Cecilio Putong

Cecilio Kapirig Putong (February 1, 1891 – January 26, 1980) was a Filipino scholar, educator, writer, UNESCO fellow, author. In 1952, he became the Secretary of Education of the Philippines. He was one of the most brilliant minds from Bohol having a reported IQ of 138 (Very Superior) based on Otis Intelligence Scale Test.

Education Putong's first formal teacher was Maestro Andoy who happened to be the future Bohol Governor Fernando Gorraiz Rocha. The school was then the old stone building at the corner of J.A. Clarin Street and CPG Avenue, where a PNB branch still stands today.

Later, he studied at the Bohol High School established by the Thomasites, the first American teachers in the Philippines. In March 1906, after passing corresponding examinations, he obtained the primary course in March 1906 and the intermediate course certificate in June 1906.

As a scholar Diploma for Normal Course, Philippine Normal School, Manila, graduated as Class Valedictorian (1908–12) Intermediate School Principal, Dimiao, Bohol, 1912 Teacher, Bohol High School, 1915–17 Division Academic Supervisor, Iloilo Province, 1921–22. High School Principal, Provinces of Abra and La Union, 1922–24 Superintendent of Schools in Various provinces, 1924–27, 1929–31 Chief, Curriculum Department, Bureau of Education, 1931–38 Superintendent of City Schools, Manila, 1938–45. Professional Lecturer on Education, University of the Philippines, 1940–41 and 1946 Chief, Elementary Education, Department of Instruction, 1945–46 Assistant Director of Public Schools, 1946–48 Director of Public Schools, 1948–49 Undersecretary of Education, 1949–52 Secretary of Education, 1952-1954

Writings Editor, "Visayan Planters", UP College of Agriculture, 1915 Editor, "Western Courier", Western Illinois State Teachers College, 1919 Author, "Bohol and Its People" (Manila, 1965) Co-Author with Lydia Abad-Santos, "Philippine Community Life for First Year High School" (G. Miranda & Sons, 1963) Co-Author with C. de la Pena and I. Fajardo, "Livingin Our Country, Grade 5" and "Living in Our World, Grade 6" (Bookman, Inc., 1964 & 1968) Editorials in the "Filipino Teacher" (1956–1961) Writer of various articles and speeches on education, boy scout movement, and related topics

Awards and citations At the age of 13 when he joined a contest in composition writing. His piece, "The Province of Bohol" won him first prize, receiving five pesos from Judge Charles H. Burritt and two pesos more from Governor Salustiano Borja. First Prize, Composition Writing Contest on "The Province of Bohol" held on Nov 28, 1904 (prize of P5 from Judge Charles Buritt and P2 from Bohol Governor Salustiano Borja) First Prize, Folklore Writing Contest conducted by the Philippine Education Company in 1910 (prize: any course offered by the Int'l. Correspondence School based in USA) Rizal "Pro Patria" Award for Education in Nationalism- given by President Carlos P. Garcia during the first centenary of Dr. Jose Rizal's birthday (June 19, 1961) Received the honorary degree of Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, by the University of Bohol (May 15, 1975) Citation as Outstanding Alumnus of the Philippine Normal College (formerly Phil. Normal School) during its Golden Jubilee (Sept.2, 1951) Citation for Faithful and Inspired Service to the Philippine Educational System from Classroom Teacher to Undersecretary of Education --- given during its Golden Jubilee on December 16, 1951 Award for Distinguished Service to the Philippine School System --- given by the Philippine Association of School Superintendents in 1956 Bronze Usa, Silver Usa and Bronze Tamaraw (various Dates); Silver Tamaraw (1954); Gold Medal of Merit (1958); Special Plaque for Distinguished Service (1960); and Certificate of Recognition (1961) --- all from the Boy Scouts of the Philippines Certificate of Appreciation --- from the Jose Rizal National Centennial Commission (1961) Citation for Services Rendered as Ex-chairman of the board of Regents --- given by the University of the Philippines (1963) Award of Merit for Outstanding Service in the field of Education --- given by the Bohol Association, Inc. in Manila (1959) Citation as Educator of the Year --- given by the Lions Club of Tagbilaran

Membership Member, Radio Control Board Member, Board of Textbooks Chairman, Committee on Study and Training in the US Member, Board of Directors, United States Educational Foundation in the Philippines Member, Commission on Educational, Scientific, and Educational Matters Member, National Executive Board, Boy Scouts of the Philippines Kappa Delta Pi

Honors and recognition Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School - formerly the Bohol National High School (BNHS), a public secondary educational institution in Tagbilaran City named after him through Republic Act No. 8016 sponsored by Congressman Isidro Zarraga Jr enacted on May 25, 1995. It is located along Carlos P. Garcia Avenue. Putong Street - formerly Ma. Clara Street, a street in downtown Tagbilaran City.