GUMACA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

The present Gumaca National High School (GNHS) was founded on September 1, 1945 originally known as Tayabas East High School (TEHS) 1945; Quezon East High School (QEHS) 1956, and Gumaca Provincial High School (GPHS) 1956-1983.

The 6.15 hectares school site was acquired through the joint donation of the Baldomero Tañada, Luis Marasigan, Felipe de Leon, Gregorio de las Alas, Libranda Family and Tomas Tañada, Sr., which is located at Brgy. Mabini, Gumaca, Quezon.

The Gumaca Central Academy, owned by Mr. Leonilo Veloso, Sr. and Mr. Guillermo Barretto, was persuaded to close in favor of a public high school Dr. Rafael Mallare, the first PTA president and Dr. Felix Alpay, a member of the provincial board.

The first acting principal was Mr. Simeon Madlangsakay (Sept. 1-16, 1945).  He was succeeded by Mr. Francisco Salazar (Sept. 17, 1945-1949).

There were thirteen pioneer teachers who handled 358 students.  Their first classes were held in the houses of Mr. Pedro Letargo, Dr. Mariano Tañada, the municipal building and structure of nipa house with nine rooms constructed at the present site for two years.  Moreso, the first graduates were 34 under Mrs. Purisima M. Peñaloza, adviser (1945-1946), while Sol Lagdameo was the valedictorian.

In 1949, the pork barrel of Sen. Lorenzo Tañada, amounting to P225,000.00 was released for the construction of the present main building.  An additional P25,000.00 for painting was given in 1950.  Cong. Leon Guinto, Jr. contributed also P10,000.00 to start the construction of gymnasium, but was completed thru the help of PTA president, Mr. Simon Omandap who was succeeded by Atty. Job Cabangon, Vicente Amando and Fernando Estrada (1968-1979).

In 1948-49, 77 graduated under the guidance of Mrs. Purisima Peñaloza and Mrs. Lourdes N. Veluz who later became the superintendent of the Schools in Province of Quezon.  During the time of Mr. Diego Manza, principal (1951-53), students were about 400 and 40 teachers. Mr. Guillermo Alonzo replaced the position of Mr. Manza when he transferred to Lopez, Quezon.  Then, on August 8, 1956, Quezon East High School was renamed Gumaca Provincial Hgish School, Mr. Claudio V. Peñalosa became the first Gumakeño principal of QPHS.  Upon his retirement, Mrs. Remedios E. Oliveros followed as principal who met her untimely death.  She was succeeded by Mrs. Natividad Peñalosa.

It was noted that the first school organ, The Citadel, was organized in 1975.  Mrs. Peñalosa and her assistant principal Mrs. Carmen A. Barretto, with Ms. Rosario F. Mallare, Head, Science Department, and teachers made lots of projects for the school as well as for the town.  One of these was the opening of the night classes for working students.  Mrs. Erlinda Batalla Oribiana was one of the graduates who became the first full-pledge teacher the GNHS.  Mrs. Isabel B. Olea, Ms. Rosario Mallare, and Ms. Gloria Marco were the OIC’s of the evening class.  When Mrs. Carmen Barretto retired on April 28, 1983, Mrs. Gloria Marco became the Asst. Principal, followed by Mr. Leonino C. Camacho.

It will be noted that the name Gumaca National High School was adopted as per Parliamentary Bill no. 1919 and National Law no. 313 dated July 26, 1982, thru the help of the late Assemblyman Medardo Tumagay.  Few days after the retirement of Mrs. Peñalosa, the last principal of GPHS, on Sept. 6, 1983, the law took effect.

Later, on October 1, 1983 – June 30, 1984, Mr. Elmer B. Sartin, took the place as the first GNHS principal.  The succeeding principals were: Mr. Medardo A. Florido (1984-1987); Ms. Lydia B. Baldovino (1987-91); Mr. Pedro Carlos O. Victoria (1991-2000); Mr. Edwin D. Oliveros, OIC-Principal (2000-2001).

Mrs. Flocerpina E. Oliveros, former Regional Education Supervisor, Filipino, became the principal II of the GNHS (2000).  This year enrolment was about 3,000.  Then, she initiated to open MADRASAH Education for Muslim learners, and acted as coordinator of the A&E Balik-Paaralan for Out-of-School Adults (BP-OSA).  She retired on July 4, 2009 as Principal IV.

Presently, Mrs. Yolita F. Calleja, oath to be the Principal IV of Gumaca National High School, September 1, 2009, during the 64th Foundation Day of Gumaca National High School.

An excerpt from the Political History of Gumaca, 2nd Edition by Dr. Robert T. Yap-Diango, PhD

Reference: https://gumacanhs.wordpress.com/27-2/