Florentino Torres High School Explained

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Florentino Torres High School
Native Name:Filipino; Pilipino: {{small|Mataas na Paaralang Florentino Torres
Motto:Pamalagiin ang Liwanag
Motto Translation:Let There Be Light
Coordinates:14.6273°N 120.9727°W
Other Name:Torres High School
Former Name:Manila West High School
Type:Public High School with Enriched Science Classes
District:2
Principal:Maria Eva S. Nacion, Principal IV
Grades:7 to 10
Students:Approx. 2,000
Student Union:SSLG (Supreme Secondary Learner Government)
Colors:Gold and Maroon
Newspaper:The Torres Torch (Filipino; Pilipino: [[Ang Sulo]])
Slogan:Walang Uuna sa Torres HIgh
Song:Torres March By J.O Cristobal

Florentino Torres High School, commonly known as Torres High School (FTHS), is located in Juan Luna St, Gagalangin, Tondo, Manila, Philippines. It is one of the oldest public schools in Metro Manila.

History

Founded by James T. Burns in 1925, Florentino Torres High School was originally named Legarda High School. With only three teachers, Burns opened the school to students who were refused admission by the three existing public high schools in Manila.

In 1926, the school moved to the Sequoia Building at the foot of Pritil Bridge along Juan Luna Street and was renamed Manila West High School. March 1928 marked the first group of students to graduate from the school as well as the initial appearance of various school clubs and organizations.In 1930, several changes took place under the supervision of Marcelino Bautista, the first Filipino principal, who renamed the four Manila public high schools after the first four Filipino Justices of the Supreme Court:

The maiden issue of The Torres Torch, the official school paper, was published in 1930.In 1937, the school formally occupied the Constabulary Barracks in Gagalangin, where it is located today. With the outbreak of World War II in 1941, the school ceased operation, and the buildings were redeployed as garrisons. During this period, all school records were destroyed.

On July 16, 1945, the school re-opened with Pablo Reyes as principal. On November 24, 1945, the first post-Liberation group of 30 students received their diplomas. On October 16, 1953, the school first celebrated its foundation day under Mr. Cesario Bandong as the principal.

On the following years, Florentino Torres High School had continued giving quality education to the youth of Manila under Dr. Emiliano Rafael (1968–1972), Mr. Alfonso Asuncion (1973), Mr. Rufino dela Cruz (1974–1976) and Dr. Dominador Wingsing (1977).

In 1978, the first female principal came, Mrs. Severa Saldana. She started the open-shelf system in the library to give the students the freedom to learn. She was also the one who headed the repairs of the corridor, school offices, media room and canteen, for the Torresians and teachers to be more persevering and efficient.

In addition, many projects were finished under her term, like classrooms and buildings of the Technology and Home Economics department. After Saldana, the next principals who governed FTHS were Dr. Consolacion Domingo (1984), Dr. Florie Balanag (1986-1991), Ms. Adoracion Acuna (1991–1995), Mrs. Norma Escobar (1995–1998), and Mrs. Pilar Pizarro (1998–2001) that were really great principals who brought out the success and progress of the school.

Year 2001, when another principal started his term and was in the person of Dr. Romeo Santos, who brought a lot of changes in the school. Dr. Santos was known for his program "Five Senses Approach" in teaching, and also, his untiring supervision of ongoing classes as part of his effective management of the school. The "Open Gate Policy" was also implemented by Dr. Santos to fully organize the class schedule of the students, specially in the lower sections. Year 2003, when the FTHS was chosen by the Ayala Foundation in their project "Adopt-a-School Program" wherein the school received free computer equipment. In addition, Dr. Santos gave more excitement and color for the lives of third and fourth year students when he brought back the Juniors-Seniors Promenade.

Curriculum

Japanese Class

Through the Department of Education's "Special Program in Foreign Language" (SPFL) and The Japan Foundation, Manila, Florentino Torres High School currently offers Japanese classes for students from all year levels. The program focuses on Japanese language, arts, and culture, while featuring various activities such as a Sanshin workshop and the Kaisha Caravan.

Extracurricular activities

Student organizations, affectionately referred to as "orgs" by students, include various special interest clubs that conduct activities for the welfare and development of students:

Headed by the Supreme Student Government, each club or organization serves as a certain subject area's Office for Student Affairs. They initiate activities such as student-led projects.

Notable alumni

Former principals

PrincipalsYear/s of Service
James T. Burns1925–1929
Harry Hanzelmayer1929
George Lyman 1929–1930
Marcelino Bautista1930–1935
Fortunato de Veyra1935
Pedro Guiang1935–1936
Ricardo Castro1936–1939
Delfin Reynaldo1939–1940
Maximo Jimenez1940–1941
Pablo Reyes1945–1953
Cesario Bandong1953–1966
Emiliano Rafael1966–1974
Alfonso Asuncion1974–1975
Rufino de la Cruz1976–1977
Dominador Wingsing1977–1978
Severa H. Saldana1978–1984
Dr. Consolacion C. Domingo1984–1985
Dr. Florie M. Balanag1986–1990
Adoracion Acuna1991–1995
Dr. Norma Escobar1995 – December 1997
Pilar G. PizzaroFebruary 1998 – December 2000
Dr. Romeo B. Santos January 2000 – February 2001
Dr. Romeo B. SantosApril 2001 – May 2006
Rosita C. HersonJuly 2006 – January 2013
Gene T. PangilinanJuly 2013 – April 2017
Maria Pura Santillian TalattadMay 2017 – Jan 2024
Maria Eva S. NacionJan 2024 – Present

Notes and References

  1. http://archives.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&sec=reader&fi=p090828.htm&no=04
  2. https://globalnation.inquirer.net/56284/renowned-artist-offers-philippine-cultural-christmas-workshop
  3. https://cfo.gov.ph/presidential-awards-for-filipino-individuals-and-organizations-overseas/