The Official Sun Yat Sen High School of Iloilo, Inc. 4.17

Dr. Sun Yat Sen, the illustrious father of the Republic of China passed away in Beijing in 1925. Philanthropists and civic-minded citizens of the Chinese community in Iloilo City founded Sun Yat Sen School on November 12, 1925 to honor and perpetuate his SPIRIT of self- sacrifice and love of country.

In the beginning, there were only 28 students. They used the Cantonese Club building as temporary classroom. In 1929, a lot with an area of 1,096 sq. meters was bought by the Board of Trustees under its chairman Mr. Chu Suey. A two-storey building was erected to house more than 130 students. Another two-storey building was built in 1938.

The High School department was established in 1939. A science laboratory was put up. Students now numbered more than 300. The school closed when the Japanese invaded the Philippines on December 8, 1941. The Allied forces liberated Panay on March 1945. By May, SYSHS resumed classes with 370 students.

In 1946 student enrollment reached more than 500 so there was a lack of classroom. A three-storey building was constructed to house the high school students.

In the spring of 1949, student enrollment reached 670.By the request of parents; a senior high school curriculum was added. As the student population increased to more than 700 an auditorium was added to the existing facilities.

In 1956, the lot with an area of 1800 sq. meters opposite the school along Mapa Street was purchased by the Board of Trustees under the leadership of Mr. Uy Kian Chiong, Mr. Cua Eng Lam and Mr. Go Pun. A two-storey wooden structure was erected to accommodate all the high school students on the said lot.

In 1973, a four-storey building was constructed on the same lot to accommodate more than 1000 students enrolled. Another imposing four-storey building with an auditorium was inaugurated on the 60th year foundation of the school in 1985. It was also this time that the enduring Mr. Kuo Ching Yuan, who was the principal for almost fifty years, retired.

SYSHS produced alumni who excelled not only on academics but also in sports. The school was a constant top notcher in the national government examinations since the 1960’s. SYSHS was also champion in several PRISAA and National Sports Meet.

In 1962, SYSHS placed 1st among all private and public schools in Western Visayas and 14th place nationwide in the national government examination for high school graduating students. Again in the 2000 NSAT examination, SYSHS placed 2nd in Western Visayas and 19th place nationwide.

Upon assumption of office in 2004, our chairman Emeritus, Mr. Robert Chua, initiated the major renovation of Tiong San in time for the school’s 80th foundation anniversary.

In 2005, the school had qualified in the GASTPE/FAPE-ESC, a scholarship grant by the government to the private schools all over the country, to slow down the exodus of students from the private schools to the public schools. Tiong San got an overall rating of above standard with respect to its facilities, equipment, faculty and staff.

In March 2007, Tiong San received a donation in kind from an alumnus, Mr. Rhett Cembrano and family. He furnished all the air-conditioning units in the newly renovated auditorium in honor of his parents Mr. and Mrs. Chiu Te.

School year 2009-2010 marked a great milestone for Tiong San. A bridge connecting the two four-story buildings across Mapa Street was constructed through the donation of an alumnus, Mr. Samuel Po in honor of his father Mr. Gregorio Po.

Our alumni Association President for 2007-2009, Mr. Felix Uy together with his family and siblings put up seed money for the construction of an elevator in the new building going up to the auditorium located on the fourth floor.

An avalanche of donations followed from members of the Board of Trustees and alumni. Both projects were inaugurated during the 84th foundation day celebration on November 14, 2009.