INTRODUCTORY ACCOUNT

(Excerpts from the LBMHS Class’67 Ssouvenir Program)

There are many beautiful angles from which the history of the LBMHS can be viewed. One such angle is the mystifying small-town-old-virtue aura that might have contributed to the high confidence level of its graduates. Another angle is thru the eyes of its first graduates who included 2 soldiers and 13 other students who transferred from the Laguna High School in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

One colorful hue of painting the history which the LBMHS presents is the pioneering spirit of the School Founders.  From the dusky silhouette emerges Dr. Elias V. Corvite, a fascinating physician from Magdalena, Laguna together with the group which included Engr. Herminio L. Alvarez of Zamboanga City and other visionary Luisianians. They initiated a noble idea, perhaps over a bottle of liquor. One could surmise that, prodded by the spirit of the enlivening liquor and by their bond of deep camaraderie and sense of community, they hatched a dream – a dream which is LBMHS today.

THE BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE FOUNDING OF THE LBMHS

By EVMayor GRCEstrellado

 (With references: LBMHS History by ExBokal Tomas S. Lorico, Jr.,
 ExMayor  Gregorio P. Reodica, Sr. and  LBMHS documents.)

Prior to the Year 1949 students from Luisiana used to study high school out of town. The usual destination was the Laguna High School (now Pedro Guevarra Memorial National High School) at Sta. Cruz, Laguna; others studied in Manila. It was noted that, generally, only the children of well-to-do families of Luisiana had the chance of getting high school education. Primary reasons for such were not only the difficulty of travel but all the more the financial aspect.

In view thereof, a group of gentlemen (relatives and friends) pursued their vision of founding a high school in Luisiana, to serve not only the children of well-to-do families but especially those of families who were not financially blessed.

22 May 1949 – The LBMHS (at first, was called Corvite High School) was founded by the following:

1. Dr. Elias V. Corvite                    8. Mr. Maximo E. Raflores, Sr.

2. Mr. Tomas S. Lorico, Jr.             9. Mr. Faustino E. Rubia, Sr.

3. Mr. Gregorio P. Reodica, Sr.      10. Mr. Mario T. Estrellado

4. Mr. Remigio P. Roasa                 11. Mr. Ildefonso Roculan

5. Mr. Nicolas E. Mecija                 12. Mr. Fermin R. Rogado

6. Mr. Elpidio E. Ibañez                 13. Engr. Herminio L. Alvarez

7. Atty. Martin E. Dolorico                         

The first building used as classrooms and office was the house of Mr. Nicolas E. Mecija at Ubaldo Suello Street,Luisiana, Laguna. Later on it was transferred to the house of Spouses Teofilo Ibañez & Nicolasa S. Estrellado at Peñalosa cor. Ubaldo Suello Streets. Transferees from the Laguna High School (LHS) were the majority of the first batch of students. The first Administrator and Principal was Mr. Tomas S. Lorico, Jr.

Yrs. 1950-1953 – The LBMHS was also operating night classes to provide opportunities for the elementary school graduates who were working in the day to study at night. The first LBMHS graduates (Yr 1952) were generally the transferees  from the L.H.S. with Ms. Martinita E. Ibañez (now Dr. Martinita I. Leobrera) as the Valedictorian and Mr. Juanito “Jokins” Oblepias as the  Salutatorian.

14 December 1954 – The LBMHS was incorporated and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Manila under the name L. Bernardo Memorial High School (in honor of Luisiana’s Founder, Don Luis Bernardo) by the 13 Founding Fathers of this School.

11 February1955 – The LBMHS Corporate By-Laws was filed with the SEC pursuant to Section 20 of the Corporation Law (Act No. 1459, as amended) and attached to the other Corporate papers. This completed the LBMHS’ Charter.

17 February 1955 – Doña Petra “Pitang” M. Schultz (thru his husband and attorney-in-fact, Don John “Juan” R. Schultz) sold to the LBMHS (represented by Mr. Remigio P. Roasa) a parcel of lot at Brgy. San Diego, Luisiana, Laguna with an area of 3,000 sq.m. for school purposes. Afterwards, two (2) classrooms and one (1) office building were constructed on the lot and classes were transferred there.

26 April 1955 –Trough the recommendation of the Director of Private Schools, Daniel M. Salcedo, the then Secretary of the Department of Education, G. Hernandez, Jr., granted to the LBMHS its Certificate of Government Recognition No. 415, Series of 1955, making it a fully licensed “Secondary Educational Institution With Vocational Subjects (Day)” effective 1 June 1955.

17June 1955 – Doña Petra M. Schultz sold to the LBMHS (represented by its President, ExMayor Jesus S. Estrellado, Sr.) another parcel of lot, 5,941sq.m. in area adjacent to the 3,000sq.m. lot previously sold. She added to it by way of simple donation to the LBMHS the old amphitheater lot (the present basketball court) containing an area of 2,004sq.m., provided it shall be named after her husband as “Don John R. Schultz Amphitheater.” This then comprised a parcel of land (10,945sq.m.) for the LBMHS.

From then on, the LBMHS has produced thousands of graduates many of whom are successful in their fields of endeavor here and abroad.

OTHER HISTORICAL ACCOUNTS

(Excerpts from the LBMHS Year Book 2001)

Due to the rapidly increasing enrolment from Luisiana and nearby communities, more and more classrooms were constructed to cope with the needs of the students: 16 classrooms, 1 library, 1 practical arts building, 1 cultural building, 3 new canteens and 4 comfort rooms. It has a basketball court, adequate space for volleyball and soft ball and Citizen Army Training. It has also enough space for gardening. It has a newly added computer room, renovated faculty room, home economics and registrar’s office, and 3 cottages for relaxation. Major portions of the school lot are fenced with concrete perimeter wall.

Among those who served as Principals and/or Administrators were Tomas S. Lorico, Jr., Remigio P. Roasa, Pablo Reolada, Adelaida M. Tor, Pablo Macaraeg, Tomas Abuel, Limuaco, Amor Moñosca, Gregorio Danila, and Amado T. Apaya.

The past Presidents and Chairmen of the Board of Trustees were Dr. Elias V. Corvite, Eng’r Herminio L. Alvarez, Mr. Remigio P. Roasa, ExBokal Tomas S. Lorico, Jr., Mr. Fermin R. Rogado, ExV.Mayor Roberto A. Estrellado, ExMayor Jesus S. Estrellado, Gen. Rodolfo S. Estrellado, ExMayor Gregorio P. Reodica, Mrs. Teofila S. Estrellado, Mr. George E. Reodica, Mr. Elpidio E. Ibañez, ExMayor Reynaldo R.  Roasa, Dr. Martinita E. Ibañez-Leobrera and Dr. Edgardo L. Magturo.

            At present, more than one half of the total enrolment of the LBMHS is under the Educational Service Contracting Program of the DepEd-LBMHS. The government, under this contract pays some fees of the students. This Program started in the School Year 1988-1989.

            Based on available records, (Years 1949-2000), the following had been the teachers in the LBMHS, arranged according to their entrance to work: Tomas S. Lorico Jr., Remigio P. Roasa, Miss Mandilag, Miss Isipin, Miss Zalamea, Mrs. Pupos, Mrs. Victoria  Teope, Mrs. Leticia Romulo, Mrs. Anicia Gacos, Miss Evelina Villatuya, Miss Amelita Megino, Miss Filipina Romana, Miss Lolita Esperanza, Vecenta Trinidad, Lauro E. Estrellado, Adelaida M. Tor, Crispulo Estrellado, Henry Pacic, Marcelino Cabiao, Virginia Yarte, Lolita Palatao, Pedrito Zaide, Pablo Macaraeg, Amor Hernandez.

            Gloria Mia, Magdaleno Galapon, Aida Carreos, Felisa Tangonan, Isaias Chosas, Candido Pinlac, Eugenio Corpus, Corazon Chosas, Arturo Moñosca, Adelaida Suazo, Remedios Asilo,  Gregorio Danila, Erlinda Quiteves, Rodolfo Tangonan, Rosita Mia, Serlino Bravo, Josefa Condes, Clarita Dorado, Gloria Estrellado, Eugenio Garcia, Celso Abes, Erlinda Rosete, Clarita Kilala, Nicetas Dimasuay, Rodolfo Isles, Julita Dator, Aurelia delos Reyes, Sofia Azucena, Linda Angeles, Luzviminda Bombay, Rosselie Oblepias, Adelaida Mero, Tomas Abuel, Rosalinda Gabis, Felisa San Pedro, Blenida Enriquez, Rodolfo Olega, Adelaida Amora, Cornelio Esguerra, Ligaya Caballes, Belen Cabuyao, Enriqueta Jayag, Vilma Radines, Estrella Romulo, Anastacia del Rosario, Luzviminda Yanilla, Rosselie Arancel, Angelito Ortega, Gerry Ebaria, Aniceta Millar, Marilou Ebaria, Celso Orno, Erlinda Solmerano, Angelita Babasa, Lorieta Lope, Dolores Salamat, Rosalinda Tiu, Dolores Esperanza, Rosa Castillo, Lezaida Quibar, Estrellita Trinidad, Leonora Natividad, Myrna Perez, Leticia Abuel, Teresita Tadiosa, Zenaida Romulo, Rosa Mecija, Antonia Salvan, Florendo Casiño, Leonardo Lomotan, Teofilo Avila, Flora Laguador, Leonida Noceja, Francisco Zeta, Rosario Sison, Lolita Iporac, Virgilio Solleza, Amado T. Apaya, Liberty Iporac, Edwina Roasa, Lea Jamito, Estelita Liberato, Carlito Ramos, Rossini Noceja, Lorenzo De Asis, Mafe De Asis, Leilanie Rogado, Felicisima Capistrano, Ronald Romulo, Godofredo Gallardo, Shirley Paleracio, Aurora Apolo, Rizaldy Ribano, Fredissinda Ellazar, Thelma Veluz, Romeo Orajay Reneelyn Romana, Mr. Vito, and many others.

The Faculty in the Year 2000 was composed of Principal Amado T. Apaya (assumed 7 Sept. 1998) and the teachers were: Rossini Noceja, Aniceta Millar, Joyce Rocamora, Maria Fe De Asis, Rosa Mecija, Agnes Fraginal, Jonathan Igloria, Marilou Rivera, Leilanie Rogado, Niña Christina Nanadiego, Jeribeth Buencamino, Zenaida Romulo, Rosselie Almario, Ronald V. Romulo, Florendo S. Casiño, Jaime Laycano, Javier Vitasa, and Grace Danila as Registrar. With the undying support of the LBMHS alumni, and the patronage of Luisianians, the L. Bernardo Memorial High School will continue to provide quality secondary education, maintain its high standard and will forever hold high its dedication to the immortal memories of the town’s founder, Don Luis and Doña Ana Bernardo.

Because of the advancement in technology and the current trends in education, the LBMHS offers Computer Subject which started in the School Year 1996-1997, making the LBMHS students from first to fourth year levels computer literate. The LBMHS-ACTS Computer College Tie-Up provided with computer sets from ACTS Computer College. With Ronald Daguinod, Jaime Laycano, Jay Megino, and Javier Vitasa who have served as the first batch of computer teachers, the LBMHS students’ knowledge and skills in computer are enhanced.

THE MAJOR LATEST EVENTS

As early as 25 October 2003, Vice Mayor G. Rodante C. Estrellado who was also a trustee, authored and filed with the then LBMHS Board of Trustees the resolution to extend the corporate life of the LBMHS for another 50-year period, otherwise the LBMHS will automatically cease to exist by the expiration of its life on 14 December 2004. This called for the amendment of Article 4 of the LBMHS’ Articles of Incorporation.

On the unanimous vote of the subsequent Board of Trustees (Dr. Martinita I. Leobrera, Mrs. Ligaya C. Estrellado, Coun. Ronald V. Romulo, EVMayor G. Rodante C. Estrellado and Mr. George E. Reodica), that resolution was at last approved as Resolution No. BOT-2004-002 on 17 October 2004. Afterwards, on motion of EVMayor G.R.C. Estrellado, it was unanimously ratified by the LBMHS stockholders under Resolution No. SH-2004-001 on 30 October 2004. Finally, after a series of arduous negotiations by EVMayor G.R.C. Estrellado, the Securities and Exchange Commission in Mandaluyong City, thru its Dir. Benito A. Cataran, approved on 18 November 2004, by virtue of Section 16 of the Corporation Code of the Philippines (B.P. Blg. 68), the extension of the term of existence of the LBMHS from its supposed expiration on 14 December 2004 up to 14 December 2054.

By virtue of that fresh mandate of the LBMHS the said LBMHS Board of Trustees of 2004-2005, elected on 25 July 2004, initiated reforms in its composition and in the LBMHS’ financial, human resource and management system: newcomer trustees were elected; a thorough audit was conducted by an external auditor; LBMHS Policies were updated; the Administrator position was created in the Plantilla of Personnel on 15 April 2005 and the appointee was EVMayor G.R.C. Estrellado; the Cashier position was created in May 2005 and the appointee was Mrs. Aileen S. Caballar; series of in-service-trainings were conducted for the faculty and administrative staff; faculty member, Ms. Leilanie R. Rogado, was appointed Acting Principal for the period 25 August 2005-31 March 2006; On 03 July 2005 the Vice President position (Mrs. Ligaya C. Estrellado) was given authority and active duty to affix the LBMHS Corporate Dry Seal to any instrument requiring the same, subject to certain regulations; the LBMHS Institutional Development Plan 2005-2006 was formulated (April 2005); the 1^st Phase (Sub-level & 1^st Storey) of the 3-storey multifunction building (science laboratory, library, conference room & multipurpose hall) was constructed within the period of April to June 2005; and many more developments.

Meantime that there was no full time qualified principal the LBMHS Academic Committee was created to act as principal for the period 1 April 2006-March 2007 on the advice of the DepEd-Fape Regional Office IV-A, composed of the following sectoral representatives:

LBMHS BOT                         -           Pres. Martinita I. Leobrera

LBMHS Administration         -           Admin. G. Rodante C. Estrellado

LBMHS Faculty Assn.           -           Pres. Liberty I. Lucas

                                                            Sec. Marife G. de Asis

Academic Community

At-Large                                 -           Prof. Carolina Santillana (UPLB)

Luisiana Community &

LBMHS Alumni                     -           Prof. Levita A. Duhaylungsod (Dela Salle University)

Under that Committee a workshop was conducted on 4-6 April 2006 for the LBMHS to adopt the Basic Education Curriculum starting SY 2006-2007 and to conduct the corresponding Textbook Review under the LBMHS Book Committee. The significant change in the curriculum is in the Technology & Livelihood Education Subject: 1^st Year Level – Horticulture, 2^nd Year Level – Animal Husbandry, 3^rd Year Level – Building Wiring Electricity, and 4^th Year Level – Electronics. In all year levels of TLE, Computer Subject and Entrepreneurial Program are integrated.

The first LBMHS FESTIVAL was conducted on 28 August-1 September 2006. It was featured with various sports activities, cookfest, contests, symposium, cultural activities and the blessing of new LBMHS Science Laboratory, Library, Medical-Dental Clinic, TLE Facilities and other rooms and facilities. Unfortunately, on 28 September 2006 Typhoon Milenyo devastated about 80% of the LBMHS facilities. Immediate rehabilitation measures were conducted until October 2006, but major reconstruction was done from 22 November 2006 to July 2007. Of the total Php1.6 million reconstruction cost incurred, the LBMHS Alumni contributed around Php0.4 Million.

On 2 March 2007, the LBMHS-Southern Luzon State University Educational Tie-Up was forged. It covers Secondary Education and Non-Formal Education Programs for the LBMHS students, the Out-Of-School-Youths and Educable Adults, and Research Programs. In March to May 2007 the LBMHS is one of the schools that aggressively asserted for the retention of the Educational Service Contracting scholarship program of the Philippine Government for high school students. LBMHS Admin. G. Rodante C. Estrellado was elected as the Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee of Region IV-A for the retention of the ESC Scholarship Program. The Secretary of the Department of Education finally acceded to the clamor for the retention on 25 May 2007 in a meeting with the DepEd Secretary, Assistant Secretaries and representatives of the private schools all over the Philippines. Admin. G. Rodante C. Estrellado was the LBMHS representative to that meeting. As of this SY 2007-2008, LBMHS can be proud to be the recipient of the most number of ESC and EVS scholars in the whole province of Laguna, having 514 scholars of the 645 enrolled students. It’s worthy to note that besides those scholars, the LBMHS alumni and some benefactors support additional 89 scholars in the LBMHS.