Florentino Torres High School
Florentino Torres High School Mataas na Paaralang Florentino Torres | |
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Location | |
City of Manila, Metro Manila Philippines | |
Coordinates | 14°37′38.374″N 120°58′21.782″E / 14.62732611°N 120.97271722°E |
Information | |
Type | Public High School with Enriched Science Classes |
Motto |
Let There Be Light (Pamalagiin ang Liwanag) |
Established | 1925 |
Principal | Mr. Gene T. Pangilinan |
Grades | 7 to 12 |
Number of students | approx. 6,000 |
Medium of language | English, Filipino, Nihongo |
Color(s) | Gold and Maroon |
Newspaper | The Torres Torch (Filipino: Ang Sulo) |
Affiliations | Division of City Schools-Manila |
Former name | Manila West 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.
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 Marceline 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.
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
- Samahan ng Diwang Filipino
- The Torres Thespians Club
- FTHS Dancesport
- FTHS Drum and Bugle Corps
- 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
- Young Architects Club
- Save Club
- EsP Club
- The Torres Torch
- Ang Sulo
- Marian Youth Movement (MYM)
- Mary Help of Christians Crusaders
- Lusog Isip ng Kabataan (LINK) Club
- Nihongo Club
- English Club
- Math Wizards' Club
- Science Club
- Research 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.
Former principals
Principals | Year/s of Service |
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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 |
Michael James N. Mindo | January 2000 - February 2001 |
Dr. Romeo B. Santos | April 2001 - May 2006 |
Rosita C. Herson | July 2006 – January 2013 |
Gene T. Pangilinan | July 2013 - present |
Gallery
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Closer look
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Interior (Corridor)
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Along the street