LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – Laoag students have a new option for advanced science education with the inauguration of the Rodolfo CG Fariñas Jr. National Science High School (RCGFNSHS) on June 19.
The school, located in Barangay Vira, officially opened its doors in time for the upcoming academic year.
Officials from the city government of Laoag and the Department of Education-Schools Division Office of Laoag City and former first district of Ilocos Norte representative Rodolfo Fariñas unveiled the school’s marker and welcomed the first batch of students, composed of 80 incoming Grade 7 students.
The school was named after Fariñas’ son, who died in a vehicular accident in 2015 and was established under Republic Act No. 10965, signed into law on December 28, 2017.
As the main author of the law, the former congressman was elated with the school’s inauguration in time for the opening of the new academic year.
“As we all know, national science high schools have the highest standards among high schools in our educational system. In Region 1, there is only one science high school located in San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur. Thanks to the support from members of the House of Representatives and the Senate, especially from the President, establishing a national science high school in our province has become a law,” said Fariñas.
The RCGFNSHS will provide a complete secondary education program with an enriched science and math curriculum.
Fariñas said there will be two sections for the first batch of students and hopes to welcome more students in the coming school year.
“A total of 135 applicants were qualified, but only the top 80 were selected for its initial operation,” said Flenie Galicinao, education program supervisor of DepEd-Laoag City.
Meanwhile, Laoag City Vice Mayor Carlos Fariñas said the school’s inauguration stands as a “beacon of hope” for the young learners.
“The establishment of this science high school is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence in education and to providing our young minds with the necessary tools and resources to excel in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This institution stands as a beacon of hope, a hub of innovation, and a cradle of knowledge that will nurture the next generation of innovators, scientists, and leaders,” said the vice mayor. (AMB/MJTAB/PIA Ilocos Norte)
