MARCHING TOWARDS PCC’s CENTENARY

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Leonard Catubay has been teaching Araling Panlipunan, HUMSS, and ABM courses in PCC Main for 8 years now. He is a trailblazer of several programs and initiatives set forth by the departments he has been serving since his tenure’s commencement. Aside from teaching, he frequently participates in fora and conferences as a researcher specializing in Chinese-Filipino migrations; these include the International Society for the Study of Chinese Overseas (ISSCO) annual conference and the Senior Asian Scholars Workshop organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China. 

As we start the year 2021, it is best to reflect upon the past and yearn for what to look forward to in the years to come. After all, this month was named after Janus, the Roman god depicted with two faces looking in opposite ways, one towards the past and the other towards the future. Our school's history provides some lessons on how to hurdle trials and be hopeful. 

Along Jose Abad Santos Avenue in Manila, an old structure stands staunchly, with evidence of the expected eventual wear and tear of buildings and the seemingly long history it holds. In recent months, there have been construction and reconstruction projects inside this building. Progressively, the interior is changing in preparation for its big day, which will unfold in 2023.

This year might have exhausted us due to the onslaught of the pandemic and the uncertainty of the future. Still, there is a significant celebration ahead of us—the Philippine Cultural College's centennial anniversary. Renowned as the oldest Chinese Filipino secondary school in the Philippines, our school was established in 1923 and continues its tradition of excellence. But it was not always a period of grandeur. It has had its fair share of dark episodes in the past.

Looking back, PCC is indeed resilient. It has endured various challenges in different timelines. It weathered the invasion of the Japanese imperial army when it sacked the City of Manila in 1942. During this time, classes were suspended, but resumed after the war in 1945. On May 2, 1949, at 11:30 in the evening, a neighborhood fire brought disaster to the school. But by November 11 of that same year, a new school building was completed, and PCC opened its doors once again to its learners. In 1976, the government Filipinized all Chinese schools in the Philippines. The school was renamed Philippine Cultural High School. The school may have changed its name, but it remained steadfast in its vision and mission as a Chinese-Filipino institution, appreciative of its cultural heritage, and proud of its identity.

PCC has undergone a legendary cycle that can be likened to a majestic firebird – the Phoenix. It endured painful, all-consuming, but necessary deaths, and out of its ashes, has grown stronger to pave the way for the future generations of Chinese Filipinos. PCC can face new beginnings, and out of its rebirths, solidifies its goal of molding globally competitive learners. It is not just PCC who must succumb to necessary deaths; every demographic of people experiences pain. Yet this shared experience, despite the various degrees of our circumstances in life, enables us to contemplate and evaluate our status quos for us to march towards a brighter future.   

PCC can rise from unfavorable tribulations. It endures and adapts to inevitable changes. PCC's strength is a testament to the resilience of Chinese Filipinos in their quest to find their place under the Philippine sun. PCC is not only a haven for Tsinoy students. It also plays a significant role in the formation of Philippine society by producing public servants, national athletes, and business tycoons. Hence, PCC continues its role in nation-building.  The positive contributions of our school to the larger community will continue beyond its 100-year existence. As the Tsinoys integrate into the complex fabrics of Philippine society, we become hopeful that ties between two identities will solidify a peaceful and harmonious society. 

PCCians should not just look back to our school's glorious past. We must also tread onwards in the hope of a brighter future. After all, as embedded in the school motto, “Today I am proud of PCC, tomorrow PCC shall be proud of me.” Living up to these words has never been this relevant.