Florentino Torres High School

Florentino Torres High School, commonly known as Torres High School (THS), is located in Tondo, Manila, Philippines. It is one of the oldest public schools in Metro Manila.

Florentino Torres High School
Mataas na Paaralang Florentino Torres
Location
Tondo, Manila
,
National Capital Region

Philippines
Coordinates14°37′38.374″N 120°58′21.782″E
Information
Other nameTorres High School
Former nameManila West High School
TypePublic High School with Enriched Science Classes
MottoPamalagiin ang Liwanag
(Let There Be Light)
Established1925
School district2
PrincipalMaria Pura Santillian Talattad
Grades7 to 12
Number of studentsapprox. 6,000
Medium of languageEnglish, Filipino, Nihongo
Student Union/AssociationSSG (Supreme Student Government)
Color(s)Gold and Maroon         
SloganWalang Uuna sa Torres HIgh
NewspaperThe Torres Torch (Filipino: Ang Sulo)
AffiliationsDivision of City Schools-Manila

History

Founded by James T. Burns in 1925, Florentino Torres High School was originally named Legarda High School. With only three teachers, Burns opened the school to students who were refused admission by the three existing public high schools in Manila.

In 1926, the school moved to the Sequoia Building at the foot of Pritil Bridge along Juan Luna Street and was renamed Manila West High School. March 1928 marked the first group of students to graduate from the school as well as the initial appearance of various school clubs and organizations. In 1930, several changes took place under the supervision of Marcelino Bautista, the first Filipino principal, who renamed the four Manila public high schools after the first four Filipino Justices of the Supreme Court:

  • Manila West High School became Florentino Torres High School, in honor of Justice Florentino Torres, the first Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines.
  • Manila North High School became Arellano High School, in honor of Justice Cayetano Arellano
  • Manila South High School became Araullo High School, in honor of Justice Manuel Araullo
  • Manila East High School became V. Mapa High School, in honor of Justice Victorino Mapa

The maiden issue of The Torres Torch, the official school paper, was published in 1930. In 1937, the school formally occupied the Constabulary Barracks in Gagalangin, where it is located today. With the outbreak of World War II in 1941, the school ceased operation, and the buildings were redeployed as garrisons. During this period, all school records were destroyed.

On July 16, 1945, the school re-opened with Pablo Reyes as principal. On November 24, 1945, the first post-Liberation group of 30 students received their diplomas. On October 16, 1953, the school first celebrated its foundation day under Mr. Cesario Bandong as the principal.

On the following years, Florentino Torres High School had continued giving quality education to the youth of Manila under Dr. Emiliano Rafael (1968-1972), Mr. Alfonso Asuncion (1973), Mr. Rufino dela Cruz (1974-1976) and Dr. Dominador Wingsing (1977).

In 1978, the first female principal came, Mrs. Severa Saldana. She started the open-shelf system in the library to give the students the freedom to learn. She was also the one who headed the repairs of the corridor, school offices, media room and canteen, for the Torresians and teachers to be more persevering and efficient.

In addition, many projects were finished under her term, like classrooms and buildings of the Technology and Home Economics department. After Saldana, the next principals who governed FTHS were Dr. Consolacion Domingo (1984), Dr. Florie Balanag (1986-1991), Ms. Adoracion Acuna (1991-1995), Mrs. Norma Escobar (1995-1998), and Mrs. Pilar Pizarro (1998-2001) that were really great principals who brought out the success and progress of the school.

Year 2001, when another principal started his term and was in the person of Dr. Romeo Santos, who brought a lot of changes in our school. Dr. Santos was known for his program "Five Senses Approach" in teaching, and also, his untiring supervision of ongoing classes as part of his effective management of the school. The "Open Gate Policy" was also implemented by Dr. Santos to fully organize the class schedule of the students, specially in the lower sections. Year 2003, when the FTHS was chosen by the Ayala Foundation in their project "Adopt-a-School Program" wherein the school received free computer equipment. In addition, Dr. Santos gave more excitement and color for the lives of third and fourth year students when he brought back the Juniors-Seniors Promenade.

Curriculum

Japanese Class

Through the Department of Education's "Special Program in Foreign Language" (SPFL) and The Japan Foundation, Manila, Florentino Torres High School currently offers Japanese classes for students from all year levels. The program focuses on Japanese language, arts, and culture, while featuring various activities such as a Sanshin workshop and the Kaisha Caravan.

Extracurricular activities

Student organizations, affectionately referred to as "orgs" by students, include various special interest clubs that conduct activities for the welfare and development of students:

  • Boy Scouts of the Philippines
  • Girl Scouts of the Philippines
  • YMCA
  • YWCA
  • UNESCO Club
  • Yes-O
  • Interact Club
  • Red Cross Youth
  • Shakespearean Club
  • Kapisanan ng Diwang Filipino
  • The Torres Thespians Club
  • FTHS Dancesport Club
  • FTHs Campus Troopers
  • THS Athletics Society
  • THS Campus Integrity Crusaders (CIC)
  • THS Student Technologists and Entrepreneurs of the Philippines
  • Future Homemakers of the Philippines (FHP)
  • Eco Waste Busters
  • Save Club
  • EsP Club
  • The Torres Torch
  • Ang Sulo
  • Marian Youth Movement (MYM)
  • Mary Help of Christians Crusaders
  • Lusog Isip ng Kabataan (LINK) Club
  • Campus Integrity Crusaders (CIC)
  • Nihongo Club
  • English Club
  • Math Wizards' Club
  • Science Club
  • Research Club
  • Robotics Club
  • Nihonggo Club
  • LitraTorres Photography Club

Headed by the Supreme Student Government, each club or organization serves as a certain subject area's Office for Student Affairs. They initiate activities such as student-led projects.

Notable Alumni

Former principals
Principals Year/s of Service
James T. Burns 1925–1929
Harry Hanzelmayer 1929
George Lyman 1929–1930
Marcelino Bautista 1930–1935
Fortunato de Veyra 1935
Pedro Guiang 1935–1936
Ricardo Castro 1936–1939
Delfin Reynaldo 1939–1940
Maximo Jimenez 1940–1941
Pablo Reyes 1945–1953
Cesario Bandong 1953–1966
Emiliano Rafael 1966–1974
Alfonso Asuncion 1974–1975
Rufino de la Cruz 1976–1977
Dominador Wingsing 1977–1978
Severa H. Saldana 1978–1984
Dr. Consolacion C. Domingo 1984–1985
Dr. Florie M. Balanag 1986–1990
Adoracion Acuna 1991–1995
Dr. Norma Escobar 1995 - December 1997
Pilar G. Pizzaro February 1998 - December 2000
Dr. Romeo B. Santos January 2000 - February 2001
Dr. Romeo B. Santos April 2001 - May 2006
Rosita C. Herson July 2006 – January 2013
Gene T. Pangilinan July 2013 - April 2017
Maria Pura Santillian Talattad May 2017- Present
  • Closer look
  • Interior (Corridor)
  • Along the street
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References
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