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A.Paulita Roa

IT was in year 1907 that Misamis Gov. Apolinar R. Velez conceived the idea of opening a provincial high school when he noticed that only the children of affluent families in Cagayan can afford to go to Manila or Cebu to pursue higher studies. At that time, there were classes in the grade school level under American teachers most of whom were Army officers. He thought about the young people who came from families with modest means and what their future would be if they had limited education.

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Gov. Velez went to see Governor-General William Cameron Forbes in Malacañang to inquire how much money was needed to open a provincial high school. He was told that to raise the sum of P35,000 for a large school site that would include an athletic field. This was in keeping with the American Educational system that included sports in its curriculum. Forbes asked him,
“Do you have the funds?” Velez answered in Spanish, “Unfortunately, I have none, but I’ll try to look for them.” Forbes assured him that he is only required to give P16,000 cash and a big athletic field. The other half of the amount will be from the counterpart fund from the Insular Government. Engineers, carpenters and masons will be sent to help in constructing the school building.

Back home, the governor, popularly known as Señor Cayong, rode on horseback, sailboats and motorboats around the huge Misamis Province asking for financial support from civic minded citizens. Fundaising in Cagayan was through benefit shows presented by musical groups and families. The response of the people to help build the school was overwhelming inspite of the fact that many were still struggling with their finances after they supported the year long resistance war against the Americans in 1900-1901.

After two years, the school site and athletic field were bought by several families like Mabulay, Saarenas, Yabut, Dalman, Daomilas, Galon, Pacailoga and others at “intentionally low prices.” The record containing the names of other families was destroyed during World War II. The governor also asked his rich cousin, Mr. Mariano Velez Sr. to buy the  other lots and donate them to the school. Gen. Nicolas Capistrano, after negotiation with Gov. Velez, agreed to exchange his vegetable farm for land in Gusa.

Finally, the Misamis High School, known also as La Escuela Provincial, was inaugurated on Dec. 15, 1909 with Speaker Sergio Osmeña as the guest of honor. He came with Assemblymen Jose Clarin and Dionisio Jakosalem, Cebu Gov. Manuel Roa and Gen. Mariano Tinio. They were all colorful welcome by the townspeople led by the founder of the school, Gov. Velez and Misamis Assemblyman Manuel Corrales. There are photos at the City Museum of these national officials who came to town for the inauguration. In the evening, a grand ball was held in the new school with the famous Philippine Constabulary Band providing the music.

Classes were formally opened on Jan. 10, 1910 with the intermediate classes for Grades five, six and seven and first year high school. The first principal was Mr. Henry Smith and had an all American faculty. The first Filipino principal was Mr. Simeon Vale in 1928. Milagros Roa was the valedictorian of the first high school graduating class. Her cousin, Federico Roa was the salutatorian.

The school is now known as the Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School. In the words of one of its distinguished alumnus, Reuben R. Canoy, former city mayor and Valedictorian of MOHS Class 1947, “the school  has consistently produced students who became leaders in almost every field–in politics, business, education, agriculture, technology, communications, agriculture and industry. Certainly, no one can deny the greatness of an institution which counts among its graduates and former students, a multitude of active men and women who continue to  this day to help direct the affairs of the state, and shape the destiny of the nation.”

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