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<img src="https://cdn.kahimyang.com/resources-22/secondary-edu.avif" alt="Secondary Education in the Philippines" loading="lazy" />
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(Ateneo de Manila, Intramuros, Manila, Philippines, 1887)
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<h4>
The Dawn of Secondary Education
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<p>
The University of Santo Tomas, a public institution, was among the first schools to be organized under this new system. Meanwhile, the Royal College of San Juan de Letran, the Ateneo Municipal, the College of Bacolor, and other secondary schools were categorized into two groups. The first group comprised schools offering a complete course leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree.
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<h4>
The Spanish Influence
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<p>
The establishment of these early schools was in compliance with King Charles V's decree of July 7, 1550. This decree mandated the teaching of the Spanish language to the native inhabitants of all Spanish dominions. As part of the conversion process, Spanish missionaries in the Philippines used children as the primary medium for spreading the Spanish alphabet, language, Christian doctrine, and customs.
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<h4>
The Role of Education in Colonial Rule
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<p>
The policy of conversion was closely associated with the founding of a secondary school for "the sons of native ruling families". This strategy was not only aimed at Christianizing them but also at preparing them for future roles as "gobernadorcillos" (little governors) and "cabezas de barangay" (now barangay chairman).
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<h4>
Conclusion
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<p>
The organization of secondary education in the Philippines on May 20, 1865, was a landmark event that shaped the country's educational landscape. It laid the foundation for a system that continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of Filipino learners. 
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<h5>
Source:
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<ol class="article-sources">
<li>
  Philippines News Agency archives
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May 20, 1865: Secondary Education was organized