By: Senador Ll. Sabunod
The Kong Hua Chinese High School is the outgrowth of two pre-war Chinese Elementary schools: the Chung Hua, which was founded by the Cagayan Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and the Hua Chao, which was established by prominent Chinese businessmen. The incorporation of the two schools was done in 1941 but which was sadly interrupted by World War II and the formal operation began only in 1945 with the construction of the new building on the present site along Tiano Brothers Street.
The School offered only elementary Chinese courses until 1948 when a complete English curriculum was opened jointly with the Chinese. Three years later, The High School Junior and Senior Chinese courses were offered and in 1955, a full four-year secondary English department was added to complete the organization.
The two-story wooden edifice on a one-hectare lot houses the administration office, auditorium, laboratory and classrooms. The school is also equipped within the vicinity with spacious playgrounds and a dormitory which provides board and lodging for non-resident faculty members and students.
Although the Kong Hua Chinese High School was established primarily for the purpose of perpetuating Chinese Culture among Chinese Citizen in the community, it does not exclude Filipinos from enrolling in both English and Chinese courses. The regular subjects of the Philippine academic curriculum are taught by Filipino teachers under the supervision of a Filipino.
Realizing the need for a system of education that would equip Chinese students for a wholesome, useful life in the Philippines, the board of trustees added the English curriculum to the Chinese. The common aims of the departments of the school consist in the cultivation and perpetuation of democratic ideals which in turn are calculated to foster respect toward the government of the Philippines and loyalty towards the Nationalist government of China. (excerpt from Kong Hua Chinese High School Yearbook 1963-1964)
