Father Julian C. Rago Memorial National High School

Category: Cultural Institution

District of Balete

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Welcome Arch

School Logo

Municipality/City: Balete
Province: Aklan
Location/Address: Feliciano, Balete, Aklan

LOGO

Pink - represents kindness and goodness

Torch and Open book - symbolizes knowledge and wisdom; symbolizes the vision of education to provide enlightenment to all learners

Hands - protect and uplift the quest for knowledge

Circle - represents wholeness, perfection, completeness, friendship inclusivity and strength

Leaves - symbolize growth, rebirth and life

White - symbolizes purity and peace

Yellow - represents new life and a new beginning

Outer Circle - represents the external stakeholders who are capable of promoting the school vision and mission

Father Julian C. Rago Memorial National High School - the school name and one of the most important aspects of its identity. It establishes a sense of community for the students, faculty, and staff and helps create a unified vision for the school.

Feliciano, Balete, Aklan - where the school is located, 30 kilometers away from the Division Office

Yellow-shaped shield - represents the teachers and parents and provides a safeguard, shelter, and security for the learners

TYPE OF CULTURAL INSTITUTION

Formal institution - Father Julian C. Rago Memorial National high School is a Public Secondary High School aims to contribute to the development of students for a bright future.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The Father Julian C. Rago Memorial National High School (FJCRMNHS) was officially established as Feliciano-Fulgencio Barangay High School (FFBHS) in Barangay Feliciano, Balete Aklan for the school year 1980-1981 pursuant to the provision of the Republic Act 6054, otherwise known as the “Barrio High School Charter.” It was a joint project of Barangay Councils of Feliciano and Fulgencio.

The land was donated by the Rago family and in memory of their kindness and generosity, the school was named after Fr. Julian C. Rago. Its first class was held in one of the vacant classrooms in Feliciano Elementary School due to the continuing construction of school building which was made of straws, bamboos and other light materials.

Initially, sixty-four elementary graduates, majority of whom from Feliciano Elementary School were enrolled in this school. In the first Curriculum Year of Father Julian C. Rago Memorial National High School, classroom facilities were developed which includes; student chairs, blackboard, tables and chairs for teachers, provided by the residents of Barangays Feliciano, Fulgencio and civic-spirited citizens of the municipality of Balete and of the Province.

The first teaching staff were Ms. Anita Lopez, Regular Teacher; Ms. Maiden P. Beltran, Provincial Teacher; Mr. Leonido M. Enriquez and Ms. Lucia M. Moreira, Honorarium Teachers.

The administrative staff were composed of Ms. Emma M. Rondario, Assistant Principal; Ms. Maiden P. Beltran, School Registrar; Mr. Roberto Tupaz, PTA (now PTCA) and School Board Director President; Ms. Marilyn Beltran, School Board Treasurer; Feliciano Brgy. Captain, Paterno Lopez and Fulgencio Brgy. Captain, Benjamin Morales.

The school has gained an initial budget of P7,000.00, through pledge of support bestowed by concerned citizens of the province for the first school year of the institution. Tuition fees derived from the students were not included in the initial budget of the school. Likewise, matriculation fees of students were budgeted for the purchase of sports equipment, and other necessary school facilities.

In addition, the School Board of Director appropriated P1,500.00 contributed by its members and P1,000.00 from Brgy. Council of Feliciano and Fulgencio, with the Municipal treasurer certifying the said amount in the custody of the Municipal Office available for release on time in support for the opening of the proposed barangay high school as required by the Ministry of Education and Culture (now Department of Education, Culture and Sports). The Certification was part of the documents submitted to MEC authorities for consideration and approval.

As the establishment of the school became controversial with the putting-up of Balete Academy Extension at Barangay Feliciano, the issuance of official permit to operate was approved sometime in August, 1980. Unfortunately, the application to open classes starting June 1980 was reportedly lost in transit and cannot be located. MEC in Region VI required the submission of reconstructed copies of the application. It took two (2) professional typists to complete the reconstruction papers for a period of twelve (12) hours. Unluckily, the approval for the opening of the institution was in the Central Office, Manila and not in Region VI.

THE BERNARDO RODRIGUEZ PLAN

In 1978, Hon. Bernardo Rodriguez, former Mayor of Balete, Aklan, eagerly pursued to establish a barangay high school in the municipality. But due to the pressing need of his time in developing other projects, the plan was not implemented.

The plan was part of his program of reform for the educational growth and development of the municipality’s youth. He has gone to the extent of inquiring from those persons whom he believed had the knowledge on how a barangay high school is established, funded and administered.

The Author of this book happened to be one of those whom he contacted for his plan, as the former being the Secretary of the School Board of Directors and CTBHS PTA President who contracted the services of Rodriguez’ bulldozer for the leveling of a school site at Barangay Tina, Makato, Aklan. Based on the actual experience acquired in the establishment of the Calimbajan-Tina Barangay High School (CTBHS), now Calimbajan-Tina National High School (CTBHS), in Makato, Aklan sometime in 1976, he (Rodriguez) was briefed on the mechanics of opening a barangay high school.

Although the plan was not materialized, it became a living reality during the incumbency of then Mayor of Balete, Jean O. Rodriguez, in 1980 with the opening of Calizo Barangay High School and Feliciano-Fulgencio Barangay High School. The following year, it opened the Aranas Barangay High School. (Jean is the beloved wife of Bernardo).

PERIOD OF CONCEPTUALIZATION

Sometime in the later part of 1979, Ms. Maiden P. Beltran, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture graduate Major in Animal Husbandry, of Aklan College of Agriculture (Now Aklan State College of Agriculture), Banga, Aklan, applied for a teaching position in the Calimbajan-Tina Barangay High School (CTBHS), Makato, Aklan. She was accompanied by Ms. Lenelyn Raval, a student then of the CTBHS and a sister of Ms. Charito Raval, a co-graduate of Ms. Beltran, to see the Author of this Book, who was the secretary of the SBOD and at the same time President of the CTBHS PTA, for accommodation as one of the teaching staff. Since there was no vacant position for her major, she was promised to be taken in as soon as the number of students increases starting school year 1980-81. It may be considered at this point that she was not successfully appointed during her first visit. But her second come back leads to a fruitful success as an interview takes place and hiring procedures was made making her one of the regular teachers of the said school.

FOUNDATION DAY (FEBRUARY 14)

The holding of the School’s Foundation Day celebration on this date is justified in the sense that it was on this specific date when the decision to establish a barangay high school in Barangay Feliciano, Balete, Aklan was finally resolved by Ms. Maiden P. Beltran in the presence of the Department of Agriculture Farm Technologist, Angelda T. Baylon, Assistant Secretary of the CTBHS School Board of Directors.

Based on the timetable of decision for the prosecution of Code Name “FFBHS,” it includes the actual survey of the proposed school site, reaction of Barangay Councils of Feliciano and Fulgencio and some prominent citizens of both barangays to exclude those persons considered not favorable to the project in order to avoid unwarranted interference.

A series of secret meetings were made and a School Board of Directors was organized through the joint resolution of both Barangay Councils, transferring and or requesting the power of both Barangay Councils to administer the affairs of the proposed barangay high school.

Having paved the way to obtain pertinent information for the preparation of application paper for its opening, the following supporting papers were systematically prepared for endorsement to MEC Region VI, through channel:

1. joint resolution of Barangay Councils Feliciano and Fulgencio, approving the Petition of 81 concerned parents of both barangays;
2. balanced budget for the operation and maintenance of the proposed Feliciano-Fulgencio Barangay High School;
3. joint resolution of both barangay Councils approving the said school budget;
4. joint resolution of both Brgy. Councils creating Local School Board of Directors as a policy making body for the proposed barangay high school;
5. list of prospective students with their ages and addresses, including thereof the names of their respective parents;
6. certification by barangay secretaries of both barangays, certifying the amount of P500.00 from its unused funds of each barangay is available for operational funding of the proposed high school;
7. certification by the Municipal Mayor of Balete, certifying members of Sangguniang Bayan are making effort to secure a one-hectares lot for the proposed barangay high school;
8. certification by the Municipal Treasurer that the ten Percent Shares of both barangays are available for use for the operations and maintenance of said proposed barangay high school;
9. availability of teachers, both provisional and honorarium;
10. endorsement by the Principal of Feliciano-Elementary School, Ms. Emma M. Rondario, Assistant Principal of the Proposed Barangay High School and by Balete District Supervisor, Eva C. Cleope, among other pertinent papers which all in all consisted of 28 documents of 5 pages each.

THE 7TH INDORSEMENT, REGIONAL OFFICE

The application papers for the opening of Feliciano-Fulgencio Barangay High School (FFBHS) reached 7th Indorsement in the Office of MEC, La Paz, Iloilo City. A thorough, processing of the supporting papers was done by Mrs. Soleta Fangco, one of the MEC Regional staff in Iloilo City. Despite the recommendation by Medencio Cebujano for its approval, it was found out that the application papers were short of the number of copies required. To solve such problem, Mrs. Fangco instructed her clerk to certify a true copy of those pertinent papers of the application found short for attachment thereof.

Mrs. Fangco drafted the 7th Indorsement for signature by the Regional Director for submission to the Central Office in Manila.

In the old ruling, application for the opening of a barangay high school in a place where the establishment is viable is approved by the Regional Director. With the adoption of a new guideline, approval is obtained from the Central Office in Manila.

With the presence of Roxas Memorial of School of Arts and Trades (now Roxas Memorial College of Arts and Trades) Superintendent, Abello, in the Regional Office who was then scheduled to depart for Manila that day, the problem of submission of the application papers was solved. Abello was requested by Mrs. Fangco to hand carry the application papers of the Feliciano-Fulgencio Barangay High School to the Central Office for signature by Hon. Onofre D. Corpuz, with instruction to follow-up the immediate release of the said application. It was June 3, 1980, Eve of American-Filipino-Friendship Day, to be exact, Mrs. Fangco had it logged and turned it over to Mr. Abello.

The swept action by Mrs. Fangco on the said application was indeed very commendable. If all officials and employees of our governments, local or national, act the way as Mrs. Fangco under such circumstances, those who are transacting business with our government will not experience hardship and frustration. But how many Mrs. Fangco are there in the government service? Or, how many Mr. Cebujano are there in our various offices of the governments, who is always ready and willing to help those in need of help at the expense of personal convenience? Perhaps we can count by the fingers.

With the assistance of these two dignified civil servants (Mrs. Soleta Fangco and Mr. Medencio Cebujano), the application for the opening of a barangay high school at baragay Feliciano, Balete, Aklan was coursed without delay for approval by Minister Onofre D. Corpuz.

NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION

Principal's Office

Aerial Shot

For the school year 1980-1981, the Father Julian C. Rago Memorial National High School (FJCRMNHS) was officially established as Feliciano-Fulgencio Barangay High School (FFBHS) in Barangay Feliciano, Balete Aklan, under the provisions of Republic Act 6054, otherwise known as the Barrio High School Charter, with the opening of the first-year curriculum. Mrs. Emma M. Rondario, Principal of Feliciano Elementary School, and Ms. Maiden P. Beltran, KB Chairman of Barangay Fulgencio, were the key figures in its establishment.

As a joint project of the Feliciano and Fulgencio barangay councils, headed by Brgy. Captains Paterno Lopez and Benjamin Morales respectively, its operation, control and supervision were placed under the Local School Board Directors headed by Mr. Roberto Tupaz as President, Leonardo Reporen as Vice President, Maiden P. Beltran as Secretary and Treasurer, Lucila Nartates and Judith P. Palmon as Auditors, Eldesa R. Reodava as Press Relations Officer, Vicenta Reporen, Visitacion Cuales, Epefania C. Rago, Willie Nadura, Brgy. Captains Paterno Lopez and Benjamin Morales as Members of the Board.

The first administrative and teaching staff was composed of Emma M. Rondario as Asst. Principal, Miss Ma. Anita R. Lopez and Miss Maiden P. Beltran as provisional teachers; Mr. Leonido Enriquez as honorarium teacher; and Miss Maiden P. Beltran as clerk-registrar.

Classes were then held within the premises of Feliciano Elementary School, which provided classrooms and classroom facilities such as blackboards, teacher's tables, student's chairs, and so on, donated by 27 original supporters in the province headed by then Balete Mayor Hon. Jean O. Rodriguez.

With the growing enrollment, the school was relocated to a nearby parcel of land owned by the late Father Julian C. Rago and donated by Mrs. Adela C. Rago-Lopez.

Mrs. Lucy Remola took over as principal from Mrs. Rondario in 1988-1989 after the school was nationalized under House Bill No. 2528. Following the transfer of Mrs. Remola in 1992 to Ochando National High School in New Washington, Mrs. Eleanor T. Almero assumed the office. With the transfer of Mrs. Almero to Nalook National High School, Kalibo, Mrs. Merlyn S. Carrillo was officially designated as principal starting School Year 2000-2001.

Through the leadership of Mrs. Carrillo, the school was able to host a Platinum Alumni Homecoming on April 26-27, 2000, and those who supported the school from its infant stage to its full curriculum years were recognized for their invaluable support.

It should be noted that the Parent-Teachers Community Association (PTCA), led by then-President Roberto P. Tupaz, Crispino Beltran, Sr., and later by Mr. Crispino P. Beltran, Jr., has significantly contributed to the school's stability, growth, and development from its establishment to the present year.

In 2002, the school produced 1,069 graduates, approximately 25 percent of whom went on to college and are gainfully employed in either the public or private sectors, while others are self-employed in cottage industries engaged in agricultural production.

Mrs. Merlyn S. Carrillo was transferred to Linabuan National High in March 2004, and Mrs. Virgie N. Cuales took over as principal the following year until August 2016. Mrs. Rosie G. Oczon took over as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) until June 8, 2017. On June 9, 2017, Mrs. Rolanie A. Belarmino replaced her as principal. Mrs. Belarmino was transferred to Naile National High School in March 2021, and Mrs. Rosie G. Oczon was named OIC and then principal in June 2022. Mrs. Oczon led the school in dealing with the problems and issues that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Currently, Father Julian C. Rago Memorial National High School has 20 strong and competent teachers in Junior High School and 10 in Senior High School who continue to mold students to become more productive in the future.

DESCRIPTION OF SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES

The Father Julian C. Rago Memorial National High School has always strived for excellence in different fields and has been competitive in various categories, bringing home awards and recognitions. One was the school's recognition in the Search for the Most Outstanding Brigada Eskwela Implementors in 2019 for the medium school category. In the same year, at the celebration of the Municipality of Balete's 100th founding anniversary, Father Julian C. Rago Memorial National High School was awarded as the best Eco-Garden. Mrs. Rolanie A. Belarmino, the school principal at the time, led this effort.

Last October 2022, the Department of Education, District of Balete recognized six teachers for their excellent service in the field of education, namely: Mrs. Rosie G. Oczon, School Principal I; Mrs. Salvacion R. Cuales, Master Teacher I; Mrs. Melody M. Lopez, Teacher III; Mrs. Jocelina O. Sarabia, Teacher III; Mrs. Edna D. Losbañes, Teacher III; Mr.Tyding B. Quinicio, Teacher III; Mrs. Ma. Gina O. Nadura, Teacher II; and Mr. John D. Gallardez, Teacher II.

STORIES AND NARRATIVES

In 1978, Hon. Bernardo Rodriguez, former Mayor of Balete, Aklan, eagerly pursued the establishment of a barangay high school in the municipality. However, the plan was not implemented due to pressing needs in developing other projects. It was part of his reform program for the educational growth and development of the municipality's youth. He has gone to the extent of inquiring from those he believed knew how a barangay high school is established, funded, and administered. Although the plan was not materialized in his time, it became a reality in 1980 under the tenure of the then-Mayor of Balete, Jean O. Rodriguez, Bernardo's wife, with the establishment of Calizo Barangay High School and Feliciano-Fulgencio Barangay High School.

Father Julian C. Rago Memorial National High School students have achieved success in their chosen careers over the years. Some succeed in engineering, teaching, seafaring, law enforcement, science and technology, business, and agriculture. They serve as good models and examples for the young learners at Father Julian C. Rago Memorial National High School.

SIGNIFICANCE

Economic - Father Julian C. Rago Memorial National High School has produced graduates who have found success both domestically and abroad. Some are local business owners who also employ students from their Alma Mater.

Aesthetic - Father Julian C. Rago Memorial National High School is 30 kilometers from the Division Office. It has a total land area of 10,000 sq.m. with 30 classrooms surrounded by trees and flowering plants.

Spiritual - Father Julian C. Rago Memorial National High School emphasizes developing godliness. Mass is held once a month and on every occasion in the school.

Historical - Father Julian C. Rago Memorial National High School is a witness to the beautiful friendship between the Philippines and Japan. The construction of a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) school building in 1993 was a token of friendship. There are only four JICA school buildings in Aklan.

Social - Father Julian C. Rago Memorial National High School holds different activities like scouting and other social gatherings sponsored by the school with the help of Local Government Unit. The school also celebrates the alumni homecoming. Additionally, students compete in different district and division-level contests, sporting events, and quiz bees.

Political - The school serves as a training ground for honing the learner’s leadership skills in different organizations. The Supreme Student Learner Government (SSLG) provides a strong foundation for fostering student leadership.

ASSESSMENT OF THE INSTITUTION

CONDITION/STATUS OF THE INSTITUTION

Most of the school buildings in both the junior and senior high school departments at Father Julian C. Rago Memorial National High are in good condition. However, some might be subject to replacement. The alumni have pledged and donated help to improve the school facilities to meet the needs of the learners. Through this, the school was able to build a concrete pathway to every building and a canopy for learners' protection, especially during rainy days.

The students have access to two handwashing facilities, and an internet connection is provided inside the two computer rooms. The Metro Kalibo Water District (MKWD) provides an accessible water supply to the school. However, there are constraints and threats that the present administration prioritizes, such as the provision of a school library and additional materials, as well as the construction of a concrete perimeter fence. Moreover, frequent power interruptions due to electricity shortages and the unstable internet connection remain a problem.

CONSTRAINTS/ THREATS/ ISSUES/ CHALLENGES

The Father Julian C. Rago Memorial National High School needs a library and additional resources like reading materials, books, electric fans, tables and chairs, and bookshelves so that the learners can research and study during their free time. Moreover, the lack of a complete perimeter fence threatens student safety and can also be associated with the problem of truancy.

MEASURES AND DESCRIPTION OF SAFEGUARDING MEASURES TAKEN

Through past and present administrations' efforts, 40% of the concrete fence was partially completed, while the other 60% was made of cyclone wire. Last year, Father Julian C. Rago Memorial National High School was one of the recipients of the Electrification Program for Schools under the campaign "LightED PH." Another project from the central office, the Internet Connectivity Project for schools with a computer laboratory, was awarded earlier this June 2023.

REFERENCES

Key Informant: Rosie G. Oczon
Other Resources: School History (Publish by Aklan Reporter, Authored by Merlyn S. Carrillo)
Name of Profiler/Mapper: Tyding B. Quinicio
Date Profiled: June 10, 2023
Language Expert: Fresalyn B. Honrado
Layout Artist: Bituin Suganob
Evaluators: Dennis Bontogon; Josephine Vicente
Wiki Editor: Sheila Mae O. De Pablo, T-III, Father Julian C. Rago Memorial National High School
Approved: Ruby Agnes B. Estrada, PhD., Education Program Supervisor - Araling Panlipunan