Iloilo National Highschool (1902)

1902 marks the birth of the ILOILO HIGH SCHOOL which was known then as Iloilo Normal School. It was thus named because, originally, it was intented to be a teacher-training institution to meet the urgent need for Filipino teachers. The school was housed in a two-story building across the street from the Provincial Capitol on the site now occupied by the hotel, Iloilo Casa Plaza. Considered eligible for enrollment were those who had completed at least elementary education in Spanish schools. About 250 were enrolled for a start and these formed five sections. The faculty group was composed of experienced American teachers headed by Mr. Lutz, as Principal, Miss Mary E. Polley, a Thomasites and noted pioneer in the Philippine education, was among the earliest faculty members.