Brief History

The Leyte Research and Development High School (LRDHS) or “R&D” was known among the youth of Tacloban City and the nearby municipalities in Leyte and Samar in the 70s and 80s. It was a by-word for academic excellence, and being accepted was a major feat.

It was in 1973–1974 that the LRDHS, a joint project of the National Science and Development Board (the present Department of Science and Technology), the Department of Education and Culture, and the University of the Philippines, came into existence. The Leyte National High School, under its principal Mrs. Patria V. Yutangco, played host to the newly minted R&D.

The program began with the screening of all qualified teachers from the Leyte National High School to identify the group who was sent to the training program in UP Diliman. These teachers who would handle the LRDHS classes were Dr. Corazon Yago for Physics; Dr. Beatriz Peñalosa (Chemistry); Dr. Erlinda Tomayao (Social Science); and Ms. Amelia Aresgado (Earth Science). Later, Mrs. Teofila Santos and Mrs. Felicitas Villarante were identified for Biology and Mathematics, respectively.

The experimental project hoped to attract talented youth to its special classes and follow a curriculum with strong programs in science, mathematics, social studies, the arts, and music. It aimed to produce the best secondary school graduates in Eastern Visayas who would be the leaders and movers of the region.

Applicants from all over Leyte, Samar, and Biliran were screened and selected by a special group of professionals. Elementary graduates applying for admission to R&D had to undergo a stringent screening process before they were admitted as freshmen students. This included the entrance and I.Q. test, interview, health checkup, personality test, and evaluation of their elementary grades.

The LRDHS started with two (2) freshmen sections or 80 selected students. By 1976–1977, the number of sections had grown to 13 from first to fourth year. The school came into existence long before the Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas Campus opened its doors on July 4, 1994.

The original idea was for the LRDHS to graduate four (4) batches only from 1977 to 1980. However, before the onset of school year 1981, the UP System proposed an EDGE program that would include Batches 1981 to 1983. Dr. Yago, who was one of the curriculum writers for the EDGE project, went to UP Diliman for the training together with Prof. Neri Gantuangco, the late Asst. Principal Montaniel, and Mrs. Teofila Santos.

Truly, the LRDHS delivered its promise of producing leaders who have shaped and molded the development of the Eastern Visayas Region. Its alumni have been appointed to high-ranking positions in government and elected as local government officials. In fact, if you ask around, there is most certainly an executive in different government agencies who will trace his or her roots to R&D. Some of its graduates have also succeeded in the private sector, excelling in various industries.

Tonight is the 23rd Annual Alumni Homecoming, a tradition started by Batch 1978.

The Homecoming is a red-letter day for the batches, as alumni from abroad and other areas in the country converge to reconnect, re-establish ties, and reminisce about their high school days.

It is that one special, magical night every year when we forget our angst and the worries of life — and become high school students once more.

Courtesy of Batch 1983 based on the research conducted by Mses. Eunice de Guzman, Mariatoni Estolano and Maria Luisa Valuis and written by Ms. Cylet Caraballa-Lluz.