Zamboanga Chong Hua High School
Zamboanga Chong Hua High School is a private, non-sectarian Chinese Filipino secondary school in Zamboanga City, Philippines. It was founded on November 12, 1919.
History
In 1917, the Chinese community in Zamboanga City began to grow rapidly. Two years later, the Zamboanga Chinese Elementary School was established on November 12, 1919, by members of the Chinese community including Yu Bon Chia, Gan San Din, and Yu Si Chiong, among others. The school began with over 1,000 students.Originally, the institution aimed to provide Chinese children with education in Mandarin. It also promoted the ideals of Sun Yat-sen, whose birth anniversary coincides with the school's foundation day. As it evolved into a community school, it gained strong financial and moral support from local Chinese residents, fostering its expansion.
Initially located along Magay Street, the school transferred to Gov. Lim Avenue to accommodate a growing student population. In 1926, a three-storey concrete building was erected, and by school year 1926–1927, the Chinese curriculum for secondary education was introduced. In 1929, the school relocated to its current site on Marahui Street.
During World War II, much of the school’s infrastructure and records were destroyed. Reconstruction efforts were led by Mr. Ong Bee Kong, one of the founding members, with the help of other benefactors and community leaders.
The Philippine government formally recognized the school in 1958.
In 1965, a four-storey concrete building was constructed to replace the old two-storey structure. The school celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1969.
In 1978, the Zamboanga Chong Hua High School Alumni Association was established by Ms. Leticia Alvarez, composed of students from the first to tenth grade batches.
In 1981, a new building was constructed and turned over to the Board of Trustees, followed by a third building in 1989 that included a gym on the top floor. By that year, the school had three main buildings:Building A – Administration offices Building B – Primary education Building C – Secondary education
90th anniversary celebration
On November 12, 2009, the school celebrated its 90th anniversary. A Lauriat Night was held on November 13, followed by a Grand Alumni Homecoming on November 15.In 2015, a fourth building was constructed for preschool and senior high school programs, officially named the Zhong Hua Building.