The Philippine Institute of Quezon City traces its humble beginnings through the vision and foresight of Mr. Alfredo Matti, then current board chairman of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Quezon City (FCCCQC). With a meager sum of ten thousand pesos, they purchased a permit from the Chinese Institute, and with permission from the then Ministry of Education, they changed the name to the Philippine Chinese Institute of Quezon City and started operations in February 1964, thus fulfilling Mr. Matti's desire of nurturing the children of Filipino-Chinese businessmen to receive quality Chinese education. Classrooms were housed in a two-story wooden building, with the federation office just beside. Despite limited resources, classes went on. Within a few years, operations stabilized, the faculty strengthened, and the quality of bilingual education improved. PE and extra-curricular activities were held in a warehouse borrowed from Director Dee. Mr. Chua Bun Kwan single-handedly contributed the funds to start the kindergarten dept., and later the high school department was added.
Times of Testing
Just when the school was on the verge of great expansion, a misfortune happened in 1971. A fire struck on the eve before the school opening in June, and so Director Dee Tian Kai and the other directors had to start from scratch again. Immediately, they sought to rebuild the campus, but just as the construction was going well and difficulties were starting to be overcome, another misfortune struck in October 1976. A nearby fire spread to the school and the federation office. This was the time of unparalleled crisis for the school and for the thousand students then enrolled. At that time, Mr. Mariano Chua, who was the chairman of the board of directors, took upon himself the responsibility to set up a temporary campus on Williams Building Christian Church and Our Lady of Loreto Church, which were both within the vicinity. Because of this, the school was able to continue its operations.
A Time to Rebuild
In order to once again put things in order, the board of directors formed a building committee. Mr. Alfredo Matti was appointed the head of the project, and Mr. Chua Se Kiong, Mr. Carlos Cruz, and Mr. Go So Dy were deputy heads. With the coordination and generosity of all the board members and philanthropists in the community, Director Alfredo Young became the contractor and the construction began even before the funds were completely raised. Within a short span of six months, a four-story concrete building was erected, thus showing the Chinese virtue of perseverance through adversity. At this time, FCCCQC Director, Mr. Jimmy Ongking, was elected as the 12th chairman of the board of trustees of PIQC. By this time, the school had almost a thousand students.
A Time to Expand
During the term of Mr. Chua Se Kiong as the 26th chairman of the FCCCQC, he proposed that additional land be procured for the expansion of the school.
Together with Mr. Carlos Cruz, the 13th chairman of the school board of trustees, former FCCCQC chairpersons, PIQC founder Mr. Alfredo Matti, and other members of the chamber and school board of trustees exerted all efforts to secure funds to make this possible. At this time, Mr. Lucio Tan, the renowned business tycoon gave a big hand to push forward the plan. Director Mr. Alfredo Yang supported the movement immediately and with the help of all the others, the chamber purchased the adjoining lot.
On June 1982, a five-storey building of concrete and steel was annexed to the school building, the result forming an L-shaped structure housing both elementary and high school with an auditorium on the fifth floor. Finally, Mr. So Sui Kong was asked to head the Kindergarten Department.
A Time to Advance
Later, Mr. Benjamin Chua, in his term as chairman of the board of trustees, started the movement to raise the school's standard. In the past ten years, under the leadership of gifted individuals like Mr. Juanito Gosiaco, Mr. Benjamin Chua, Mr. Francis Chua, Mr. Jose Choa, Mr. Alfonso Siy, Mr. Jose Balonan, who all served as FCCCQC chairpersons, and Mr. Tiu Guan, Mrs. Tan Sio-Yan, Mr. John "KC" Ng, Mr. Guillermo Chutick, who all served as school board chairpersons, PIQC has strengthened its educational thrust. At this time, school building also underwent major renovations as the building of science laboratories, computer centers, and a playground. Teachers have also received higher compensation and scholarships have been awarded to deserving students. All of these were undertaken to ensure the school's continuing contribution to the community. Similarly, the school prides itself to have a man of foresight as Dr. Lucio Tan as her consultant to direct her way. With the concern and support shown by the members of both the school board and the FCCQC, the school slowly improved in the midst of stability.
Armed with the vision and tenacious spirit of her forebears, the Philippine Institute of Quezon City marches on in history. To this day, the school remains an institution that has valued its Filipino-Chinese roots and has sought to nurture more young lives for generations to come.
|
|
