HISTORY

INTRODUCTION:

Dr. Josefa Jara Martinez High School is in its 29th year as a public school serving Tatalon community in Quezon City.   Looking back on the last twenty-nine years, we would describe it as a journey filled with ups and downs as well as blessings and splendor.

For many years, it has remained committed to producing students who are academic achievers, morally and spiritually upright citizens with a strong sense of nationalism, who promote peace through justice and equality, and who care about others, fostering a love of humanity and the environment in order to achieve a higher quality of life. Under the direction of the principal, teachers, parents, and stakeholders collaborate to develop and improve these skills and talents while also instilling positive attitudes and values in the students.

The school has greatly improved throughout the years. Through the initiative of the school heads, the school has been able to achieve improvements in educational facilities and infrastructure, particularly for Senior High School students, as well as academic performance of students and intensive training of faculty members.

         Dr. Josefa Jara Martinez High School is dedicated to its vision and objective of offering high-quality education and ensuring students' well-being via school innovations and progress.  The active participation of students, parents, and instructors resulted in the school's excellent achievement.

SCHOOL HISTORY (1993-present)

   Feliciano R. Belmonte, Jr. & Dominador Bañega

         Dr. Josefa Jara Martinez High School arose from the genuine concern of several local and national leaders for the welfare of the people, particularly the young in the neighborhood. A study completed long before its establishment demonstrated the unwarranted need for an educational institution dedicated toward scientific and vocational efficiency; thus, it was initially known as Quezon City Vocational High School.

The then Fourth District Representative of Quezon City Feliciano “Sonny” R. Belmonte, Jr. joined the SERBISYONG BAYAN initiative alongside then-Barangay Captain Dominador Bañega of Barangay Tatalon and former City Mayor Ismael Mathay Jr. to persuade the President of the Philippines of the project's feasibility.

House Bill 100048

         The school was first registered as "Doña Josefa Jara Martinez Vocational High School," but was later renamed Dr. Josefa Jara Martinez High School due to the mandate of House Bill 100048 introduced by Representative Feliciano "Sonny" Belmonte Jr., and it formally opened its doors to the people of Tatalon and the nearest Barangay in June of 1994.

Dr. Jose A. Navarro (June 1994- August 1997)

             Dr. Jose A. Navarro was the school's first Head/Principal, serving until August 1997 alongside ten (10) pioneering members of the teaching force. Negotech, the Learning Resource Center (currently the administration building), and the PTA office were built beside the Ramos building. During Dr. Navarro's tenure, tight discipline was enforced among students, which resulted in the school's remarkable performance, notably on the academic front. The growing enrolment reflected the school's high regard for and acceptance of Dr. Navarro's leadership.

         On October 3, 1994, as the school continued to exist and grow, the President of the Philippines, Fidel V. Ramos, and First Lady Amelita "Ming" Ramos blessed and historically inaugurated two (2) new strong buildings as the First Family's contribution to the welfare of the people of Barangay Tatalon. In thankful acknowledgement of her pioneering efforts in the field of social work, the school was finally named after the First Lady's mother, Dr. Josefa Jara Martinez, pillar of social work in the Philippines.

Mr. Getulio E. Oliveros Jr. (August 1997-June 2003)

         Mr. Getulio E. Oliveros Jr. became principal in August 1997 and remained until June 2003. Under the initiative of then-Quezon City Fourth District Representative Nanette C. Daza, Mr. Oliveros initiated the establishment of the school administration building and the construction of the covered court between the school gate and the new Belmonte building, as well as the Grotto along the side of the TLE and SHS buildings. Sir Get created two (2) sessions to accommodate the increasing enrollment. He was also well-known and well-liked for his compassion and kindness to students and faculty.

Dr. Levita U. Ramos (June 2003-June 2004)

         Following Mr. Oliveros' time, Dr. Levita U. Ramos served as the School's First Lady Principal from June 16, 2003, until June 20, 2004. During Dr. Ramos' tenure, a computer room in the administration building was turned into a principal's office, with the second floor serving as the school library.

Ms. Angelita G. Regis (June 2004-November 2006)

         When Dr. Ramos' term expired, Mrs. Angelita G. Regis took over, and it was during her tenure that the principal's office was relocated to the second level of the administrative building, and further physical facilities were rebuilt. The children used the departed principal's office as a computer room. The rest of the orchidarium was built around the Acacia tree.

Dr. Victoria B. Mangosong (November 2006-August 2009)

         Dr. Victoria V. Mangosong was appointed as the school's fifth principal. During her tenure, she established a paging system via which messages within the neighborhood of the entire school could be quickly relayed to both instructors and pupils. Dr. Mangosong was able to construct an additional covered court for more pupils to use, particularly on special occasions. Before leaving the school in August of 2009, she planned and requested the construction/erection of an Audio-Visual Hall/Building for the benefit of students, faculty members, and non-teaching personnel, and her dream of having an Audio-Visual Room was approved and materialized during the next principal's term. Two teachers from the TLE and Science Departments were elevated to Head Teacher III, and four (4) new teachers were hired.

Dr. Luis P. Tagayun (August 2009-July 2011)

         Dr. Luis P. Tagayun took over as school principal III on August 24, 2009. He was young and eager, and he hoped to make this institution a center of academic and non-academic excellence. He hopes to attain this goal through teaching in both teachers and pupils the value of "being a disciplined and morally upright individual" as the school's Vision and Mission come to fruition. During the Flag Raising Ceremony, the school's Vision and Mission were also read aloud. Dr. Tagayun's successes included the interior amenities of the Audio-Visual room (AVR) and the remodeling of the Ramos building's comfort rooms. PTA officers demanded the Daza building at the school's entrance. PTA officers sought the Daza building at the school entrance because their office occurred during his term. He also requested that the New Belmonte building be built. The many offices on the grounds of Belmonte II will be located for the convenience of visitors.

Among the key developments throughout the years have been the growth of physical facilities and the ongoing improvement of the school's academic and non-academic performance. These were made feasible by numerous initiatives by people, organizations, and government agencies. RTC (Revised on November 24, 2010) government institutions. (RTC revised this on November 24, 2010).

Mrs. Luvie A. Ocampo (July 2011-November 2011)

         Ms. Luvie A. Ocampo's leadership (July 2011) made significant contributions in a short period of time (4 months).  Her purpose is to promote "the Culture of Academic Excellence."

         Ms. Ocampo is also well-known for her 4-squad system, which serves as a guide for all classroom discipline. The Attendance Squads are the four squads that monitor teachers' and students' attendance. The Housekeeping Squads are made up of student leaders who are in charge of the room's cleanliness and tidiness. The Honor Squad is made up of students who rank in the top one to three in their class and is in charge of guiding the class and reminding them to do their tasks inside the room. Then the Discipline Squad is for student leaders who are tasked to report disobedient students who require supervision. He or she must keep an eye out for pupils who do not obey school rules and regulations. It was also during her tenure that the war against drugs became visible.

Dr. Zenaida Y. Arao (November 2011-January 2013)

         Following Dr. Luvie Ocampo's productive leadership, Dr. Zenaida Y. Arao (November 11, 2011) joined the school as another energetic and structured principal. She stressed school safety and oversaw the strengthening of the school perimeter fence. The SB 4-story structure and the Science Laboratory were constructed. A multi-purpose space was turned into a School Management Canteen. The Belmonte II and the conference room on the second floor of the administration building were built. The Registrar's office was converted from the computer room on the ground floor of the admin building. SPFL (Special Program for Foreign Language) was available to students during her tenure. The school welcomes foreign language programs to help pupils improve their language skills. Mrs. Aurora C. Lugtu and Mr. Richard T. Catain taught Mandarin classes to students in grades 7-8.  After several years, the Nihongo class (from 2013 to the present) was founded by Mrs. Gracia G. Dicen and Mrs. Evelyn V. Lagang. All teachers received extensive training from Chinese and Japanese professors. The Mandarin program is being phased out owing to instructor promotions to other schools. Pinoy Henyo from Eat Bulaga is another highlight of Dr. Arao's tenure. Under the direction of Mrs. Mervie I. Combes, our grade 8 pupils Miguel Carlos G. Zaplan and Rose Ann Talabong led the school to the finals, where they finished fourth out of the finalized schools.

Mrs. Prescilla R. Gonzaga (January 2013-July 2015)

         Mrs. Prescilla R. Gonzaga's classical management style began on January 8, 2013, and terminated on July 8, 2015. During her tenure, instructors, staff, and students were reminded to be disciplined.  She was quite strict about teaching and non-teaching staff attendance, job performance, and other work ethics issues. Mrs. Gonzaga's legacy to the school was discipline in hygiene both inside and outside the school.

          Furthermore, the school was placed fifth in NAT 2015. She concentrated on instructional supervision, student discipline, and school cleanliness.

Dr. Janet L. Aribon (July 2015-December 2018)

         Mrs. Gonzaga's traditional administration was replaced on July 7, 2015, by Dr. Janet L. Aribon, a vibrant, efficient administrator and collaborator. Her three years at the school were observed by everyone of the teachers, kids, and parents.  MOT (The Search for the Most Outstanding Teacher) is one of her projects in which instructors might win an award for their dedication to teaching. Mrs. Evelyn V. Lagang (2016), a Grade 10 English teacher, is the inaugural awardee, followed by Mrs. Marciana R. Duran (2017), a Grade 8 Science teacher, and Mrs. Mary Klausky M. Pazon (2018), also a Grade 10 Science teacher. The Rotary Club of New Manila was one of the program's key sponsors. Ms. Mela Nimfa D. Catacutan was assigned as the SHS focal person throughout her tenure, and the full implementation of K to 12 occurred during her tenure. Ma'am Janet's various accomplishments include building computer tables for the ICT rooms at both JHS and SHS.

         Dr. Aribon, the school, and the Rotary Club of New Manila collaborated closely to increase students' knowledge of social welfare and development. One of her administration's high points has been the Boys and Girls Scouts of the Philippines program. She feels that proper training leads to discipline. The number of participants in this program increased during her tenure. Her unwavering commitment to the program earned her an award and bronze and silver medals from 2016-17.  Other projects for teacher team building and a taste of celebrity exposure at Wowowin in October 2017.

Dr. Rommel Mar C . De Guzman   (December 2018-July 2019)

         Dr. Rommel Mar C. De Guzman, a young, dynamic, and talented Principal, takes over after Dr. Aribon's term ends on December 6, 2018. He became the youngest principal in DJJMHS history at the age of 38. He believes that discipline should be fostered in kids prior to studying. Sir Rom DG’s administration developed a tight compliance dismissal policy under the supervision of last-period instructors with the assistance of the four roaming guards, SSG officers, BSP, and head teachers.  He is both strict and accessible. He is also quite fussy about proper listening.  He supports DepEd projects that help the organization achieve its vision and goal. The significant initiatives he contributed during his tenure were new sinks and repainting of the school's building.

         The Japanese Embassy paid a visit to the institution during his tenure. The kids were given the opportunity to learn about Japanese culture and engage with residents.

Mr. Bonifacio D. Caculitan Jr.   (July 2019 - July 2021)

         Mr. Bonifacio D. Caculitan, Jr. was the school's 12th principal. Mr. Winston E. Ebagat got the "Outstanding Teacher" award a few months after he took office. During his tenure, the administration building's ground-floor expansion of the previous Clinic room was built, and the clinic was relocated to the Daza building at the gate. Sir Caculitan's projects included the creation of a drinking/washing area in the administration, old Belmonte building, and at the school entrance utilizing indigenous jars. During the COVID-19 pandemic, place markers on the ground. During the epidemic, he made use of Blended flatforms (limited F2F learning), as mandated by DepEd. LGU and Metrobank students were given tablets.

Ms. Irene SF. Canon (July 8, 2021-August 10, 2023)

Ms. Irene SF. Canon School's key goals during her leadership were beautification, cleanliness on campus, and winning various prizes. The school campus was strewn with ornamental plants and flowers. The MAPEH center along the corridor was removed to allow movement along the corridor and to make place for the Grade 7 classroom. At the back of the new Belmonte building, a guard house has been renovated into an isolation room.

• Improved electrical wiring in classrooms.

• Eight (8) wall fans were installed in the covered court.

• Tile was installed in the ICT SHS and JHS rooms.

• Plant flowering and decorative plants around the covered court.

• Implemented a zero-waste policy on campus.

Mrs. Milagros C. Banan