Brief Historical Development of the
Iloilo City National High School

To meet the growing demands of the city populace, the City established the school through the efforts of Mr. Oscar Ledesma, then mayor of Iloilo City. It was opened on the very place where it now stands, alone M.H. del Pilar Street, Molo, Iloilo City.

Starting with only 18 first year section, Mr. Vicente Cornelio, first principal of Iloilo City National High School, together with 28 pioneer teachers, laid the groundwork in the task of molding the minds of the young, directing their attention to academic improvement. Unfortunately however, their education was cut short when war broke out in December, 1941.

During the war years, the Japanese occupied the new building and the cessation of hostilities found them razed to the ground.

In April, 1945, refresher courses were offered, but in the rooms by then Iloilo School of Arts and Trades in La Paz, Iloilo City. With the influx of students who demanded enrolment, accomodation became a problem; therefore in the next school year, the city government turned over the City Hall, now the University of the Philippines, Visayas, as classrooms, while temporary buildings were being constructed. Thus, Iloilo City National High School returned to its old site in October, 1945.

It was in 1948 when Iloilo City High School turned out its first graduates of 574 students. When Mr Vicente Cornelio retired as principal in August, 1950, Mr. Norberto Baylen was installed in his place. Holding this position from 1959-1966, Mr. Baylen was promoted as Superintendent of City Schools.

Through the years, the school plant has picked up physically. Aside from the six government-owned buildings and the two Marcos-type pre-fabricated buildings given by Congressman Fermin Caram, Jr., the school PTA constructed a P20,000.00 two-room semi-permanent building and a 10-room permanent one costing P70,000.00, thus solving the problem on accomodation and equipping them with new blackboards and tablet chairs.

The school year 1983-1984 was a red-letter year for the Iloilo City High School for it took on a new status and a new leadership. By virtue of Batas Pambansa Blg. 499, our school was converted to a national high school known as Iloilo City National High Shool.

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