About Sun Yat Sen High School
A legacy of educational excellence spanning over four decades
Our History
Founded in 1984, Sun Yat Sen High School was established with a vision to provide comprehensive education that develops both academic excellence and strong character. Named after Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of modern China, our school embodies his principles of education, democracy, and social progress.
Over the past 42 years, we have grown from a small institution with 200 students to a thriving educational community serving over 1,200 students annually. Our commitment to innovation in education has led us to continuously adapt our curriculum and facilities to meet the evolving needs of our students.
Today, Sun Yat Sen High School stands as a beacon of educational excellence, with thousands of successful alumni making positive contributions in various fields around the world.
The Sun Yat Sen High School of Iloilo, Inc. (traditional Chinese: 菲律濱怡朗中山中學; simplified Chinese: 菲律滨怡朗中山中学; pinyin: Fēilǜbīn Yílǎng Zhōngshān Zhōngxué; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Hui-li̍p-pin Î-lóng Tiong-san Tiong-o̍h) (known as “Tiong San” by its alumni and the Chinese-Filipino Ilonggo community) is a private, Chinese preparatory school at Mapa St., Iloilo City administered by its board of trustees. Its programs are in Chinese and English. Filipino subjects and subjects required by the Department of Education of the Philippines are categorized under the English subjects.
Sun Yat-sen was born on November 12, 1866, into a farming peasant household in Choyhung in Kwangtung near the Portuguese colony of Macao. His early education established him as a man of two worlds: China and the West. After a basic training in the Chinese classics in his village school, he was sent to Hawaii in 1879 to join his older brother. There he enrolled in a college where he studied Western science and Christianity. Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the father of the Republic of China, died in Beijing in 1925.[1]
Members of the Filipino-Cantonese Chinese community in Iloilo City founded Sun Yat Sen School on November 12, 1925, to honor Sun Yat Sen.
In the beginning, there were 28 students. They used the Cantonese Club building as temporary classroom. In 1929, a lot with an area of 1,096 sq. meters was bought by the Board of Trustees of Cantonese Club members of Iloilo City. A two-storey building was erected to house more than 130 students. Another two-storey building was built in 1938. These are the collaborated effort of the Cantonese people in Iloilo City.
The High School department was established in 1939. A science laboratory was put up. Students now numbered more than 300. The school closed when the Japanese invaded the Philippines on December 8, 1941. The Allied forces liberated Panay island in March 1945. By May, SYSHS resumed classes with 370 students.
In 1946 student enrollment reached more than 500 resulting in a lack of classrooms. A three-storey building was constructed to house the high school students.
In the spring of 1949, student enrollment reached 670. By the request of the parents, a senior high school curriculum was added. The student population increased to more than 700. An auditorium was added.
In 1956, a lot of 1800 sq. m. opposite the school along Mapa Street was purchased by the Board of Trustees under the leadership of the Chinese Cantonese Club members of Iloilo City on Aldeguer Street. A two-storey wooden structure was erected to accommodate all the high school students. Iloilo Union Auto Supply owner, Tung Ah Hua, helped developed the project through the members of the Cantonese Club; the president during that time was Liu Chuk Tan. Liu Chuk Tan (Remegio Tse Wing Sr.) was from Thuay San, Guang Dong Province in Mainland China. He was the president of the Cantonese Club for eight years during the mid-1960s. His secretary was Chiu Yet.
In 1973, a four-storey building was constructed on the same lot to accommodate more than 1000 students. Another imposing four-storey building with an auditorium was inaugurated on the 60th year foundation of the school in 1985. At this time Kuo Ching Yuan, who was the principal for almost 50 years, retired.
Dr. Sun Yat Sen
Our mission
To provide a comprehensive educational experience that challenges students academically, develops their character, and prepares them to be responsible global citizens who contribute positively to society.
Community
We foster a supportive environment where everyone belongs and contributes.
Our Core Values
The principles that guide everything we do
Excellence
We strive for the highest standards in academics, character, and service.
Innovation
We embrace new ideas and creative approaches to learning and problem-solving.
Integrity
We uphold honesty, respect, and ethical behavior in all our actions.
Key achievements
Recognition and milestones that reflect our commitment to excellence
Recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2019
Over 94% college acceptance rate for graduating seniors
Award-winning debate and Model UN programs
Consistently ranked among top 5% of high schools in the state
Winner of 23 state championships across various sports
Advanced STEM facilities and research partnerships
SYSHS was champion in several PRISAA and national sports meets. In 1962, SYSHS placed first among all private and public schools in Western Visayas and 14th place nationwide in the national government examination for high school graduating students. In the 2000 NSAT examination, SYSHS placed second in Western Visayas and 19th place nationwide.
Juanito "Tarzan" Lee Sio (SIO SUY LIONG) was elected Chairman of the Board in 1994, but died of illness on February 15, 1994.
Upon assumption of office in 2004, the chairman emeritus, Robert Chua, initiated a major renovation of Tiong San for the school's 80th foundation anniversary.
In 2005, the school had qualified in the GASTPE/FAPE-ESC, a scholarship grant by the government to the private schools to slow the exodus of students from private schools to public ones. Tiong San got an overall rating of above standard for its facilities, equipment, faculty and staff.
With donations, in the school year 2009–2010 a bridge connecting the two four-story buildings across Mapa Street was constructed.
For the school year 2010–2011, Victorio S. Lo, acting principal until 2004, assumed the office again after Reynaldo S. Navarro finished his term.
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Chairman of the Board: Eddy Yulo Ong (since 2024)
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Alumni Association President: Engr. Fulbert Woo (since 2024)
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Principal: Norivee A. Lorca (since 2024)