Dr. Riza Sargado Amaguin was known as one of the best and longest-serving principals of Iloilo National High School (INHS) and an advocate of arts and culture. A woman who had made a remarkable impact in her time reached her end and received endless good wishes and gratitude. Though she had passed away, the footprints of her legacy in the lives she had touched will forever be etched.
Ma’am Riza was one of the pillars of Iloilo’s art and cultural community. She was instrumental in the establishment of INHS’ Special Program for the Arts in 1997, which is the first school for the arts outside Luzon and Mindanao.
With the support of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Ma’am Riza had played a vital role in bringing the Dagyaw Theater and Dance Company to Spain during the World Expo in 1992 to perform the Hinilawod epic of Panay. During her reign as a principal, Tribu Bola-Bola became a perennial champion of the Dinagyang Festival. She was given an award by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in their Outreach and Exchange program in 2004. Her contributions and award showed what vigor and dedication Dr. Amiguin had for her causes.
She was the kind of person who moved the hearts of those who looked up to her. Her passion for each role, as a nurturing teacher, a kind and gracious principal, and an excellent leader, sought nothing but a bright path for others.
The seeds of growth she tended for so long have prospered. You will be always be remembered, Ma’am!/PN
