the growing population of the SDNHS, make-shift classrooms made of nipa and bamboo were built, four in 1994 and two in 1995, all through the efforts of concerned parents.

Gradually, classrooms made of light materials were demolished to give way to more permanent structures. In 1996, a science laboratory was constructed, and each year thereafter, classrooms were built under the DECS Regular School Building Program. In March 1997, four classrooms funded out of the CDF of Senator Edgardo Angara were built. (Retrieved from SDNHS Yearbook, Batch 2000) It was in the year 1999 to 2000 when SDNHS was converted into a Regional Science High School for Region VI (RSHS VI). This now hopes to cater to the youths of Western Visayas who are scientifically and mathematically inclined.

As time passed by, more classrooms/buildings were erected. Moreover, in 2016, the K to 12 paved the way for offering Academic Strands—Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM) in RSHS VI for Senior High School students. Two additional multi-story buildings for the Senior High School were constructed.

Several science laboratories were also established. A covered court courtesy of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and of the Magdalo Partylist was likewise put up.

Since its establishment, school heads who steered the rudder of the institution were the late Dr. Concepcion Constantino (wife of the school founder, Dr. Constancio I. Constantino), Mrs. Merlyn S. Carrillo, and Mrs. Maria Santia A. Arboleda.

DESCRIPTION OF SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES

One of the major turning points in the history of the school is its conversion into a Regional Science High School for Region VI in 1999 to 2000. With this conversion, the school now caters to the needs of youths who are scientifically and mathematically-inclined not just in the province of Aklan but also throughout Region VI. When the implementation of the K-12 was underway in 2016, the Regional Science High School for Region VI (RSHS VI) was the only public secondary high school in the province to offer the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM) academic strands.

Moreover, the RSHS VI, tagged as a hub for achievers, has proven its worth in the division, regional, and national level competitions since then. Student-competitors would collect medals and trophies in science investigatory projects, quiz bees, search for outstanding organizations or students (Kabayan Search for Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines, Ten Outstanding Boy Scouts of the Philippines, Chief Medal Girl Scout Awardee), in the field of sports, and writing competitions like the Regional Schools Press Conference hereby making it to the list of Best Performing Schools. Some of its mentors also made a mark in the annals of education by being Metrobank Awardees, Hall of Fame School Paper Advisers, and Ten Outstanding Mentors, to name a few.

Noteworthy to mention is the numerous board topnotchers in different professions whose high school foundation was laid by this institution. Engr. Michael Geovil Rovero (Top 1, (2009) and Top 2 (2010) in the Civil Engineering and Sanitary Engineering Licensure Examinations, respectively); Mary Angelie Cabańez (Top 1, 2017), Joseph Dann Enero (Top 5, 2019), Lucil E. Cerrada (Top 6, 2018), Vyklyn Testa (Top 8, 2009), Princess N. Meliton (Top 9, 2017 ), Jason Rehum Baldimor (Top 9, 2018), and Praise Maranatha M. Bechayda (Top 10, 2015 ), in the Nursing Licensure Examination in various years; Angelica Diongson (Top 4, 2019) in the Chemical Engineering Licensure Examination and, Gabriel Rentino (Top 7, 2019) in the Accountancy Board Exam; Khio Jerick Donguines Jumarang (Top 1, 2022) in the Physical and Occupational Therapist Licensure Examination, among others.

The school was also hailed as a Hall of Fame Awardee for the Search for the Best Brigada Eskwela Implementer in the Division of Aklan and consistently earned a spot at the regional level. In addition, the school was declared a Champion of the 2022 Curriculum and Instructional Regional Champions for Learning Excellence (CIRCLE) Awards under the category Key Stage 3.

STORIES AND NARRATIVES

The institution, nearing to its 40th year has come a long way. From its humble beginnings of swampy grounds, bamboo stilts as passageways and bridges and some nipa huts as classrooms, the Regional Science High School for Region VI is far from how it commenced years ago. Even the former graduates is held in awe as the school was transformed into a seemingly privately ran establishment.

Looking back, various tales in this watery and muddy grounds are shared. On chance occasions, opportunities for one to have wet socks are opened as one accidently slips on the makeshift, suspension bamboo bridge. Or one’s shoes be stuck on the clammy earth. And or one gets into trouble as one plunged into the pond while trying to catch a fish.

Years ago, important occasions like graduations, intramurals, cheer dance competitions and other activities and contests were held mostly at Augusto B. Legaspi Memorial Sports and Cultural Complex (ABL). The space available in school cannot accommodate the need for such an activity and the absence of a covered court further adds to the unfitness of the site. As such, from the school to the venue (vice versa) tables, chairs and other needed fixtures for the activity will be transported using a tricycle to the rented venue. Going outside the school to the ABL was almost always viewed by the students as a day to be joyful and a cause to celebrate.

In a corollary without a covered structure, competing teams for the cheer dance competition would go to neighboring towns or barangays with covered complexes to practice and be away from their competitors' prying eyes.

But today, the school has been immensely developed.

For the current school year, 28 classrooms (sections) house the 1, 152 student population from the Junior High School (JHS) and the Senior High School (SHS) departments. It boasts well-equipped General Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics Laboratories, Research, and Computer Rooms for the Junior High School’s (JHS) use. Two new buildings for the Senior High School (SHS) students were built. A new addition is the Dr. Constancio I. Constantino Building, a two-story structure serving as the Alumni Office and the school's Conference Room. Exceptional, too, is the covered court, which, aside from its utility, has added a striking ornament to the school grounds.

At present, except for the SHS classrooms, almost all classrooms in the JHS are air-conditioned. Some classrooms too have televisions or projectors used to aid classroom instruction.

To secure the students' well-being and the school’s property, the entire school site is now covered by a perimeter fence of more than one and one-half meters high.

On a different note, the school has produced many renowned professionals holding important posts in the government. Those in private practice are also carving their names locally and even internationally. The majority of them have become significant influencers in society.

Hence, because of the school’s track record, it continues attracting the best in the province and neighboring towns of Antique and even Romblon. Passing its Competitive Admission Test is a most sought achievement by parents and students alike as hundreds would try their luck during its conduct.

What has become of the Regional Science High School for Region VI now is a labor of love of Drs. Constancio and Concepcion Constantino, the school head, the faculty, the parents and students, the GPTA, the LGU’s, and other stakeholders and the Department of Education.

SIGNIFICANCE

Historical

The first science high school in the province of Aklan, the Regional Science High School for Region VI is DepEd’s flag carrier in Western Visayas in terms of science and mathematics education and, since then, is a source of pride for every Akeanon.

Economic

As the bulk of students are enrolled in the school, many economic opportunities were opened for other people. The presence of several canteens inside the school owned by the Faculty Employees Multipurpose Cooperative (FEMCO) has provided resources for the school and its employees, the canteen lessees, and their workers. In the same way, canteens, computer shops, and food kiosks outside the school have greatly helped their livelihood. The water business has become profitable as classrooms would be filled with processed water delivered by various water business owners. The presence of the school too is strongly beneficial to the tricycle drivers of Brgy. Old Buswang and Kalibo have provided them with a constant source of income as they ferry student commuters daily. The increase in the number of apartments and houses turned into boardinghouses occupied by non-Kalibo student residents is also notable.

Social

The school served as a venue for many educational gatherings of the DepEd like camps, athletic meets, fora, workshops/seminars/trainings, college entrance examination center, and assemblies. In most instances, the school is also chosen by other government institutions like the PNP, DENR, Bureau of Fire, PDRRMO, etc., and various NGOs for its campaigns and advocacies.

In times of calamities like floods and typhoons, the institution serves as an evacuation area of Brgy. Old Buswang.

V. ASSESSMENT OF THE INSTITUTION

A. CONDITION/STATUS OF THE INSTITUTION

The institution continues to flourish and remains the crème-of the-crop public secondary science high school in Aklan and nearby provinces. It enjoys the support of the national and local governments, the PTA, and other stakeholders for its operation, maintenance and continuous improvement.

The school site has no land title yet though a deed of donation is on hand. The school has a single entrance-exit passageway. This situation is quite difficult in times of emergency.

The municipal dumpsite is just a hundred meters away from the school.

B. CONSTRAINTS/ THREATS/ ISSUES/ CHALLENGES: (Reasons for the condition/status)

The undocumented road right of way of the school is an issue that needs to be ironed out by the School Administration. This is an offshoot of the school’s not having a land title yet. Hence, the ownership of the “road” considered as a “road right of way” needs to be determined. This concern surfaces as the next land claimant /owner is said to be providing road access only, and the possibility of blocking the entrance-exit may pose a problem in the future.

The Municipal Dumpsite near the school has been creating a long-overdue problem. The foul smell emitted affects one’s senses to the limit and poses a health hazard to the students, teachers, and the community.

C. MEASURES AND DESCRIPTION OF SAFEGUARDING MEASURES TAKEN

A relocation survey is being undertaken to answer the existing issue.

REFERENCES

KEY INFORMANT/S:	Maria Santia A. Arboleda, Melbeth Francisco, Claribel D. Almero, and Erwin Ricamonte
REFERENCE/S AND OTHER RESOURCES:	The Pillars’ Memoirs, SDNHS Yearbook-Batch 1995, SDNHS Yearbook-Batch 2000
NAME OF PROFILER/MAPPER:	Josephine P. Vicente, T-III, Regional Science High School for Region VI
DATE PROFILED:	August 23, 2019
WIKI EDITOR:	Glazy D. Cipriano, T-III, Kalibo Elementary School
APPROVED:	Ruby Agnes B. Estrada, PhD, Education Program Supervisor - Araling Panlipunan

Student’s Hall (Photos retrieved from: The Pillars’ Memoirs, SDNHS Yearbook, Batch 1995)	This hut serves as a haven for latecomers.(Photos retrieved from: The Pillars’ Memoirs, SDNHS Yearbook, Batch 1995)
Student’s Hall(Photos retrieved from: The Pillars’ Memoirs, SDNHS Yearbook, Batch 1995)	School Canteen(Photos retrieved from: The Pillars’ Memoirs, SDNHS Yearbook, Batch 1995)
With bamboo stilt for the bridge cross to the other side of the watery/swampy campus.(Photos retrieved from: The Pillars’ Memoirs, SDNHS Yearbook, Batch 1995)	This water reservoir remains one of the few structures in the campus which was untouched.(Photos retrieved from: The Pillars’ Memoirs, SDNHS Yearbook, Batch 1995)

The SEDP Building , houses the first classrooms of SDNHS after it was transferred to its new permanent site at Old Buswang.

The SEDP Building as it is today.