# Digos City National High School

Digos City National High School (DiCNHS), formerly known as Davao del Sur National High School, is situated at Rizal Avenue, Zone II, Digos, is one of the biggest schools in Davao Region, under the jurisdiction of the DepEd Division of Digos. Digos City National High School is also once the second largest secondary school in the country in terms of student population, second only to Rizal National High School in Pasig. Founded in August 1946 with the name of Digos Junior High school.

## History

Digos City National High School (DICNHS) was founded in August, 1946. It was originally named Digos Junior High School. It started with just two humble nipa huts at Rizal Avenue, Digos, Davao del Sur. The school principal, then, was the late Crispin Tolentino. There were only nine teachers to help him guide the 250 students from 1946 to 1967. Two years later, the name was changed to Digos Provincial High School.
From 1968 to 1975, the school principal was the late Federico Alferez. The school had 4,760 students, 249 teachers and employees. After twenty-nine years of hard work, perseverance and determination on the part of the administrator, the enrollment tremendously increase and later the name of the school was changed to Davao del Sur National High School specifically in 1970. At that time, there was an assistant principal, 8 department heads and guidance coordinator.
Mr. Ramon C. Presto became the school principal from 1976 to 1997 with 7,118 students, 252 teachers and seventeen employees until he died in 1997. Mr. Alfonso G. Gomez, Jr., CESO V, Schools Division Superintendent of Davao del Sur took over and acted as Officer-in-Charge of the school from 1997 to August 12, 1998 with 7,973 students, 252 teachers and 17 employees.
On August 13, 1998, Dr. Concepcion R. Cadungog, former Education Supervisor in Mathematics and Assistant to the Schools Division Superintendent, Division of Davao del Sur took over from Mr. Alfonso G. Gomez, Jr. as Secondary School Principal IV with 12,110 students, 263 teachers and 18 employees.
Digos City Ordinance No. 05- II changed the name of Davao del Sur National High School into Digos City National High School last November 10, 2005. The ordinance is known as the Digos City National High Ordinance authored by City Councilor Josef F. Cagas and City Councilor Atty. Vic P. Cadungog, co-authored by all members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Digos attested by then Vice-Mayor Atty. Joseph Peňas and approved by the then Digos Mayor, Atty. Arsenio A. Latasa.

## Academic programs
### Basic education curriculum

This is a regular curriculum with special features for students whose needs are preparation for higher learning and gainful employment.
The four year curriculum builds on Basic Education Curriculum (BEC) with Technical vocational Education (TLE) as the core of the program. Opportunities for students to "earn-while-you-learn" shall be explored in this program. The use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance teaching and learning shall be encouraged.
The BEC also provides special classes/sections for students whose final grades are not less than 85%, called Pilot classes.
Subjects taken by the students in the General Curriculum:
| Subjects | Grade 7 | Grade 8 | Grade 9 | Grade 10 |
| Science | General Science | Biology | Chemistry | Physics |
| Mathematics | Elementary Algebra | Intermediate Algebra | Geometry | Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry, Statistics |
| English | Grammar and Philippine Literature | Grammar and Afro-Asian Literature | Grammar and American Literature | Grammar and World Literature |
| Filipino | Pag-unawa | Gramatika | Panitikang Pilipino | Panitikang Asyano |
| Social Studies (AP) | Philippine History and Government | Asian History | World History | Economics |
| Music, Arts, Physical Education & Health (MAPEH) | Music, Arts, Physical Education & Health 7 | Music, Arts, Physical Education & Health 8 | Music, Arts, Physical Education & Health 9 | Music, Arts, Physical Education & Health 10, Citizenship Advancement Training I (CAT I) |
| Technology and Livelihood Education | Agriculture, Home Economics, Drafting and Entrepreneurship | Agriculture, Home Economics, Drafting and Entrepreneurship | Agriculture, Baking, Electronics, Dressmaking, Cosmetology, Entrepreneurship and Drafting | Basic Computer Literacy, Agriculture, Culinary arts, Electronics, Entrepreneurship, Home Economics, Cosmetology, Baking, Drafting and Dressmaking |
| Values (EPP) | Values Education (Sarili) | Values Education (Kapwa) | Values Education (Lipunan) | Values Education (Diyos) |

### Science Technology and Engineering Program (STE)

The program has an enriched Science, Mathematics and English curriculum in addition to the standard requirements of the secondary education curriculum.
It provides additional enrichment material for Science and Technology, Mathematics and Earth Science.
Incoming first year students in Science Network Classes are required to pass OLSAT Aptitude and Ability Test and Personality Test.
They must maintain a final grade of not less than 85% in all subjects.
Subjects taken by ESEP students:
| Subjects | Grade 7 | Grade 8 | Grade 9 | Grade 10 |
| Science | General Science | Biology | Chemistry | Advanced Physics |
| Mathematics | Elementary Algebra | Intermediate Algebra | Advanced Algebra | Trigonometry, Precalculus & Calculus |
| English | Grammar and Philippine Literature | Grammar and Afro-Asian Literature | Grammar and Anglo-American Literature | Grammar and World Literature |
| Filipino | Pag-unawa | Gramatika | Panitikang Pilipino | Panitikang Asyano |
| Social Studies (AP) | Asian History | World History | Economics | Social Studies |
| Music, Arts, Physical Education & Health (MAPEH) | Music, Arts, Physical Education & Health 7 | Music, Arts, Physical Education & Health 8 | Music, Arts, Physical Education & Health 9 | Music, Arts, Physical Education & Health 10, Citizenship Advancement Training I (CAT I) |
| Values (EP) | Values Education (Sarili) | Values Education (Kapwa) | Values Education (Lipunan) | Values Education (Diyos) |
| Science electives | Research I, Environmental Science | Research II, Microbiology | Research III, Robotics | Advanced Chemistry, Research IV |
| Math electives | Elementary Algebra | Advanced Geometry | Advanced Trigonometry | Basic Calculus |

### Special Program in the Arts (SPA)

The program provides special curriculum offerings for the development of talents and interest in visual arts, creative writing in English and Filipino, music, theatre arts, dance arts in addition to the standard requirements of the secondary education curriculum.
Special Program in the Arts envisions an excellent young artist with aesthetic potential and renewed spiritually committed to the preservation of Filipino Culture and heritage. Its objective is to develop students with special inclination to music, visual arts, theatre arts, creative writing, media arts and dance.
It is a nationwide program for students with potential or talents in the arts, namely, Music, Visual Arts, Theatre Arts, Media Arts, Creative Writing and Dance.

### Special Education (SPED) Program

The program provides activities for students who are visually impaired, hearing impaired, mentally retarded, autistic or orthopedically handicapped and fast learners.

### Special Program in Sports (SPS)

Special Program in Sports (SPS) is in line with the efforts of the Department of Education to institutionalize a program that will identify/discover students with potential talent in sports and hone their skills for higher levels of athletic competitions.

### Special Program in Foreign Language (SPFL) Spanish and Chinese Mandarin

The Special Program in Foreign Language is for schools whose students have demonstrated competence in English and are capable of learning another foreign language. In this school, it is given to the pilot section every grade level, one section for Spanish and another section for Chinese Mandarin.

### Open High School Program

This program aims to provide alternative mode of delivering secondary education. It puts premium on independent, self-pacing and flexible study to reach learners who are unable to start or complete secondary education due to problem of time, distance, education design, physical impairment, financial difficulties or family problems.
The Open High School Program is learner-centered and makes use of a wide range of teaching/learning strategies through combination of print and non-print media.

### Non-Formal Education (NFE) or Alternative Learning System (ALS)

This program offers alternative learning opportunities for the out of school youth and adults specifically those who are 15 years and above and unable to avail themselves of the educational services and programs of the formal education. It reaches out to citizens of varied interest, demographic, characteristics and socio-economic origins and status.
Its primary objective is to provide literacy programs to eradicate illiteracy.

## Student service program and facilities

In line with its objectives of developing a well-rounded personality of Digos City National High School, the school maintains the following facilities and implements the following services:

### Guidance Services

Formal guidance counseling services as well as informal guidance counseling are provided to the students through frequent, cordial and simulating contacts. Programs are provided to direct and assist the students in their academic, spiritual and moral, emotional/psychological, social, career likewise with personal and impersonal relationship.

### Library Services

Books in the library are available on open shelves. Students can use them freely. Books should be returned to their respective shelves after use.
The school library is located in the second floor of the Multi-Media Center near the HE Building and Food Court. It is open daily from Monday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm to cater the services to the students of the Daily Class Program and Open High School Program (OHSP).

### Prefect of Discipline

This Office is directly in charge of discipline. The coordinator and members are responsible for the discipline of students and investigation of violation of school rules and regulations. They recommend penalties to the Principal.
The Office of the Prefect of Discipline is adjacent to the Guidance Office and near to the Administration Office.

### Health Services

To promote good health and well-being of the students, the school provides first aid in emergency cases.
The Clinic is maintained by one full-time nurse and part-time assistants who are available to attend to the health needs of the students. Free medicines and first aid treatments are provided in the clinic.
The school clinic is located in the main building near the School Centrex and Mathematics department office.

### Computer Laboratory

The computer laboratories are located on the second floor of the Science Building, School Centrex, HE Building, Library and Multi-Media Room.
These laboratories provide services to the students during their classes in computer and in the computer-aided instruction.

### Food Services

Good nutrition is essential to student’s growth, development and achievement. The school canteen provides these services. It serves the food and nutritional needs of the students like snacks, lunch, breakfast, and school supplies. The students are also provided the opportunity of developing desirable food habits and social behavior.
The school canteen is located near the Science Building, HE Building and Multi-Media Center.
The school canteen also serves as a laboratory for Home Economics, retail trade and in the incidental teaching of health and nutrition. It provides hands-on training for students on planning, purchasing, handling and storage, preparation, serving and sale on safe and nutritious meals.

### Science Laboratories

Science Laboratories provide services both for Science teachers and students to help facilitate the learning of Science and Technology courses. They provide laboratory facilities that would create proper atmosphere conductive for science investigation and in the preparation, distribution and the use of science equipment and supplies in their demonstration class, individual or group experiments and projects.
The science laboratories are located in the following venues: A. DOST Building near the Security Guard House for Physics Laboratory and Research/ Advance Chemistry Laboratory. B. Main Building near the Science Department Office and Filipino Department for Chemistry Laboratory and Science I Laboratory. C. Science Building Near the school canteen for Biology Laboratory.

### TLE Laboratories

These laboratories provide services to the students in TLE classes in the four curricular areas:
* Home Economics
* Agriculture
* Industrial Arts
* Entrepreneurship

### Values Formation Center

To enrich the classroom experiences and to develop n the students the desired values and attitudes as persons, the campus ministries in the different religious sectors provide services for worshiping and living. To attain these goals, they conduct prayer sessions, class formation, Eucharistic celebration, meditations and readings of magazine, bible and pamphlets in the Meditation Garden located at the back of the left wing of the main building
Digos City National High School Marching Band - Bacoor Festival 2016 National Marching Showband Champion

## Commission on Elections and Appointments (ComEA)

Chairwoman: Ellah Michelle Antonio Screening and Validation Commissioner: Ellah Michelle Antonio Electoral Commissioner: Leigh Marvin Emphasis Appointment Commissioner: Zhairelle Florentino Grievance Commissioner: Sophia Bajalla

## League of Engineering and Science Students (LESS)

The League of Engineering and Science Students (LESS) is a student organization at Digos City National High School, dedicated to fostering scientific inquiry, leadership, and camaraderie among students in the Science, Technology, and Engineering (STE) program. Founded in 2012 by Gene Patrick S. Libre, LESS has grown into a well-structured academic community known for its leadership framework, competitive events, and commitment to academic and extracurricular excellence.
Structure and Leadership
LESS is composed of multiple subcamps, each named after a chemical element, symbolizing the organization's foundation in science and engineering. The subcamps include:
* Aluminum
* Beryllium
* Krypton
* Platinum
* Promethium
* Thorium
* Titanium
* Tungsten
* Uranium
* Xenon
* Zirconium
Each subcamp is led by a Camptain (leader) and a Subcamptain (co-leader), who oversee activities, guide members, and encourage collaboration within their respective groups.
Events and Activities
LESS organizes multiple academic, leadership, and community-building events throughout the school year, including:
* LESS Acquaintance Party – A welcoming event to introduce new members to the organization and strengthen connections among students.
* LESS Workshop – A training event aimed at developing skills in journalism, digital art, graphic design, debate, research, first aid, and other fields.
* LESS Pulse Kindness – A charitable initiative providing donations and support to local homes for the aged and orphanages, embodying the organization’s commitment to social responsibility.
* LESS Camp – A major event fostering teamwork and camaraderie through various challenges. It also features the LESS Ambassador and Ambassadress pageant, where student representatives are selected based on leadership, intelligence, and character.
* LESS Fun Run (introduced in 2024) – A newly established event that promotes health, fitness, and family bonding while raising funds for charitable causes.
* LESS Congress – The organization's official assembly, where members discuss policies, upcoming projects, and key organizational matters.
Impact and Legacy
The League of Engineering and Science Students has established itself as a leading organization at Digos City National High School. With its commitment to holistic student development—balancing academics, leadership, sports, and social responsibility—LESS continues to inspire students to pursue excellence in science and engineering while fostering a sense of unity and purpose.
Through its structured leadership, competitive events, and dedication to both academic and social causes, LESS remains a driving force in shaping future scientists, engineers, and leaders.
Active Batch of Officers (S.Y. 2024 - 2025)
* President: Alyssa Marie D. Biore
* Vice President: Cyann Carlette G. Mandawe
* Secretary: Pete Margaud L. Donaire
* Assistant Secretary: Gelliane A. Avila
* Treasurer: Zuri Abigail O. Matab
* Assistant Treasurer: Rickhesyha May C. Yamomo
* Auditor: Hanz Emmanuel D. Baron
* Public Information Officer: Xyrex A. Sayson
* Public Information Officer: Estepany M. Suetado
* Business Manager: Christian Andrei C. Gasper
* Business Manager: Kirsten Ferenc Ll. Bontia
* Media Officer: Jamela Aiah Gayle A. Florentino
* Media Officer: Gabriel Yuan G. Panuda
* Media Officer: Julianne Camille A. Tan
* Media Officer: Cyril Anthony C. Gemina
* Media Officer: Raine Annika Fe G. Davo
* Grade 10 Representative: Railee Aquila C. Francisco
* Grade 9 Representative: Zenia Gracielynn Mercel A. Nerosa
* Grade 8 Representative:Purple Lian R. Moring
* Moderator: Mrs. Aengel F. Samoranos
* Moderator: Mr. Jaime S. Crispino

## Campus Press

Publications

### Ang Bagong Landas

Ang Bagong Landas is the official publication of the Digos City National High School for Filipino. It has received a lot awards not only locally but also regionally and nationally. The current editor-in-chief is Irl Dean Cobias, and the incumbent advisers are Mrs. Fe Jumalin and Mr. Ramon Gravino.
Patnugot sa Editoryal Irl Dean Cobias
Patnugot sa Lathalain Allysa Oropel
Patnugot sa Agham at Teknolohiya Sofia Licuanan
Patnugot sa Isports Christian Maravillas
Tagakuha ng Larawan Aireen Revilla

### The Pioneer

The Pioneer is the official publication of the Digos City National High School for English. Just like Landas, it has also received many awards and recognition from highly respected award giving bodies here in the region and in the country. The current editor-in-chief is Sybyl D. Orbuda, and the incumbent advisers are Mrs. Rosela Angelo and Ms. Kristine Diamante.
Sports Writer- Carylle Maxine Burlaza Editorial Writer- Louiel Jay Concepcion Sci-Tech Writer- Kernel Emerson Raquel Copy Reader and Headline Writer- Smith Basco Photojournalist- Timothy Quipit Cartoonist- Jasper Pacana Layout Artist- Carlo Ang Radio Broadcasting- Pherl John Siares, Kia Encanto, Denise Armamento, Audrey Peig, Elce Manguilimotan, Maria Recopuerto, Justine Heart Gealon

### Sigaw Juan (Filipino)

* Anchors: John Carl Aparicio
* Talents: Odysa Estrada (2nd Best News Presenter NSPC 2017/infomercial), Ramadinah Beruar(News/Informercial), Christian Maravillas (Sports/Infomercial)
* Time Keeper: Jubilee Lanticse
* Technical Director: Iren Doceo
* Stage Director: Gene Kyle Sardido

### Echoes 11 (English)

* Anchor: Dennis Jr. Manguilimotan
* Talents: Ken Paolo Catubig, Jeanette Rivera, Maxene Kyla Olaer
* Time Keeper: Save Mart Mondejar
* Technical Director: Ethel Marti Senato
* Stage Director:
Collaborative Publishing

### The Heralds

* Editor-in-Chief: Alfie Deyes
* Associate Editor: Zoella Mendoza
* News: Grace Helbig
* Features: Zea Anne Denise Go
* Sports: Danica Patrick
* Photography: Elouisse Gaile L. Abalayan and Gwendelyn Piquero
* Graphics Robin: Miriam Carlsson