A Journey to Our Past: MOGCHS chapter

By: Mechaela S. Apus

Originally Escuela Provincial Cagayan de Misamis, Misamis

Oriental General Comprehensive High School (MOGCHS) is the second oldest
secondary school in the entire Philippines. Don Apolinar Velez's love for
education led to the making of the MOGCHS as we know it today.

It was founded and inaugurated on December 15, 1909, with the

mission to educate the less fortunate Kagay-anons. All officials were present at
the inauguration, and eventually, after 13 years of perseverance, there were 12
graduates in the first graduation in 1922.

The longest reigning principal was Luz Melendez, working for

more than two decades. Luz Melendez was also the first lady principal of
MOGCHS. She was said to have made the most impact on the school.

On a further note, on June 19, 1965, R.A. 4247 enacted by the

Fifth Congress was approved, converting the Misamis Oriental High School into
a national high school to be known as the Misamis Oriental General
Comprehensive High School.

And now the school continues to teach thousands and thousands

of students. The school even has different special programs – Special Science
Program, Special Program in Arts, Special Program in Sports, and lastly Special
Program in Journalism – to give students a chance to express themselves and
show their talent.