Quezon City Science High School
Dr. Liceria B. Soriano, the Chief of Special Services, conceived the establishment of a science high school in Quezon City. Her vision was to provide splendid opportunities for the more talented students of this city, particularly those who have greater interest in the areas of Science and Mathematics. She was supported by. Mr. Alfredo J. Andal, the Superintendent of City Schools then. So that, on July 11, 1967, he released a memorandum to all principals requesting them to submit a list of first year students whose averages were 85 and above.
On July 17, 1967, a proficiency test in Science, Mathematics and English was conducted as a basis for admission.
On July 31, 1967, another memorandum was issued designating Mrs. Hermenigilda G. Margate, a Mathematics and Science Supervisor, as Officer-in-Charge of Quezon City Science High School.
After a rigid screening process, the QCSHS came up with 28 competent teachers and 325 equally talented students coming from different public high schools in Quezon City.
In its first year of existence, the school shared a campus with Judge Juan Luna High School in San Francisco Del Monte. A year after, the school moved to the present site of Quezon City General Hospital, formerly San Jose Seminary.
On September 1, 1967, the QCSHS Faculty Club was organized, immediately followed by the QCSHS Parent-Teacher Association.
Through the PTA, the generous group of parents donated chairs, tables and facilities needed in the learning process of their children. Moreover, the association formulated a resolution requesting a school site and pre-fab buildings from authorities concerned.
The joint efforts and persistence of Mrs. Margate, parents, teachers and students-leaders in following up the physical plant needs of the school finally bore fruit when the Quezon City Council, through the leadership of the then Vice-Mayor Ismael A. Mathay Jr., donated the present site, measuring 2.4 hectares under the Quezon City Government with TCT # 265553 in Barangay Sto. Cristo, Bago-Bantay, Quezon City in 1969.
In 1976, a two-storey, semi-concrete, six-room building was constructed through the representation of the former Schools Division Superintendent, Conmemoracion M. Concepcion, to the Quezon City Board.
Another two-storey, six-room, concrete building was finally completed in 1983 through the combined efforts of then City Mayor Adelina S. Rodriguez and the incumbent Division Superintendent, Dr. Edna BN. Azurin. This now serves as the Administration Building.
To ensure that Science and Technology are well enhanced by the 21st Century, the government thrust on the ‘90s focused on science and technology subjects. Once again, QCSHS was chosen to spearhead the implementation of the new technology-based curriculum. This thrust also aims to offer it to a larger number of students; hence, by 1967 to 1995 more rooms were made, with the construction of the Mathay Hall, Icasiano-Calalay, DOST Chemistry and Physics Laboratory buildings. In line with the upgrading of facilities, improvements were also made in the Library, Science and Mathematics Centers, the world-class Conference Hall, Multi-Purpose Covered Court, Computer Centers, Reading Center, air-conditioned Faculty Room, and MAPEH Room.
In 1999, a four-storey, sixteen-room building was constructed through the efforts of Mayor Ismael A. Mathay Jr. On the same year, Schools Division Superintendent, Dr. Aquilina S. Rivas, undertook the renovation of the DOST Laboratory.
The expanse of the field covered with verdant grass, trees and flowers, and the presence of a herbal garden, all contributed to QC Science being given recognition by the Metro Manila Commission as, a “School in a Garden.”
Having maintained high academic excellence, the school was declared in June of the same year as the Regional Science High School for NCR by virtue of DECS Order No. 58, series 1999, in consonance with R.A. 8496 (An Act to establish Philippines Science High Schools all over the country and providing funds thereof).
Towards the end of School Year 1999-2000, however, administration and supervision of QCSHS was turned over to Dr. Corazon D. Santiago, Director IV of DepEd-NCR. Dr. Josefina T. Cunanan, being the chief of the Secondary Education Division DepEd-NCR, was designated as direct head of this institution. Consequently, admission of students was spearheaded by her Office.
With the concerted efforts of the government, the PTA, the Alumni Association, other concerned agencies and the school personnel, the Quezon City Science High School will continue to provide maximum opportunities for the talented and science-gifted youth to develop their potentials, spirit of inquiry and creativity, and ability in decision making as they assume their respective roles in society.
The journey toward excellence starts here…
-Victoria R. Mayo