Know our History

The Early Years:
Pangasinan High School’s Beginnings

Located within the center of Lingayen, Pangasinan is a broad pathway that led to rich history and greatness. Circled by towering infrastructures and thousands of roaming students, the sight of Pangasinan National High School bloomed of greenish trees, while by the entrance stood a lagoon that reflected the rays of sunshine. The rumored heart of Lingayen. A prestigious school that accompanied thousands of triumphant alumni. But how exactly did Pangasinan National High School pave its way to prosperity and success?

Rewind to the year 1908, it all started within rented buildings at the heart of Lingayen—the capital town, when it admitted fifth grade to first-year students. The first-ever provincial school in the biggest province of Luzon, at first called Pangasinan High School. The start of its journey to its current standing.

Then all within the span of 7 years, it was separated into elementary school and was curated into two separate segments: The Pangasinan Academic High School and Pangasinan Vocational School. However, from the years 1931 to 1935, arrived destructive calamities that caused great challenge. Giant waves of flood—the province’s biggest ever recorded yet—has teared the East Building of the Academic High School to shreds. Then greeted with a great recession caused by constant weather disturbances and typhoons that resulted in poor harvest and declining enrollees, forcing the union of Pangasinan Academic High School and Pangasinan Vocational School, which gave birth to the Pangasinan Secondary School.

After the absence of Mr. Arthur Allison, the last American principal, Mr. Eufronio Malonzo carried out its journey and was again separated into two separate units: Pangasinan High School and Pangasinan Trade School. Then, in June 1941, the Pangasinan High School recorded its yet biggest enrollment in the first-year class. But just as the school stood at the top for the second time, the Japanese men marched their way in, unwelcomed, to the doors of the country, and began the Pacific War of World War II—a crucial part of Philippine history that led to the death of many. Just six months after its peak, the school was at its rock bottom, a pitfall on the point of no return. The doors of Pangasinan High School were closed, unwillingly and inevitably. But, just in January 1945—a year before the Philippines was granted independence and freedom—the Americans returned. The doors opened yet again, and marked its fourth name shift to Pangasinan Provincial High School until 1969 after which, by the oath of national legislation, carved itself to history under the name of Pangasinan National High School.

The Pangasinan National High School strives for prosperity of its students, acting as their navigator on reaching their highest potential. Just like an ancient wanderer that made its way through many battles, it guides those who lost their path, to enlighten them and revive their once lost passion. To rekindle the joy and fulfillment of learning, they venture to tracks unknown to many, in hope that somewhere students would find pieces of themselves, so that someday they get to serve their nation with the highest degree of patriotism and pride. By protecting the rights of students to rich culture and uplifting environment of education, the school strives to nurture students by means of hiring capable teachers.

While administrators and staffs—stewards of the institution—shelter these learners to an enabling and encouraging environment for effective learning. Despite having the pandemic happen, the school never once lost sight of its purpose; its promise.

Throughout the years, Pangasinan National High School started its journey from rock bottom and slowly paved its way to success. The battles fought were no easy feat. At one point, it declined to a recession, yet remained standing. It was forced to many corners of no way out but stayed victorious anyway. Now—after a history of hardships—Pangasinan National High School remained triumphant, having thousands of students that made their way to luxury and welfare, and passionate teachers that served loyalty and service. Many trials have passed, yet their ultimate purpose prevails. These past few years has been a great calamity, but not one can the school can’t vanquish. The wanderer lingers in full heartbeat, seeking for students astray from their path, guiding them to tracks untold, hoping somewhere within they find missing fragments of who they are.

Reference:
History of PNHS – Feature Article | PDF

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