Florentino Torres High School - History

History

Florentino Torres High School was founded by James T. Burns, during 1925. It was first named Legarda High School. Accompanied by three teachers, Burns opened the school to various students who were refused to be admitted by the three existing public high schools at that time.

After a year, the school moved to the Syquia Building at the foot of Pritil Bridge along Juan Luna Street, and was renamed Manila West High School. In March 1928, marks the first batch of students to graduate the school, as well as the appearance of various school clubs and organizations.

In 1930, several changes took place under the supervision of Mr. Marcelino Bautista, the first Filipino principal. The names of the four Manila High Schools were named after the first four Filipino Jurists of the Supreme Court - Manila North High School turned to Arellano High School, in honor of Justice Cayetano Arellano, Manila South High School turned to Araullo High School, in honor of Justice Manuel Araullo, Manila East High School turned to V. Mapa High School, in honor of Justice Victorino Mapa, and Manila West High School was named Torres High School, in honor of Justice Florentino Torres, the first Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines.

Another important event that took place in 1930 was the publication of the maiden issue of The Torres Torch, the official school paper.

In 1937, the school formally occupied the Constabulary Barracks in Gagalangin where it is presently situated. However, because of World War II that started in 1941, the school was closed and its buildings were converted into garrisons, and school records were all destroyed.

After the war, the school re-opened on July 16, 1945, with Pablo Reyes as principal. Months later, on November 24, 1945, the first post-Liberation batch composed of 30 students received their diploma. Oddly enough, it was only on October 16, 1953, that THS first celebrated its foundation day.