HISTORY

North Fairview High School is located on Auburn Street within North Fairview Park Subdivision in Quezon City. The school serves not only the immediate neighborhood but also students from areas as far south as Barangay Commonwealth and as far north as Novaliches, District II of Caloocan City, and San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

The school was established in 1994 as an annex of Lagro High School. Originally known as Lagro High School-Fairview Annex (LHS-FA), it was led by Mrs. Justina A. Farolan as the Head Teacher-In-Charge. The school began with its first-year level accommodated in an eight-room, two-story building. A year later, a three-room makeshift building was added to accommodate more students, including second-year students. The school initially had seven sections for first and second-year students.

Through active involvement and support from the Parents-Teachers Association, the school's facilities were enhanced with additional chairs, benches, tables, gates, and perimeter fences. Donations such as books and instructional materials were also sought.

Following Mrs. Farolan's transfer, Mrs. Rowena A. Cacanindin assumed leadership as Head Teacher-in-Charge. Under her guidance, new structures were erected, including more makeshift classrooms, a basketball court, front fences flanking the main gate, extra seating, tables, cabinets, and other necessary facilities and equipment. The school canteen, staff and restrooms were renovated during her tenure, along with the asphalt paving of the school quadrangle.

When Mrs. Cacanindin was appointed as principal of Carlos P. Garcia High School, Mrs. Milagros G. Calica took on the role of Head Teacher In-Charge. She continued to build upon the foundation laid by her predecessors, upgrading various school facilities such as the library, staff room, and canteen. Mrs. Calica's initiatives also led to the construction of a perimeter fence, additional makeshift rooms, and a stage. She further supervised the construction of the Mathay Building, a three-story structure with 12 rooms.

In 1997, Ms. Betty C. Cavo assumed the role of school principal. During her tenure, the focus remained on enhancing physical facilities. Improvements were made to the school canteen, guidance room, PTA room, and computer room. Additional facilities like a perimeter fence, makeshift rooms, and a stage were also erected. One of the significant achievements during her administration was the construction of the Mathay Building, which comprised 12 rooms over three stories.

Displaying Signs of Advancement

Initially an annex school, Lagro High School-Fairview Annex embarked on a journey of progress and recognition. The student population witnessed a steady rise, propelling the school's transformation into one of the city's premier institutions. The school's achievements extended to the national stage, notably securing 2nd Place in Best Features and Literary Page, as well as being recognized as the Overall Top Best School Publication in the Philippines during the 1998 National Schools Press Conference held in Isabela, Ilagan.

Independence and Growth

Following the promotion of Dr. Betty C. Cuavo, Dr. Cristina L. Doctor assumed the role of school principal. Under her leadership, Lagro High School-Fairview Annex (LHS-FA) gained autonomy from its parent institution, Lagro High School, on June 22, 2001, as per DECS Order No. 5 s.2001.

Dr. Cristina L. Doctor led as the school principal from 1999 until her retirement in 2004. During her five-year tenure, she diligently worked to shape a school environment where students were nurtured for the challenges of life. Focusing on cleanliness, beautification, facility improvement, and discipline, she instilled a strong sense of order. Noteworthy advancements included the construction of a 16-room, 4-storey SB Hall, the establishment of a new canteen, and the introduction of a cooperative store. A one-storey building, funded by the Chinese Business Club, was also erected, housing the Technology and Home Economics department.

Continued Leadership

Upon Dr. Doctor's retirement, Dr. Josefina M. Pamplina, former principal of Sauyo High School, assumed the position on July 25, 2005. Dr. Pamplina became the sixth principal of North Fairview High School, describing herself as a firm yet compassionate administrator. She maintained a visible presence within the school, even dedicating herself to work in her office during challenging weather conditions, demonstrating her commitment to her role six days a week. If not in her office, she could be found throughout the campus, ensuring students were in their classrooms and that everything was in order. Dr. Pamplina prioritized reclassifying positions and promoting teachers, which led to the elevation of Department Chairmen to full-fledged Department Heads. Additionally, she championed the promotion of Master Teachers, Teacher III, Teacher II, and Teacher I.

Continued Progress

Following the retirement of Dr. Pamplina in 2007, Dr. Proceso T. Lera, the former principal of Quezon City Science High School, assumed leadership. Dr. Lera was dedicated to fostering innovation and excellence in education. He emphasized the importance of exceptional teaching and learning and empowered teachers to engage in communication, collaboration, reflection, inquiry, and innovation. Teacher training and instructional development initiatives were prioritized to drive educational advancement. Students were exposed to diverse learning experiences, competitions, and leadership training, providing them with firsthand opportunities. Dr. Lera also concentrated on enhancing school facilities and advancing student and teacher performance. Notable improvements included the creation of a parents' lounge, an audio-visual room, and the rehabilitation and renovation of the Simon building and library.

       Confronting a Natural Disaster

On September 26, 2009, Typhoon Ondoy wreaked havoc. In an instant, both teachers and students found themselves in an alarming situation. Within minutes, floodwaters inundated the rooms on the ground floor. The maintenance and CAT officers at NFHS quickly moved important items to safer locations on higher floors. Within an hour, the entire campus was submerged, drowning plants and forcing students and teachers to evacuate due to the ongoing torrential rains. The school grounds were deserted, marked by a mixture of loss and a glimmer of hope for a better outcome. Tears mixed with the rain as despair and the promise of recovery blended together. The aftermath was devastating: a trail of destruction left by a 10-foot flood, with the principal's office, administrative offices, registrar's area, guidance center, clinic, library, reading center, computer room, journalism staff room, property room, and TLE center all in disarray. Belmonte Hall had also slightly tilted due to flood and soil erosion. The scene was one of desolation, with mud and debris scattered everywhere. The sense of desperation was almost tangible, yet out of sorrow emerged the determination to rebuild. Though severely impacted, the Fairvians' resilience shone through. This colossal challenge was met with unwavering resolve. After the typhoon, North Fairview High School showcased its strength by uniting as a family and embarking on the journey to rebuild. The restored school facilities were maintained, and the school took pride in its capable leader, Dr. Proceso T. Lera. Together, Dr. Lera, his administrative team, teachers, support staff, PTA officers, and all educational stakeholders rallied to elevate the school. Tremendous efforts were made to upgrade the school's facilities and enhance both student and teacher performance, showcasing the institution's continuous improvement.

       Moving Forward

The devastation did not hamper the school’s performance.  The hard work paid off, and now the school has completely metamorphosed into one of the most successful institutions in terms of cleanliness, orderliness and accomplishments in Quezon City. North Fairview High School quickly gained national recognition for its achievements in academics and sports. For several years, it consistently received honors and awards in journalism competitions from the district level to the national stage. The school excelled in various areas, such as being recognized as one of the Top 10 Performing Schools in Quezon City for Journalism, showcasing excellence in Scientific Experiments and Investigatory Projects for Science, securing 2nd Place Overall in the Division English Quiz Bee for Language Proficiency, excelling in Visual Arts, Leadership Training, and Performing Arts. The school was also the winner of the Brigada Eskwela 2010 competition.

       School publications hailed best in the Philippines

During the National Schools Press Conference held in Naga City, Bicol Region, from February 15 to 20, 2009, the school's English and Filipino publications achieved remarkable success. They emerged as overall champions, surpassing competitors from all 17 regions of the Philippines. FairViews earned the title of the Best School Paper in the Philippines in the English category. It secured 2nd place for Best News Page and 5th place for Best Editorial Page. Meanwhile, Ang Pananaw ranked 7th overall and secured 2nd place for Best Sports Page and 7th place for Best Sports Design and Layout. The success continued at the National Schools Press Conference in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, where Ang Pananaw won 1st Place for Best Sports Page, 3rd Place for Best Features Page, and 3rd Place Overall for Best School Paper in the Philippines.

 Making a significant impact

Because of consistent victories in the National Schools Press Conferences, North Fairview High School was selected in March 2009 from among numerous top schools in the region to serve as the exclusive pilot school to implement the Special Program in Journalism (SPJ) within the National Capital Region (NCR), as outlined in a Department Memorandum. The SPJ initiative enables students to refine their journalism skills and become responsible communicators. It was one of the 17 public secondary schools nationwide officially chosen by the Department of Education (DepEd) to offer this specialized program due to their ongoing success in achieving grand slam awards at the National Festival of Talents and National Schools Press Conferences.

The school publication adviser, Mrs. Adelle C. Soliaban, was also adjudged Journalism National Awardee and Most Outstanding Journalism and School Paper Adviser of the Philippines during the National Schools Press Conference held in Butuan City while Mrs. Perla Ragadio won as Huwarang Guro ng QC, and Mr. Remmon Llanes was hailed as the National Awardee of Boy Scouts of the Philippines and received a national Bronze Service Award. The school’s athletics team likewise reaped awards in the NCR and national athletics tilts.

When Dr. Lera was promoted to another school, Mrs. Sheridan G. Evangelista assumed the post as the new school head. Her initial plan of action was to develop a culture of excellence in terms of personal discipline, courtesy, respect, cleanliness, and academic excellence. She believed that the culture of excellence could be internalized in an environment that is safe, clean, healthy and conducive to learning. A true administrator, she strove to create a school where students and teachers are groomed to meet life as they should. She also challenged all students to go for excellence and achieve the school’s indicative performance target which has been set from 57.78% to 65.46% overall parallel to the Division’s mean for SY 2013-2014. During her time, the school’s performance level in the National Achievement Test increased from a Mean Percentage Score (MPS) of 48.04% to 57.78%.

The school during her term had five buildings, two of which were three-storey, one four-storey building, one two-storey building and one-storey building. The three-storey buildings include Mathay Hall and the DepEd Building. The four-storey building includes the SB Building. The two-storey building consists of the Simon Building, and the one-storey building houses the PTA office and library. There are 30 academic classrooms, School Library, Computer Room, Registrar’s Office, Audio-Visual Room, Canteen, Property Office, Administrative Office, Academic Head’s Office and a Principal’s Office.

The school population for SY 2012-2013 soared to 5,347. The teaching and non-teaching staff comprised eight academic heads, 20 master teachers, and 130 classroom teachers. The school was also supported by a regular permanent bookkeeper, disbursing officer,  librarian, clerk, four utility workers and four security enforcers. It was also in this School Year when the door of opportunity of the Special Education Program (SPED) was opened for all children with special needs. With limited equipment and facilities, students with special needs were provided with relevant and responsive special education programs through the initiative and effort of four SPED teachers. They handled different disabilities/impairments, including intellectual, emotional, and even autism.

To resolve problems on classroom shortage, North Fairview High School  adopted the Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) as the alternative solution to classroom crises. The ADM required Grade 7 and 3rd Year students to attend classes every Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Tuesday for consultation unlike other students who attended classes five days a week. In her sincere effort to address the learning needs of the marginalized students  and those learners at risk of dropping out,  Mrs. Evangelista also divided regular classrooms into two, thus reducing the class size from 88 per section to 50 students per class. She also updated and intensified many school projects, including the renovation of  the school administration offices, which were moved from the ground floor to the 2nd floor.  Other offices which were constructed and renovated were the guidance office, clinic, registrar, library, staff room, and principal’s office.

Mrs. Evangelista also intensified disaster preparedness measures to minimize risks and ensure the safety of learners and personnel during and after the effects of the calamity in response to the disasters that devastated the country. As part of its disaster risk reduction measures , Mrs. Sheridan created a Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee (DRRMC) which played a big role in insitutionalizing the culture of safety and resilience.

When Mrs. Sheridan G. Evangelista was promoted and transferred to Commonwealth High School, Mrs. Angelita G. Regis took the lead as the new principal of North Fairview High School. A true school administrator, she assumed the post on October 1, 2014. In the span of six months, she was able to rehabilitate learning centers for some departments for a more conducive environment, renovated the Property Office, improved the water system, rehabilitated the Audio-Visual Room, transferred the TLE laboratory rooms from the ground floor to the second floor for safety and preservation of the tools and equipment, moved the clinic, and many more. She also initiated the construction of the Covered Court through linkages to local government units and strengthened the culture of discipline by having a Child-Friendly School and a mark of excellence by supporting the students who brought honors by winning in different contests.

       Zero Dropout Rate

An unprecedented zero dropout rate was also recorded as the school intensified its efforts to keep students in school. The accomplishment was attributed to the school’s intensified campaign and continuous intervention, specifically the Dropout Reduction Program (DORP), which is designed to address the problems faced by the students that prevented them from completing their studies.

      Breaking Barriers

Proving that there were no limits to learning, North Fairview High School fortified its commitment to providing quality SPED program to 29 students, most of whom were blind, or visually impaired, mentally challenged and hearing impaired despite a lack of resources for each exceptionality.  The special program under Inclusive Education embraces the philosophy of accepting all students  regardless of disability by giving them differentiated instruction through the use of different teaching materials or tools that will suit their special needs.

       Gearing up for K to 12 Final Phase

In anticipation of the culminating phase of the K to 12 curriculum, North Fairview High School, alongside 45 other schools in Quezon City, engaged in a division conference to assess their readiness for the implementation of Senior High School (SHS) during its pilot stage. Under the leadership of Mrs. Angelita G. Regis, the school principal, and with the assistance of Mr. Michael A. Nazareth, the newly appointed SHS Focal person, along with support from the Career Assistance Unit (CAU), the school guided its incoming 400 Grade 11 students towards suitable paths based on their individual preferences.

During this phase, North Fairview High School introduced courses such as Dressmaking, Information and Communications Technology, Animations, and Bread and Pastry as part of the Technical-Vocational Track. Additionally, General Academic Subjects (GAS) were offered under the Academic Track for Senior High School. In the academic year 2018-2019, the enrollment numbers displayed a slight shift, with male enrollees increasing from 409 to 411, while female enrollees decreased from 331 to 314. This change can be attributed to transfers to and from private schools, as well as changes in residency.

The outcomes of the SHS Basic Education Exit Assessment (BEEA) indicated that Media and Information Literacy had the highest Mean Percentage Score at 50.51%, followed by Language and Communication at 45.22%, Social Science at 37.26%, Philosophy at 36.11%, Humanities at 36.11%, Science at 33.25%, and Mathematics at 27.65%. Furthermore, the average promotion rate for the academic year 2018-2019 demonstrated an increase, rising from 94.47 percent to 96.30 percent.

 In 2018, NFHS Junior High School was chosen by DepEd to offer the Special Program in Foreign Language – Korean in Grades 7 to 10. The program is part of the Philippine government’s memorandum of agreement with the Korean Embassy for its Special Program in Foreign Language (SPFL)

Under the memorandum, students will be taught to read, write and speak Hangul or the Korean language as an elective subject. The DepEd believes that learning the Korean language will open more opportunities for Filipinos should they seek jobs in Korea. The school also offered the Madrasah Education Program,  a comprehensive program for the educational development of Filipino Muslim learners,  and provide them with a strong foundation to become intellectually and educationally capable.

Mrs. Regis held hope that students would elevate their academic performance and set personal goals, envisioning them as future productive citizens of the nation. She aspired for teachers to amplify their dedication, fostering greater commitment to serve the school's stakeholders.

Under her guidance, the school consistently earned the title of "BEST" school in Quezon City, recognized for its exceptional achievements, collaborative teamwork, and commitment to meritocracy. Additionally, the school clinched accolades at the national level, securing 1st Place in the Overall Championship for Best TV Broadcasting in the Philippines. Mrs. Adelle C. Soliaban, the Best Coach, received top honors, while achievements also encompassed 1st Place awards for Best Technical Application, Best TV News Script, and Best Infomercial, along with a 3rd Place award for Best Anchor. In the realm of school publications, FairViews, the English publication, achieved 1st Place for Best Sports Page, outshining competing school publications from all 17 regions of the Philippines during the National Schools Press Conference held in Taguig City, National Capital Region.

In preparation for higher responsibilities, Dr. Pedro Caigoy assumed the role of assistant principal at North Fairview High School (NFHS). His assignment came about as the Quezon City Division Office orchestrated a deployment strategy, providing future school principals within the city a training platform. Dr. Caigoy aspired for an extended tenure at NFHS, envisioning a substantial journey. He aimed to leverage his accumulated school experiences to become more proficient and well-equipped for the role he aspired to hold.

       Emergence of NFHS – West Fairview Annex

As North Fairview High School's enrollment surged, the School's Division Office contemplated the establishment of West Fairview High School as an annex and part of the expansion effort in 2017. Situated in West Fairview, the school boasted a three-story, 21-classroom building dedicated to accommodating first-year students. A group of NFHS teachers who opted to transfer to this new establishment submitted letters of intent. Taking the helm as the school head was Dr. Pedro Caigoy.

However, a series of factors including changes in residency stemming from house demolitions in the immediate vicinity of the school, which led to relocations, loss of employment due to the pandemic, and the newfound independence of West Fairview High School itself, contributed to a decrease in the school's population from 7,448 in the school year 2018-2019 to 5,327 in 2019-2020. Nevertheless, a positive trend emerged with an enrollment increase of 0.96%, equivalent to 215 additional enrollees, in the school year 2019-2020, reaching a total of 5,542 in 2020-2021. The school continued to admit more students, leveraging its well-maintained physical resources, facilities, and equipment, which could readily accommodate a growing number of learners, ensuring that education transpired within a wholesome and conducive environment.

Mrs. Regis' retirement marked the arrival of Dr. Marissa Lou N. Rodriguez at NFHS. An accomplished administrator and secretary of the Principal and Supervisors Association (PRINSA) of Quezon City, she assumed her role on June 15, 2019.

Dr. Rodriguez became the tenth principal to lead NFHS on a new journey towards excellence. Her foremost priorities encompassed expanding the school's infrastructure to create a more conducive learning environment, enhancing both student and school performance, and upgrading facilities to meet the standards of quality instruction.

When asked about her mission as the new principal, she emphasized her desire to serve as an instrument of positive change. She stressed the importance of taking action and making strides toward one's aspirations before time slips away and circumstances evolve.

Dr. Rodriguez aimed to be a catalyst for transforming students' lives, guided by the belief that the most significant gift from God is the power of choice. Under her leadership, the school witnessed a 0.96% increase in enrollment, with the student population rising from 5,327 in 2019-2020 to 5,542 in 2020-2021.

Adapting to the COVID-19 Pandemic

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the entire country underwent a "lockdown" from March 15 to April 14, 2020, leading to significant disruptions in education delivery due to widespread school closures.

Recognizing the critical need to maintain educational continuity during this unprecedented crisis, Dr. Rodriguez, leading North Fairview High School, devised a comprehensive School Learning Continuity Plan (SCLP). The primary goal was to ensure that essential functions and services continued seamlessly, education persisted, and no student was left behind. The plan was tailored to the specific needs of students, teachers, and the community.

The SCLP provided a guiding framework for the school to navigate the challenges of the "new normal." It emphasized the imperative of adhering to established health protocols, incorporating mitigation strategies such as practicing social distancing, intensifying hygiene measures, and promoting information dissemination. Embracing the "New Normal" in Education, the school adopted a three-pronged approach encompassing Modular Set Up, Blended Learning, and an Online Learning Platform.

The transition to distance learning modalities necessitated adjustments to the school's learning resources, primarily tailored to students' requirements. Alongside the distribution of physical modules through designated drop boxes, the school offered digital learning packets in PDF format to facilitate remote learning.

       Moving Forward

The COVID-19 pandemic did not stop the school from notching awards at the Division Level. It was lauded for reaping plums as the Division’s Best Implementer of School-Based Management (SBM) Level III, Brigada Eskwela’s Finalist in Mega School Category, 1st Division Online Journalism Press Conference winners, and Diamond Awardee in the Festival of Innovation and Research in Education. Likewise, it also garnered awards in Science in the regional competition and division winners in EsP, Mathematics, Araling Panlipunan, and Filipino. Aside from the school's awards, teacher-researchers presented their studies at  international, national, and division conferences.

North Fairview High School, under the leadership of Dr. Marissa Rodriguez was once again recognized as the BEST school  that qualified for the Top 10 Best School. The ranking was based on the actual performance at the end of the year, as measured by verifiable, observable, credible, and sustainable indicators of performance. The school was cited for its exemplary accomplishments that foster teamwork and meritocracy.

Envisioning Excellence

      When Dr. Rodriguez was transferred to Maligaya High School, Dr. Launcelot T. Lauigan, an experienced principal and former head of Maligaya High School, assumed the position at North Fairview High School. With less than two years to lead, his vision for NFHS revolves around enhancing student academic performance, fostering teachers' professional growth, improving physical facilities, ensuring student well-being, and enhancing safety measures for both teaching and non-teaching aspects.

       Since taking charge, Dr. Lauigan has been actively engaged in the routine assessment of the school's physical state, teacher effectiveness, and student academic and behavioral progress. In January 2023, Mrs. Gina Cuntapay-Cristobal was appointed as the new assistant principal at North Fairview High School through a deployment conducted by the Quezon City Division Office. This deployment also served as a training ground for potential future school principals. Mrs. Cristobal collaborated with Dr. Michael A. Nazareth, the Senior High School's Focal person, to discuss Senior High School academic activities.

        With its well-maintained physical resources, facilities, and equipment, the school is gearing up to admit more students in the upcoming years. This will ensure that learning takes place in a healthy and conducive environment. The school's current student population stands at 4,786, accommodated by a total of 76 classrooms in the Junior and Senior High School levels. These resources provide ample room for additional learners, particularly in the Senior High School. Much like many public schools in Quezon City, North Fairview High School is confident in the potential for increased enrollment, aiming for a growth rate of at least 2% annually over the next three years.

         The school also has plans to implement programs aimed at enhancing the welfare of both teachers and students. These programs will empower teachers to engage in research endeavors like Action Research, Innovation, CIP (Community Immersion Program), and Lesson Study. Additionally, the school is focused on developing relevant research, best practices, and expected outcomes, while also strengthening partnerships with internal and external stakeholders in the next three years. North Fairview High School, like its counterparts, has been proactively preparing for the impact of the pandemic on student learning, teacher well-being, and other aspects of school operation.

          Ever since becoming the school principal, Dr. Lauigan has been consistently involved in regularly evaluating the school's overall condition, the performance of teachers, and the academic as well as behavioral advancement of students. Improvements were made to the school's physical infrastructure, including the addition of waiting areas and perimeter fences. Thanks to his leadership, new waiting areas were constructed, floor tiles were installed in the Senior High School building, and other essential facilities and equipment were also upgraded.

       Undoubtedly, Dr. Launcelot T. Lauigan will guide North Fairview High School towards success through his proven and tested leadership approach, fostering a child-friendly and joyful educational environment.  /-acs