A Bit of History

Ramon Magsaysay High School (RMHS) has its beginning as the Governor Forbes annex of V. Mapa High School in 1952. It was in 1959 when what used to be the annex evolved into the Ramon Magsaysay High School named after one of the most loved Philippine presidents.

What RMHS is now can be attributed to its effective leadership. It has been under capable hands principals who have paved way for its growth and success. Each one of them has made great and lasting contribution to the school.

Its first principal was Mrs. Maria M. Ocampo (1959-1972) whose terms saw the growth of the school from a fledgling institution to a full-grown one. The next four years saw the principalship of Dr. William L. Estrada (1972-1976) who answered the needs of a continually growing student population in terms of more chairs and expanded canteen and library.

In 1976, Mr. Mateo A. Angeles (1976-1987) took over. It was in his 11-year term when the school topped the NCEE for the first time in 1978 and kept the banner until the NCEE was replaced by the NSAT.

Mrs. Esperanza B. Bautista (1987-1995) was responsible for making RMHS a leader not only in the division but in the region as well. When she left the school she had left a battlecry that everyone has taken to heart ---”to continue the culture of excellence”.

RMHS’ star continues to shine under the leadership of Ms. Elena R. Ruiz (1996-1997) . The school soared higher as evidenced by its academic achievements as well as physical improvements.

With his managerial and leadership skills, Mr. Leon R. San Miguel (1997-1999) made waves in face-lifting the school’s facilities. He emphasized the maintenance of cleanliness of the school’s surroundings.

School year 1998 earmarked the coming of a yet more capable leader who made greater heat waves in RMHS--Dr. Cristina C. Reyes (1999-present). With her at the helm, RMHS has undergone great transformation over its 1959 version. From its original three buildings which used to be the old North general hospital, there rose the new building with its ten rooms.

Facilities are continuously upgraded, improved and renovated. There are computer rooms for Computer Education and Literacy -- the well-equipped and spacious teachers’ rooms and departments heads’ offices, the RMHS cooperative store with its water station and internet café and Research Center, the only one of its kind in the Division of City Schools, Manila, the ultra-modern and sanitized comfort rooms for teachers and students, the air-conditioned auditorium, the computerized EMIS Center, the eye-catching fountains in the school lobby, and the stainless front gate of the school.

Anyone who happens to set foot on Ramon Magsaysay High School now would be awed by its numerous novelties and achievements. The school continues to uphold the culture of excellence, it defines the popular notion that, “Once you’re up, there’s no way to go but down.” It’s because you can never put a good school down.

All these are possible because of the will and determination of the principals and the commitment and dedication of its faculty in making the school in the showcase or show window of the Division of City Schools, Manila.