Mayor David Alfeche Administration

Mayor David Alfeche
Vice Mayor Marcelo Tolentino


Introduction

          The administration of Simeon Canonero which was quite a long stretch of time ended with the victory of Mayor David Alfeche in the November 1959 election. Alimodian was under the leadership of Mayor Canonero for 14 years, the period that was immediately after the liberation to 1959.

The term of Mayor David Alfeche
          Mayor David Alfeche was known for his affable manners before, during and after his incumbency. He is a light-hearted man and a friend to all. He was born on May 19, 1910 and was married to Estrella Alfeche with whom he has two children, Herminia Alfeche Nieves and David Jr.

Pre-Mayoralty Days
          Before Mayor Alfeche ascended the mayoralty, he held various positions both in the government and private firms. Before the outbreak of the war, he was assistant local civil registrar and stenographer of Judge Cipriano Cabaluna, Sr. This position he held for several years until he became the secretary of President Justo Puga.
          Later, he left that job and sought greener pastures in the city. He landed a job as the stenographer of the Philippine Engineering Corporation. After a couple of years, he was promoted as manager of the same firm, but was transferred to Bacolod City.
          In 1940 he returned to his native town and worked as municipal secretary of Mayor Felix Altura, the position he held until the outbreak of the war. During the Japanese occupation, Mayor Alfeche joined the Civil Resistance Movement as stenographer of Gov. Tomas Confesor in the mountains of Panay.
         After the war he landed a government job as stenographer in the Court of First Instance, 17th Judicial District, Iloilo. He again transferred to a private company, the South Negros Lumber Company in Asia, (now Hibao-an) Negros Occidental. While working there he became popular with the townspeople so that he was first elected as vice mayor and in the next election he was elected mayor. Aside from holding the highest post in that municipality, he was also the manager of that firm.

His Political Career
         Mayor Alfeche started his political career when he launched his candidacy and won as councilor during the second term of Mayor Canonero in 1951 – 1954. Then in the third bid for mayoralty of Canonero, Mayor Alfeche ran for vice mayor and won over his opponent, Atty. Miguel Anas under the Canonero banner.
         Quite confident of his political bailiwick, Mayor Alfeche threw his hat in the political ring in the November 1959 election and defeated his opponents, Atty. Miguel Anas and the incumbent Mayor Canonero, who was an aspirant for mayoralty in his fourth bid. His running mate, Marcelo Tolentino, also won as vice mayor. His councilors were Teodosia Amarra, Jose Anico, Gabriel Alingasa, Silverio Amantillo, Salvador Altura, Aquiles Cabaluna, Felix Anas and Gerardo Pinuela.
         As mayor of the town, he tried his best to do everything for the benefit of both the town and its constituents. As the chief executive of the town, Mayor Alfeche took care of every detail in his administration and his first concern was the economic uplift of the citizens. It was during his administration that the credit union was organized in the community. This organization has helped much in the economic life of the people.

Alimodian National Comprehensive High School List Of Valedictorians and Salutatorians

 Year    Valedictorians   Salutatorians    Name of the School


1949 – 1950        Lilia  Alderete                Virginia Alingasa                             AHS
1950 - 1951         Loreto Alderete              Braulia Pedalezo                            AHS
1951 – 1952        Domingo Amaguin         Gloria Angostura                            AHS
1952 – 1953        Ireneo Amantillo              Lydia Alingasa                              AHS
1953 – 1954        Florecita Belandres          Carmen Alcudia                           AHS
1954 – 1955        Luz Salarda                     Quintin Alcudia                            AHS
1955 – 1956        Imelda Belandres            Gorgonio Broces                          AHS
1956 – 1957        Raymundo Pedalezo         Rodulfo Anas                             AHS
1957 – 1958        Felina Sina-on                Bana-ag Octaviano                      AHS
1958 – 1959        Romeo Amaguin              Juanita Alloso                             AHS
1959 – 1960       Florence Tolentino               Elvira Alli                                AHS
1960 – 1961        Angioline Loredo             Elena Aguaras                            AHS
1961 – 1962         Ermela Tolentino             Emma Garillos                           AHS
1962 – 1963           Letecia Tacal                Imelda Alderete                         AHS
1963 – 1964          Serapion Algallar            Romeo Boglosa                        AHS
                                (Boys Group)
                                 Lina Tizuela                 Josefina Almira
                                (Girls Group)
1964 – 1965              Ely Tizuela                  Felino Alejan                         ANVHS
                                (Boys Group)
                                Ninfa Saclote                Myrna Alicer
                                (Girls Group)
1965 – 1966         Yulomeo Florentino         Panfilo Allones                      ANVHS
                                (Boys Group)
                               Gilda Anico                   Virginia Tacal
                                (Girls Group)
1966 – 1967           Norme Adolfo              Pabiolito Allones                    ANVHS
                               (Boys Group)
                               Letecia Capitpit            Gadilla Amarillo                     ANVHS
                               (Girls Group)
1967 – 1968           Leopoldo Ambut          Trino Andicoy                       ANVHS
                               (Boys Group)
                               Vivian Alinsao              Ma. Nila Aliparo                   ANVHS
                               (Girls Group)
1968 – 1969           Gregorio Amarra          Santiago Amase                    ANVHS
                               (Boys Group)
                               Tomasita Alejan           Leila Caparanga
                               (Girls Group)
1969 – 1970           Marilyn Tacal               Agnes Alcudia                      ANVHS
                               Juanito Vinson              Emmanuel Tagurigan            ANVHS
1970 – 1971           Mary Ann Alto             Violeta Sanoy                      ANCHS
                               Ely  Arensol                  Vinick Albelar
                               Efren Anacan                Flordeliza Alpis
1971 – 1972           Prusimila Aliparo          Maylinda Saclote
                              Yvonne Alderete (Girls Group)       Felina Alquitran
                              Ariel Alcudia (Boys Group)            Onofre Amoto
1972 – 1973          Imelda Boglosa                              Arlene Menisis
                             Agnes Caparanga (Girls Group)      Jocelyn Alvia
                             Dominador Calisura (Boys Group)  Jessie Siasico
1973 – 1974         Sonia Alejan                                   Jimmy Almiranes
                             Nora Garillos (Girls Group)            Corazon Amarillo
                             Roger Alderete (Boys Group)         Joe Russel Arensol
1974 – 1975         Wynne Siaton                                Ma. Sharon Nolasco
                              Lolita Amo (Girls Group)              Marlene Alingasa
                              Domingo Allanic (Boys Group)      Andres Anaud
1975 – 1976          Rosela Ambata                             Teresita Perez
                              Cynthia Alderete (Girls Group)      Marilyn Alto
                              Rodrigo Cagud (Boys Group)        Rodrigo Tayong
1976 – 1977          Raymundo Cabangbang                 Romeo Andig
1977 – 1978          Gilberto Altura                              Cecilia Alinsangan
1978 – 1979           Perseveranda Juanita Amantillo     Ma. Jane Cellini Sta. Cruz
1979 – 1980           Rowena Dagdag                          Ma. Celia Canonero
1980 – 1981           Victor Amantillo Jr.                      Roel Alli
1981 – 1982           Viviene Portillo                            Mary Ann Salarda
1982 – 1983           Rosendo Escobar III                   Ma. Rose Almeniana
1983 – 1984           Ma. Orpha Alonsabe                  Ma. Lucia Borromeo
1984 – 1985           Geneveve Alfafaras                     Christie Amuan

1991 - 1992            Ma. Christine Alejan                  Ma. Riza Suerte
1993 -1994            Stephanie Almira                         Caroline Capitulo 
1996 - 1997            Vanessa Ampil                            Flor Kenneth Alobin
1997 - 1998            Jonna Cabarang                          Cristina Alfeche
1998 - 1999            Kenneth Mondero                       Sheryl Jane Silva
1999 - 2000            Felimae Cervantes                       Ma. Lanie Sabidalas
2000 - 2001            Flory Ann Alinsud                        Bevien Alcantara
2001 - 2002            Lucky Marie Caparanga              Nancy Castiva
2002 - 2003            Marjorie Ambut                          Juanito Amarillo
2003 - 2004            Realyn Amoyan                          Laurice Abadia
2007 - 2008            Jestine Chloe Alger                     Kristine Cubita
2010 - 2011            Zenailen Jhen Nedula                   Jann Ray Alib

ANCHS List Of School Principals (1947-2010)

ANCHS School Principal (1947-2010)

Mr. Pedro Robles
Mr. Felipe Toledanes
Mr. Crispin Vacante
Mr. Domingo Batocael
Mr. Jose V. Francisco
Mr. Wilfredo Lena – Principal-in-Charge
Mr. Numeriano Defensor
Mr. Fermin Monserate
Mrs.. Fe B. Andres
Mr. Dioscoro G. Gil, Jr.
Mrs. Phoebe Andiano

From ANVHS to ANCHS

From ANVHS to ANCHS
               In 1960, through the effort of Cong. Domitilio Abordo, the school was converted into a vocational high school. Under the administration of Mr. Crispin Vacante, rapid improvement was undergone by the school. A spacious quadrangle, the U-shaped building, the canteen, the Girls Trades building adjoining the administration building and the concrete fence were constructed during Vacante’s tenure.

              With the conversion of the school into the Alimodian National Vocational High School, the problem of administration came up. One principal after another headed the school. Mr. Domingo Batocael took over the post of Mr. Vacante as principal while the latter became head of the Related Subjects Department.
              When Mr. Batocael was transferred to Negros Occidental School of Arts and Trades, Mr. Jose V. Francisco, head of the vocational department, was promoted principal. When Mr. Francisco was transferred to Sta. Barbara Vocational High School, Mr. Wilfredo Lena, head of the Vocational Department, took charge of the school for one year. In the year 1969-1970, Mr. Numeriano Defensor was appointed principal of the school. In 1971, Mr. Vacante was promoted principal of Cabatuan Comprehensive High School and Miss Visitacion Sta. Cruz took over the post as head of the Related Subjects Department.
              By Virtue of Republic Act No. 2410 the Alimodian National Vocational High School was converted to the Alimodian National Comprehensive High School through the representation of Congresswoman Gloria Tabiana. The ANCHS was then under the Division of Iloilo. The formal turn-over of the school by Mr. Manuel Gonzales, representative of the Iloilo School of Arts and Trades, to Mr. Antonio V. Tanchuan, superintendent of the Division of Iloilo, was made in August 1970.
             On August 6, 1972, Mr. Fermin Monserate took over as principal of the school. Many improvements were made during his term. He was responsible for the leveling of the athletic field before the WISA meet held in the school in 1974. The concrete path from the main gate to the two-storey building was realized through his initiative. The grandstand and stage at the athletic field were constructed during his administration.
            When Mr. Monserate became principal of Sta. Barbara National Comprehensive High School, Mrs. Fe B. Andres took over. It was during the incumbency of Mrs. Andres that new buildings began sprouting in the campus. Among them are the Administration building, two-storey building for sciences and arts, renovation of the Social Hall and the further leveling of the athletic field for SISA meet 1983. At present the old Home Economics building renovated with the initial cost of P80,000.
            The ANCHS has acquired three permanent buildings since the appointment of Mrs. Fe B. Andres as principal of the school. No principal has ever given such improvements to the school. This can be accounted to the dynamic personality and persistence of Mrs. Fe B. Andres to give improvements that these buildings were constructed.
           The first building constructed under her administration was the two-storey Administrative Building which houses the offices of the staff in the ground floor and the library in the second storey. It stands majestic on the school campus and it can easily be seen as one approaches the place.
           The next building constructed was the two-storey 18-room building costing the government P2,000,000. This building houses the office of the Administrative assistant, auditor and the Science, English and Pilipino deparments.
          The another building built on the campus is the PE building which was constructed from the excess amount appropriated for the two-storey building in the amount P185,000. It was turned over by the MPWH to the MECS on March 20, 1984 and at the same time it was blessed by Rev. Fr. Justiniano Hingco.
         Mr. Dioscoro G. Gil, Jr. took over the post of Mrs. Fe B. Andres in 1992. Under his administration, new buildings were constructed, academic achievements and accomplishments of students has improved and at the same time he put Alimodian on the map of the province sports by enhancing the capabilities of the athletes on an improved training.
         At present, Mrs. Phoebe Andiano is the school principal of ANCHS and has made tremendous accomplishments very early into her administration. Lots of improvements has been done and implemented in the school fortifying the reputation of the school as one of the effective learning institution in the province.

The Early Years Of Alimodian National Comprehensive High School

Alimodian High School 1949 Teachers

The Early Years

             In July 1947, the Alimodian High School was finally opened. Mr. Pedro Robles of Leon, Iloilo was appointed first principal of the high school. Teachers from this place who were teaching in the Iloilo Provincial High School, like Mr. Salvador Amaguin, Mrs. Roqueta T. Belandres and Mr. Felix Amparado were transferred to the new school.
             As expected, numerous problems were faced by the students and teachers at the school opening. The school had to be leveled and the campus had to be fenced. The houses along Alibango Street had to be dismantled and constructed again elsewhere. This seemingly impossible task was accomplished by the pioneer students, numbering 50 headed by the class president, Napoleon Calderon.
             Two years later, a two-room, semi-permanent building was constructed from the pork barrel of the late Cong. Tiburcio Lutero. The Lutero building was located where the concrete, two-storey administration building presently stands.
            On December 3, 1951, typhoon Amy destroyed the nipa building. As a result classes were congested under the Home Economics building. The school head, Mr. Felipe Toledanes and the Parents-Teachers Association, pooled their resources together and put a semi-permanent Related Subjects Building. In its place today stands an imposing 18 classroom two-storey building which houses the Science, English and Pilipino classrooms.

The Alimodian National Comprehensive High School

Alimodian High School Founders


Alimodian High School pioneer teachers


Introduction
               Immediately after the war, school houses were burned and it was a great undertaking of both the local and national government to rehabilitate them. The War Damage Claim of the Alimodian Central Elementary School helped a lot in reconstructing it. But it was a different case for the secondary education in the community because before the war only cities and capital towns had high schools.
               If the greatest accomplishment of Mayor Simeon Canonero would be singled out, it would be most probably the founding of the Alimodian High School, now, the Alimodian National Comprehensive High School in 1947.
               Right after the end of the Second World War, schools were opened so that students whose studies were interrupted by four years of fighting could finish their respective courses. Since there was no secondary school in town, high school students enrolled either in Oton High School or in the Iloilo Provincial High School. The sad thing about the situation was that transportation facilities were so limited, or at times completely lacking that young people who were earnest enough to obtain an education, had to contend with searing heat of the sun and the heavy rain as they went on foot to their school 25 kilometers away.

Establishment of the Alimodian High School
               Cognizant to the deplorable conditions of the students, municipal officials deemed it wise to put up a regional high school in this town. Mayor Canonero called a session of the Municipal Council and barrio tenientes to ready plans for the founding of an educational institution.
               The main problem by those who attended the meeting was the site of the proposed school. Since the center of the poblacion was already relatively populated and many families would be displaced should the school be built there, it was decided that the school be built in the town’s outskirts like Alibango Street. The main factor in choosing this site was that a wide portion of the school site was owned by the Alderete family. With a big heart, the mayor led the owners of the lots adjacent to the family lot to donate their land. Many donors gave their lots gratis, but some were given lots in Anino Street in exchange for those they donated.
              The major donors of the school site were Mr. Wenceslao Anino, Mrs. Patrocinio Canonero, Mrs. Matilde Alipala, Mrs. Paula Amonoy Calantas, Mrs. Teodosia Amarra, Mrs. Natalia Amparado, Mr. Gregorio Angelitud, Mr. Mauricio Canuto, Mr. Jose Andeo, Mr. Tiburcio Alfiscar, and Mr. Hugo Alfiscar.
              The founders of the school were Mayor Simeon Canonero, Vice Mayor Anacleto Amparo, councilors Wenceslao Anino, Ignacio Amparado, Pablo Albeza, Gabriel Alingasa and Teodosia Amarra.
             Nipa and bamboo were the chief materials used for the construction of the classrooms and the Home Economics building. Mr. Ignacio Amparado, a councilor at that time, lent his personal money for the procurement of the necessary materials. Labor was supplied free by the barrio tenientes and their men and other civic-spirited people in the community.

Mayor Simeon Cañonero Third Term

Canonero’s Third Term 1956-1959

           The people of Alimodian did not have enough of the good works of Mayor Simeon Canonero during the ten years of his incumbency, so they elected him again for the third term beginning in 1956. And he did not disappoint his people because during his last years in office he initiated several endeavors which made the people regard him as one of the best of all mayors ever to serve Alimodian.


Other Projects
            The Puericulture Center that stands to safeguard the health of the residents came into being from the pork barrel allotment of Sen. Quintin Paredes and most of all Cong. Ramon Tabiana, who gave a lot of improvements in the municipality. The prime mover for the project was the mayor’s lady, Mrs. Patrocinio Canonero, the president of the Puericulture Center during the long term of her husband. She was even given an award by the Bureau of Health in Manila as an outstanding puericulture center president.
            During the rainy season, the Aganan River overflowed its banks causing damage to life and property. The administration of Canonero made a plan to deviate its course. However, the people soon realized that redirecting the river bed was not enough as the pressure of the onrushing current often lapped on the bank and diverted the river back to its former course. Therefore, in 1959, a river control was constructed to buffer the impact of the river’s flow. P30,000 from the municipal fund was spent for this project.

Other Improvements
             Several other improvements of the Canonero administration deserve mention. Among these was the repair of the HE Building of the local high school.
            Mayor Canonero was able to improve the town plaza from the amount given by Sen. Mariano Cuenco and Sen. Soc Rodrigo. To complete the Alibango Elementary School, the local government acquired P10,000 funding from the Provincial Board.
            Other notable projects included the repair of roads and bridges, especially in San Sixto, San Modesto and Almacen Streets. Sadly though, these construction works yielded to the test of time and today had been rehabilitated, repaired for a long term use.
             If the most outstanding achievement of Mayor Simeon Canonero would be singled out, it would most probably be the Alimodian National Comprehensive High School which up to this time has sent out alumni who have shone brightly in practically all fields of endeavor. This will be discussed in detail in my next blog.