ALTAVAS NATIONAL SCHOOL

I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

MUNICIPALITY/CITY: ALTAVAS
PROVINCE: AKLAN
LOCATION/ADDRESS: POBLACION, ALTAVAS, AKLAN

Logo of Altavas National School

LOGO OF THE INSTITUTION WITH DESCRIPTION OF THE SYMBOLS AND MEANINGS

Circular Shape represents the holistic approach of ANS in the total education of the learners. As a technical vocational school, it emphasizes the essence of the acquisition of knowledge and its practical application in the learner’s daily life.

Torch embodies the purpose of the existence of ANS as a source of enlightenment that will guide the mind and the heart of the learners as they traverse the path that leads to the fulfillment of their dreams.

Book manifest the core of the school’s existence which is to educate our learners be equipping them with effective comprehensive, knowledge and skills which can use in facing life’s challenges

1947-the founding year

TYPE OF CULTURAL INSTITUTION:

The Altavas National School is a Technical-Vocational High School. It is a public educational institution that caters formal education from Grade 7 to Grade 12.

II. NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION

Atavas National School formerly a comprehensive high school and now Technical-Vocational High School was founded in 1947. This was through the efforts of the town’s civic spirited citizens who among them were: Juan C. Cortes, Manuel Quimpo, Emilio M. Dalida, Josef M. Belarmino, Mayor Roque Mayor, Gervacio Panagsagan, Magin Morales, Federico Berco, Dolores F. Quimpo, Miguel G. Gervacio, Amador Q. Obidos, Josef G. Gervacio, Cosme Garcia, and Manuel Pador. These people founded the Altavas Social and Educational Association (ASEA), the organization that lobbied for a municipal resolution which eventually created the Altavas Junior High School with Mrs. Catalina V. Pador as the teacher-in-charge; however, she relinquished this position in favor of Mr. Jose Alejandro, the first principal, who took the reins for only seven months.

Due to lack of funds, the newly established high school was temporarily housed in Altavas Social Hall. Among the pioneer mentors were: Amador Q. Obidos, one of the founders of the ASEA, Mr. Sesinando Baruc, Miss Dolores Mabasa, Mr. Pedro Enriquez, Mr. Ben Acevedo, Mr. Juanito Rigodon, Miss Lourdes Masigon, Miss Estela F. Quimpo, Miss Corazon Lim, Mrs. Consolacion M. Martinez, Miss Daisy Marasigan, Mrs. Adelina D. Panadero, and Mrs. Blancanieves C. Fojas. In 1948 after Mr. Jose Alejandro was transferred, Mrs. Pelagia I. Marte was sworn in as the next principal whom she had served until 1952.

Mr. Patrocenio Del Rosario, Principal of Mambusao Agricultural School, took over as principal upon resignation if Mrs. Pelagia I. Marte. He held that post until 1964. It was during his term that the name of the school was changed to Altavas Municipal High School. In 1960 the Municipal Council headed by Mayor Julio G. Refol passed Resolution No. 53 converting the school into a vocational school. Congressman Jose B. Legaspi filed House Bill No. 4983 to that effect, but fizzled out due to proximity of the school to the Roxas Memorial School of Arts and Trades (now known as ANHSAT) in Kalibo.

However, the Altavasnons were not discouraged. Led by Mayor Julio G. Refol, Sr., Rodson F. Mayor, President of Altavas National School Alumni Association (ANSAA) and Atty. Amador Q. Obidos representing the ASEA, they lobbied for the passage of House Bill No. 2713 sponsored by Congressman Godofredo P. Ramos. The bill was finally passed in the House of Senate on May 16, 1964 and finally passed in the House of Representative on May 18, 1964 and signed into law by President Diosdado Macapagal on June 18, 1964 known as Republic Act No. 3916 (in the third session of Fifth Congress of the Republic of the Philippines). Through this R.A., the high tuition fees were liberalized and the school became Altavas National School. In 1976, the school offered Post Secondary Courses. However, due to manpower and financial constraints, the school terminated the offering in 1984.

Sparked by the enthusiasm of the six adjoining barangays namely: Linayasan, Talon, Cabugao, Quinsay-an, Lumaynay, and Dalipdip spearheaded by Linayasan Barangay Captain Simeon Cantilero, and Linayasan Elementary School PTCA President Leoberto D. Arboleda with the collaboration of Mrs. Mila J. Andrade and Mrs. Anamaria D. Arboleda, both teachers of Linayasan Elementary School have secured the full support of the municipal government that endorsed the move of the aforestated barangays headed by Mayor Maria May P. Refol. Thus, paving the way to the opening of the Altavas National School Linayasan Extension in July 1992 with two sections of the First Year, one section in Second Year, and one section in the Third Year. Mr. Magdalino A. Villaruel, Head Teacher III was designated Teacher-In-Charge of the extension school.

The acquisition of school buildings, books, other instructional facilities, and the upgrading of teachers’ competencies through seminars and trainings qualified the school to become Divisional Leader School of Aklan during the administration of Mrs. Elnora G. Losa. After Mrs. Losa’s retirement in 1994, Mr. Wilfredo C. Arboleda, former Division Education Supervisor of DECS-Aklan was appointed principal. Through his resourcefulness, initiative and dynamic leadership, the school has attained unprecedented lead and progress. Ladderized collegiate courses in Food Technology, Garment Technology, and Practical Electricity were reopened in SY 1994-1995. The following year, Associate in Arts was offered and Computer Science was integrated in Technology and Home Economics subjects. It has also extended its offering of Non-formal Education to the out-of-school youth, together with the Practical Arts short terms courses such as Building Construction, Practical Electricity, Garment Technology, and Food Technology. Likewise, in 1996-1997, a Special Science class was offered with 30 students who passed the rigid screening. Every year thereafter, the next year level was opened and the first graduates from this curriculum graduated in 2000.

Similarly, still during the headship of Mr. Arboleda, the ANS Cabangila Extension (now Justicia Morales Young National High School) was opened at Cabangila, Altavas, Aklan with Mrs. Cynthia V. Donguines acting as the Teacher-In-Charge. This was followed by the creation of ANS Lupo Extension at Lupo, Altavas, Aklan with Mr. Francis G. Famoso as the designated Teacher-In-Charge. The creation of extension schools was done purposely to bring secondary education right in the doorstep of the learners and to decongest Altavas National School to pave the way for the plan of its conversion for college (where only five hundred high school learners are allowed for laboratory purpose). This plan however, did not materialize due to the number of high school students who will be displaced and the limited number of secondary schools within the municipality that will accommodate them.

In 2002, Mr. Wilfredo C. Arboleda transferred to Numancia National School of Fisheries and Mrs. Sandra L. Salazar, the Secondary School Principal of Batan Academy (A National School) served as OIC of the School up to September 2003. During her time, the opening of ANS Lupo Extension was facilitated through the SB Resolution No. 204, Series of 2003 authored by Dr. Paterno P. Cleope, SB Member. In October 2003, the late Division Schools Superintendent Dr. Arthur S. Juada was appointed as OIC of Altavas National School and this was followed by Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Victorina S. Larosa, from January 2004 to July 2004.

On November 26, 2004, Mrs. Richelda L. Cortes was appointed as the permanent Secondary School Principal II of the school but it was only up to September 2005 because she went on vacation. Mr. Antonio L. Sindol, Head Teacher VI of the school, took over on September 22, 2005 up to June 23, 2006 in an Officer-In-Charge capacity. Mrs. Richelda L. Cortes reinstated as Secondary School Principal II of the School on June 23, 2006, however, she retired from the service on August 16, 2006.

Finally in November 26, 2006, Dr. Linavilla P. Arceño, a former Master Teacher II of the school and Secondary School Principal I of Camaligan National High School was appointed as Officer-In-Charge. She became the permanent Secondary School Principal II of Altavas National School on February 1, 2007. Under her management there was a rapid development of physical and instructional facilities heightened by the implementation of the K t0 12 Enhanced Basic Education Curriculum. In 2008, the school was reclassified as Technical-Vocational School. The students had been continuously assessed for the National Certificate (NC II) in the different specializations. Dr. Linavilla P. Arceño retired on September 1, 2016 leaving behind the legacy of massive physical plan development for the school.

It was Mrs. Miani T. Dela Cruz , Head Teacher II who took over the leadership of the school for eight months from September 1,2016 to May 2017 in an Officer-In-Charge capacity. In her short stint as OIC Principal, she tried her best to let the school continue to provide quality basic education for all.

On May 2, 2017, Mr. Clinton A. Candelario, a former teacher and alumnus of ANS and was the School Principal of Daja Sur National School prior to his assumption of office occupied the principal position. Currently, he heads the Altavas National School and through his able leadership has skippered the school through difficult challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Under Mr. Candelario’s management and leadership Altavas National School has undergone major facelift with the help of the stakeholders. Infrastructures like the gate arch, alumni outdoor stage, alumni outdoor comfort rooms, water system, landscaped access road, and additional physical and instructional facilities were constructed, adding to the prestige of Altavas National School as a Divisional Leader School.

Altavas National School has grown to become an icon of identity for the Municipality of Altavas. The ANS boast for having a titled total land area of 86,667 sq.m. making it the biggest school in the DepEd- Division of Aklan in terms of lot area. In this sloping land mass, 13 buildings were constructed where 75 classrooms are distributed. Currently, two units laboratory classrooms for Computer and Science and five workshop classrooms are still under construction. Out of 75 classrooms, 71 are used for instruction and 4 others are used for other purposes like Head Teacher’s Office and TVE Conference room. The Administration Building houses the principal’s office, the administrative staff’s offices, school library, school clinic, and guidance counselor’s office.

The Beginning Of School Year (BOSY) 2022-2023 records a total of 2,098 learners who are enrolled, of this total, 1,332 are in JHS and the remaining 778 are in the SHS. ANS belongs to Mega School Category due to the large number of enrollees it caters. It has sufficient number of instructional rooms as reflected by the 1:30 learners-room ratio among JHS and 1:33 learners-classroom in SHS which fall within the DepEd standard of 1:40. There are ten (10) sections from Grade 7 to Grade 10. The school offers Academic Track (STEM and GAS) and Technical- Vocational Livelihood Track (Home Economic Strand, Industrial Arts Strand, and ICT Strand) in Senior High School. The school is provided with 84 teachers items and 26 non-teaching personnel for SY 2022-2023. The said school is under the stewardship of a School Principal II, Administrative Officer IV, and five Department Heads.

DESCRIPTION OF SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES:

Altavas National School has continually strived for academic excellence and holistic development of its students. It has implemented mandated programs and initiatives to enhance the teaching-learning process, promote student engagement, and foster a nurturing environment for growth and learning development. The school has also been actively involved in extracurricular activities and competitions, also in academic, sports, and cultural events at the district, division, regional and national levels. These involvements had helped showcase the talents and capabilities of Altavas National School students and had earned school recognitions over the years.

As a learner-centered public institution, for several times it hosted the Regional FFP-FAHP and the Division and Regional English Training- Workshops. It also hosted the Boy Scouts and Girl Scout Provincial Jamboree, Division Leadership Training for Supreme Pupil and Student Government Officers, Division Yes-O Camp and Division Schools Press Conference.

With the visionary principals and work-oriented staff, the school had proven its worth in both academic and sports. To name a few, the school had represented the Division of Aklan in the Regional FFP-FAHP Extemporaneous Speech and won as champion. Several awards were also won in other contests. Moreover, it had sent participants in the Regional and National Schools Press Conference and had brought home a number of awards. As culturally inclined school of learning, its other milestones include: Second Place in the Regional Folk Dance Competition, First Place in the Division Cheer Dance Competition for three consecutive years (2008, 2009, and 2010), and several winners in Declamation English and Filipino. In 2013, about 160 ANS students were singly requested by the Schools Division Superintendent to perform during the Opening Program of the Provincial Athletic Association Meet. The school community believed that a healthy mind goes with a healthy body. This thought was proven by the Provincial Meet winners as they represented the Province of Aklan to the West Visayan Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet in different sports such as Baseball, Soccer, Lawn Tennis, Volleyball, Taekwondo and Athletics.

With the scientific knowledge taught in the four walls of the classroom and through visiting science fairs and laboratories, the Altavas National School students also stood out victorious in Division Yes-O Investigatory Projects, Lakan at Lakambini ng Kalikasan and in other Science Contest. The school also produced winners in Math Challenge and related contest in Araling Panlipunan such as World History Quiz Bee, Pop Quiz, and ASEAN Quiz Bee. In the field of scouting, the school had already produced eleven Eagle Scouts, the highest rank awarded to a Senior Scouts in the Boys Scouts of the Philippines.

For Teachers Development, the school had one Aklan’s Ten Outstanding Mentors in 2018 and qualifiers in the Search for Outstanding Metro Bank Teacher Awardees. In 1997, the Altavas National School won First Place as Most Functional Physical Education Program in Region VI. In the same year, the school celebrated its Golden Jubilee with the presence of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as the guest speaker. Likewise, numerous activities highlighted that momentous occasion.

Sen. Alberto Romulo gladdens the heart of the Altavasnon especially the parents, teachers, and school administration when he attended the school PTCA meeting at the newly built PEHM building in 1993.

Department of Education, Culture, and Sports (DECS) Memo No.57 s. 1993 created the Divisional Leader School (DLS) as a step towards institutional building in the secondary education sector. With this memorandum, DECS Division of Aklan chose Altavas National School as the Divisional Leader School.

The school was also an awardee of Brigada Eskwela Best Implementing Schools in the Division of Aklan in S.Y. 2015-2016; 3rd Place, 2016-2017; 3rd Place, 2017-2018;3rd Place, and 2020-2021; Champion Secondary Level-Mega Category.

All of these achievements had been made possible thru the concerted and unified efforts of the whole faculty and staff, students, parents, alumni, and other stakeholders of Altavas National School who vowed to continue flying high in the field of education.

III. STORIES AND NARRATIVES

On May 8, 1948, the Board of Directors namely: Mr. Juan Cortez, Mr. Manuel Quimpo, Vice Chairman: Mr. Emilio H. Dalida, secretary; Dr. Roque Mayor, member and incumbent Mayor; Vice Mayor Gervacio Panagsagan, member; Mr. Magin Morales, Sr., member; Atty. Amador Q. Obidos, member; Mr. Federico Berco, member; Mrs. Dolores F. Quimpo, member; and Mr. Miguel G. Gervacio passed Resolution No. 7. In effect of the Resolution No. 7, the Board of Directors were able to purchase an eight-hectare piece of land from the different adjoining owners namely: Julian Castuciano, Francisco Castuciano, Eulogio Aguilar, Sofia Almanon, Juanito Belarmino, etc. with the sum of Php. 2, 000.00 given by Congressman Comelio T. Villareal of the Second District, Province of Capiz where the town of Altavas was formerly part of Capiz. He likewise donated a Quonset Hut that housed the students in what is now the present site.

IV. SIGNIFICANCE

Historical Altavas National School holds historical significance as one of the oldest and first secondary institution in Altavas, Aklan. It has been an integral part of the local community for many years. It has played a vital role in the education and development of countless students in Altavas and the surrounding areas.

Aesthetic The school always aim for visually appealing and conducive to learning. It always involves the internal and external stakeholders in the process of creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The school campus occupies the 8.67 hectares western side of majestic Malingin Hill opposite the towering Pulilan Mountain that overlook the town of Altavas. The school campus was also beautified thru landscaping and placing of features like lagoon, hand washing facilities, gazebos, flower boxes, etc. resulting to the winning of the school in the Division Search for the Most Beautiful. It was adjudged the Most Beautiful School in the whole district of Altavas, Secondary Level, and Runner-up in the Division Level.

Social It provides a setting for socialization, where students interact with their peers from diverse backgrounds. These interactions help develop social skills, empathy, cooperation, and understanding of different perspectives. The Altavas National School Alumni and Former Student Association (ANSAFSA) Homecoming an annual event that brings together former students of the school to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate their shared experiences and achievements. It is considered as one of the best practices because of its different meaningful activities. It is a tradition that strengthens the bond between former students and their alma mater that contributes to the ongoing success of the school community.

Political The school has vital role in shaping students' understanding of politics and civic engagement. It helped students by equipping them with knowledge and skills that can be applied in various fields, including politics if they choose to pursue it later in life. Every year the school organizes the Supreme Student Government election that would help students understand democratic processes and encourage them to be active and responsible citizens. Likewise, majority of the teachers in Altavas National School served as Board of Election Inspector as well as the School Heads as supervisor. The school is always chosen as polling precinct in local and national elections because of its preparedness in terms of physical facilities and man power.

Spiritual Special Masses and worship services are held every year in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes as the patron saint of the school. The observance of the feast provides an opportunity for believers to deepen their faith, seek intercession, and connect with others who share a devotion to the Virgin Mary. The school grotto has become an attraction for the local religious especially the Marian Devotees.

V. ASSESSMENT OF THE INSTITUTION

A. CONDITION/STATUS OF THE INSTITUTION

In 2020 the school’s only covered hall that is used as venue for large indoor gathering, the ANS PEHM Building was partially-burned due to short circuit of electrical wiring.

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

The absence of ANS PEHM building in school can have several constraints, threats, issues, and challenges that can impact the students, teachers, and overall educational environment. Some of these include:

1. Weather-related disruptions: The lack of a covered court leaves students and teaching staff exposed to weather conditions such as rain or extreme heat. This can lead to disruptions in sports activities and different indoor activities.
2. Limited outdoor activities: The absence of a covered court may limit the variety of outdoor activities and sports that can be conducted, reducing opportunities for students to engage in physical exercise and team sports. It also hinders the school's ability to host sporting events and competitions, limiting students' exposure to competitive sports and extracurricular opportunities.Weather-related disruptions: The lack of a covered court leaves students and teaching staff exposed to weather conditions such as rain or extreme heat. This can lead to disruptions in sports activities and different indoor activities.
3. Inadequate space for gatherings: ANS PEHM building can serve as a multipurpose area for gatherings, performances, and meetings. Without it, the school may struggle to find suitable spaces for these activities.

C. MEASURES AND DESCRIPTION OF SAFEGUARDING MEASURES TAKEN:

Addressing these challenges might involve seeking external funding, or exploring alternative indoor spaces for physical activities during unfavorable weather conditions. The highest priority of the school is the reconstruction of PEHM Building because it was the only covered building the ANS had for housing big events like seminars and conferences, assembly meetings, indoor school programs and activities, and evacuation area in times of disaster.

VI. REFERENCES

KEY INFORMANT/S:

CLINTON A. CANDELARIO, School Principal II-Altavas National School

ROGELIO F. VILLARUEL, Head Teacher II-Altavas National School

JONNA V. CAMPO, EdD, Master Teacher II-Altavas National School

ANNALYN N. BEBITA, EdD, Master Teacher II-Altavas National School

REFERENCE/S AND OTHER RESOURCES:

ANS Student Handbook, ANS Journal, ANS School Improvement Plan (SIP)

NAME OF PROFILER/MAPPER: RYAN N. TOLENTINO, Master Teacher I-Altavas National School

LANGUAGE EDITOR: MA. FE A. RICAMONTE, Teacher III-Regional Science High School for Region VI

LAYOUT ARTIST: CHARLYN M. VILLORENTE, Teacher III-Libacao Central Elementary School

CONTENT EVALUATOR:

JOSEPHINE P. VICENTE, Teacher III-Regional Science High School for Region VI

DENNIS E. BONTOGON, Master Teacher III-Kalibo Pilot Elementary School

APPROVED: RUBY AGNES B. ESTRADA, PhD., Education Program Supervisor-Araling Panlipunan

DATE PROFILED: JUNE 24, 2023