PSU IN RETROSPECT
(Delivered during the Launching Ceremonies of Partido State University last March 19, 2001 by Professor Rico D. Saballegue)

"To foretell the destiny of a nation, it is necessary to open the book that tells of her past.” - Jose P. Rizal

As history unfolds in this eastern part of the province of Camarines Sur, I shall say the same words culled from the national hero- “TO FORETELL THE DESTINY OF PARTIDO STATE UNIVERSITY AS AN INSTITUTION, IT IS NECESSARY TO OPEN THE BOOK THAT TELLS OF ITS PAST.”

Partidoans’ thirst for secondary education was quenched in 1941 when Partido High School was established as the first school in Partido area. The threat of the impending Pacific war was the last in the minds of the people then.

The humble beginnings of Partido High School went back to the time when the Provincial Board of Camarines Sur announced to all Municipalities that whichever town could meet the basic requirements of a school site, an enrollment of at least 200 students, and a building that could house the classes, a branch of Camarines Sur National High School (in Naga City) would be established.

This offer caught fire in the hearts of local officials and the populace. The towns of Goa, San Jose, and Tigaon were strong contenders in hosting the first high school in Partido. In no time, Goa mobilized its whole community. Through the efforts of Mr. Angel Garchitorena, a school site at Tiagao, a donation of Don Luis Centenera, was secured – a riceland located on the boundary of Goa-San Jose.

After the same time, another group of workers campaigned for enrolment and another prepared the temporary accommodation. In a genuine bayanihan spirit, almost everybody contributed his share - in cash, materials or labor - to the project. The bold, concerted move pushed Goa far ahead of the two other towns. Consequently, the provincial board of Camarines Sur had no choice but to give its blessing despite its favored bet – the town of Tigaon.

Next step was to secure the blessing of higher education officials in Manila. Then, Mayor Perpetou Oliver, with all the necessary papers, entrained to Manila. For one reason or another, he failed to get their nod. Undaunted, the municipal Council of Goa sent then Vice-Mayor Jose Rodriguez, with the instructions to do everything he could and “not to return home” without the approval.

Vice-Mayor Jose Rodriguez succeeded with his mission but another problem cropped up. Opening of classes would be approaching yet the temporary schoolhouses at Tiagao, were far from completion. In a philanthropic gesture, Dr. Juan Panday, a scion of a well-to-do family in Goa, offered his building of Spanish architecture, situated at the business section of the town, for free (now the present St. John Hospital).

So, in June 1941, while war threats circulated, the PARTIDO HIGH SCHOOL opened its first class with a little over 200 first year high school students in four sections. They came from the different towns of Partido, representing all social classes.

The Pacific War temporarily halted the momentum. When the school re-opened in 1945, it had to start practically anew. The pioneer students, the first batch, were accelerated to second year, few months after classes resumed, and before the end of the school year, they were accelerated to second year. They were called the “SUPERSTUDENTS” for being accelerated twice in a school year.

Due to the increase in enrollment more classrooms were needed. The upper floor of the present Municipal Hall of Goa, the private houses of Bermejos and Orfidas and the Panday building were utilized as classrooms. Finally, the first batch of 120 students graduated in 1947.

After the war, a shift of interest on the permanent school site took place. One sector of the community favored the original site in Tiagao while an equally powerful group was working for the transfer of the site to Tagongtong, its present site.

The latter group justified the transfer on the grounds that: the old site being a riceland was subject to inundation during rainy season; and the area was too small for expanding school as the years would roll on. For months the controversy raged on dividing the town finally assuming political color and bitterness.

The issue of school site was settled when the Bureau of Public Schools came over and recommended the transfer. The land was sprawling ten-hectare land donated by the civic-spirited citizens of Goa, Camarines Sur among them: Mr. Gabriel Centenera, the Panday Family thru Mrs. Emilia Panday, Mr. Eduardo Cariño, Fr. Vicente Madrigal, Mrs. Ines Asor, Mr. Francisco Romero, Mrs. Leona Asor, Mr. Felipe Eguia, Mr. Felipe Fabricante, Mrs. Felicidad Moran and Mrs. Andrea Tuazon.

Finally, in 1948, the school moved to its new site. Its first building was constructed through the pork barrel funds of Congressman Sebastian Moll and the P. T. A. funds.

In the later part of 1970, the PTA and the Municipal Council of Goa sought Congressman Felix Fuentebella to file a bill in Congress for the conversion of Partido High School into Partido National High School. Unfortunately, the bill got entangled when Martial Law was declared in 1972.

It was only in 1974 when Partido National High School became operative but the school’s conversion was not a smooth sailing affair. Nevertheless, the school continued to receive its appropriation as a National High School through the initiative of Congressman Felix Fuentebella.

This time the school entered the new era of unparallel financial stability. It was also this time that the school entered its “Golden Era” when it almost dominated all academic, athletic and cultural expeditions. It garnered plums in both regional and national secondary press conferences.

The decade of 70’s saw the establishment of other secondary school within the district.

PSU-SALOGON CAMPUS

In 1974, the local populace of Barangay Salogon, San Jose, Camarines Sur clamored for the establishment of secondary school. Initially conceptualized by Mr. Clemente Peña and supported by Councilor Napoleon Concina, the Municipal Council San Jose established SALOGON BARANGAY HIGH SCHOOL. In due time, it was converted into SAN JOSE FISHERIES SCHOOL in 1983 pursuant to BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 406 approved in June 3, 1983. Its new status as a national vocational school brought forth new vigor and dynamism.

PSU-SAN JOSE CAMPUS

In 1977, another barangay high school was born in the town of San Jose, Camarines Sur. The cooperative efforts of then Mayor Gil P. Pacamarra and Municipal Council convinced education officials to approve the operation of another high school situated in the poblacion of San Jose. Later, in 1987, it acquired its status as SAN JOSE NATIONALIZED HIGH SCHOOL when the new government gave budgetary priority to education as a consequence of the new ratified 1987 Philippine Constitution.

PSU-SAGÑAY CAMPUS

Republic Act 6651 passed by Congressman Felix Fuentebella authorized the creation of GOA HIGH SCHOOL. But Goa High School never opened yet it carried regular appropriations in the General Appropriations Act. On July 28, 1976, Mr. Carlos Borjal, Vocational Superintendent of Camarines Sur National College of Arts and Trades (in Naga City) requested from the Ministry of Education the transfer of Goa High School to Barangay Nato, Sañgay, Camarines Sur.Acting favorably, Minister Juan Manuel approved the operation of Goa High School (situated in Sañgay) only in 1977. A year later, its name was changed to GOVERNOR MARIANO FUENTEBELLA MEMORIAL FISHERIES SCHOOL.

BIRTH AND GROWTH OF COLLEGES

Having reached its pinnacle of educational domination, Partido National High School was ready for its next status as institution of higher learning in Partido area.

Local officials of Goa led by Mayor Lorenzo Padua and PTA officials led by Deogracias Remo intimated to assemblyman Arnulfo Fuentebella the conversion of PNHS into a state college. Cognizant of the dire need of his constituents for a tertiary institution in Partido District, assemblyman Fuentebella drafted Presedential Decree No. 2011 and finally secured President’s signature for the conversion of PNHS into Partido State College on January 15, 1986 during a Presedential campaign rally in Naga City.

Unfortunately again, political events in 1986 marred its preliminary operation. Just when DECS lifted its moratorium on opening of a new state college and when Congress provided for the budget for its tertiary operation, 1992 was a significant year for Partido State College. In 1984, the college produced its first batch of graduates and first LET passers in 1997.

Meanwhile, local political proved auspicious for the district. The dynamic and visionary Representative Arnulfo Fuentebella of the 3rd Legislative District of Camarines Sur saw to it that apart from Partido State College, more higher institutions must be established in the area considering the topography and inter- municipality distance and barriers. To his credit several new schools were either created or converted as part of his legislative agenda.

SAN JOSE NATIONALIZED HIGH SCHOOL was converted into SAN JOSE POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE (SJPI) in March 30, 1995 by virtue of Republic Act 7972.

The Governor Mariano Fuentebella Memorial Fisheries School in Sañgay was converted as Governor Mariano Fuentebella memorial College of Fisheries (GMFMCF) in March 14, 1988 pursuant to Republic Act No. 8594.

Meanwhile, in Tinambac, Camarines Sur, Tinambac Polytechnic Institute (TPI) came into existence by virtue of Republic Act No. 7958 signed March 29, 1995.

In Caramoan, Camarines Sur, the Caramoan Vocational Technical School (CTVS) was born in accordance with Republic Act 7828.

In the Northern part of Lagonoy, Camarines Sur specifically at barangay Cabotonan, Lagonoy, the LAGONOY HIGH SCHOOL OF FISHERIES (LSF) came into being pursuant to Republic Act No. 8417.

Finally, the greatest boon came to Partidoans when Republic Act 9029 authored by Speaker Noli Fuentebella was signed into law by Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal – Arroyo last March 5, 2001 creating Partido State University by integrating the seven (7) colleges strategically located in the different municipalities of Partido District.

All these historical events and development could never have taken place had the people and their leaders not dreamed, loved and fought for their ideals.

With God’s guidance, lets unite and continue the reality of university system as we carve a new chapter in the annals of Partido State University.