WRITING about the evolution of the Bohol Chinese School, later known as Bohol Wisdom School, evokes a sentimental chord especially since my mom, the late Dr. Rosalinda L. Sales, Private Schools Area Supervisor, and In-Charge of Secondary Schools, Division of Bohol, had a good relationship with the school administrators. Such is my inspiration to write this piece.
The school’s history began during the pre-war era. During this period, visionary leaders Lim Kua, Carlos Yap, Yap Son Leon, Lim Bing, and Yu Ping Kon pooled their resources together to build a school for the children of Chinese families belonging to the close-knit Chinese community in Bohol.
This vision soon became a reality when in 1928-1930, the Bohol Chinese School located along Calle Libertad (now Carlos P. Garcia “CPG” Avenue) in the town of Tagbilaran, began offering basic elementary education, emphasizing the teaching of Chinese Language Arts, for Boholano Chinese pupils. The school also aspired to promote the psychological and cultural coexistence between the Chinese and the Filipino communities.
Alas, the war broke out creating havoc on Philippine soil. Bohol was not spared hence the school had to cease operation. When the Philippine liberation was declared after three years in 1945, the school resumed operation and renewed its commitment to serve the community until it incorporated on Dec. 15, 1952. The intervening years saw the school developing its foundation in the community.
In 1973, in compliance with Presidential Decree No. 176, requiring the Filipinization of all foreign schools, the Bohol Chinese School was consequently changed to Bohol Wisdom School (BWS). With this development, the Chinese Language Arts subject, was integrated into its regular curriculum.
On the school’s unique choice of name, “Wisdom” is inspired by Confucius, a Chinese teacher and philosopher, who said, “By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” It is apparent that Chinese influence has always been central in this institution.
In June 1975, a big fire razed the institution to the ground. During these tough times, classes were temporarily held in a rented building along Dagohoy Street, in Tagbilaran City. (Note: On June 18, 1966, RA 4660 otherwise known as the City Charter of Tagbilaran, was signed into law. The law provided that the City of Tagbilaran will begin to exist on July 1, 1966.) Seeing the challenges faced by both teachers and pupils in their transient setup, a generous group of Chinese leaders volunteered to construct the needed building. Thus, in 1978, a two-story concrete building was completed, and classes resumed at the downtown campus of BWS, now called CPG Avenue.
The school year 1982-1983 was another significant milestone for the school when the new administration implemented several academic innovations and educational breakthroughs while guaranteeing quality standard education and Christian character formation and the formal opening of the pre-school course, offering Nursery and Kindergarten for children ages 4-6 years old.
With the emerging trend in quality education and competitiveness, the Board of Trustees felt the need to transfer BWS to a bigger and more conducive learning environment. Wasting no time, members of the Board immediately rose to the challenge, looked for fresh funds, to acquire a suitable school location. On December 8, 1986, a simple ground-breaking ceremony took place, followed by a massive construction phase. Finally in the school year 1987-1988, BWS transferred permanently to its present site, a 1.8-hectare lot situated along CPG North Avenue in Tagbilaran City.
Meanwhile, due to the strong lobby efforts of parents and students, BWS opened its first year and second year high school curricula also in 1987-1988. In school year 1989-1990, it held its first-ever high school graduation with nineteen pioneering graduates including my sister Delora L. Sales! What a feat huh! The Wisdom high school pioneers!
Keeping at pace with the development of the times, BWS expanded its services to the community by opening its tertiary level with its flagship course, Teacher Education with English, Math, and Science as major fields in June 2004. Four years later, in March 2008, twelve graduates marched during the first-ever tertiary level graduation.
In all these significant highlights, the pre-school education, elementary education, secondary department, and tertiary level, government recognition via the Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education, respectively, had been sought and granted.
I would say that “Wisdom” as it was called back in my high school years, and which I prefer, is living proof that vision when fleshed out, can transcend generations. The wisdom of the founders as inspired by Confucius, their desire to educate the young while coexisting with the Boholano community, their sensitivity for the Filipino culture, their love for their new country, and the succeeding generations’ respect and commitment to this vision, are the very core of the institution’s strength and progress. On December 8, 2023, BWS will celebrate its 93rd foundation anniversary!
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The writer hosts Woman Talk with Belinda Sales at 91.1 Balita FM Tagbilaran City every Saturday, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. She can be reached at belindabelsales@gmail.com. Twitter @ShilohRuthie./PN
