Celso F. Falcotelo National High School

History of the School

Celso F. Falcotelo National High School (CFFNHS), formerly known as Macabari National High School (MNHS), stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the people of Barangay Macabari and the Municipality of Barcelona, Sorsogon to provide accessible and quality secondary education for the youth. Located in Barangay Macabari, approximately five kilometers south of the poblacion of Barcelona, Sorsogon, the school serves learners from Macabari and neighboring barangays.

Macabari, the largest barangay in the municipality, has a land area of 1,455.46 hectares and is bounded by Barangay Layog to the north, Barangay Putiao to the west, Barangay Sta. Cruz to the southwest, and Barangay Bangate to the south. The establishment of the school was the realization of a long-cherished dream of the community through the collective efforts of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Barcelona under the leadership of Hon. Mayor Celso F. Falcotelo, the Barangay Officials of Macabari headed by the late Barangay Captain Alejandro Gamba and later continued by his successor, Mr. Bienvenido Fuentes, as well as the Interim PTCA President, Mr. Salvador Ganace. Through the joint efforts of the LGU of Barcelona, the Provincial Government of Sorsogon, and the Barangay Government of Macabari, a school site was purchased from Mrs. Esperanza Ganace and subsequently donated to the Department of Education.

Initially, the school operated as an annex of Barcelona National Comprehensive High School. It officially opened in June 2000 with four volunteer teachers—Jose C. Mazarate, Erlinda C. Evasco, Lani F. Licup, and Maricel Erlano—and one regular teacher, Mrs. Marife Realuyo, who served as the Teacher-in-Charge. Classes were first conducted at the residence of Mr. Salvador Ganace, popularly known as the “White House,” while temporary classrooms were being established. As student enrollment steadily increased, temporary classrooms were constructed through the generosity of Mrs. Susie Regacho and the support of the Parents-Teachers and Community Association (PTCA). Learning resources, chairs, and other essential school supplies were later provided by the government and various benefactors.

On January 17, 2003, through the efforts of Mr. Mirando Fajardo and other education stakeholders, the school attained its status as an independent national high school and became officially known as Macabari National High School. During its formative years, Mrs. Marife Realuyo and Mr. Mirando Fajardo played significant roles in nurturing the institution and ensuring its continued growth and development. Following the transfer of Mr. Fajardo, Mr. Albertini G. Montenegro Jr. assumed the leadership of the school. Under his administration, the school experienced notable improvements in infrastructure, academic programs, and community involvement. Through the strong support of the PTCA, LGU-Barcelona, barangay officials, and stakeholders, permanent classrooms, pathways, gardens, and other school facilities were constructed, largely through the spirit of bayanihan.

The school also gained recognition in various academic, athletic, and co-curricular competitions at the district, division, and regional levels. Throughout the years, Macabari National High School remained steadfast in its mission of providing quality education despite challenges and limited resources. The dedication of its administrators, teachers, parents, and community partners contributed significantly to the school’s continuous progress and success. In recognition of the invaluable contributions and visionary leadership of former Mayor Celso F. Falcotelo in establishing the school and promoting educational development in the municipality, Macabari National High School was later renamed Celso F. Falcotelo National High School through appropriate legislative and administrative processes.

Today, Celso F. Falcotelo National High School continues to uphold its commitment to excellence, producing competent, responsible, and empowered learners. Guided by its vision and mission, the school remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for the youth of Barcelona, Sorsogon, carrying forward the legacy of service, leadership, and educational advancement envisioned by its founders and stakeholders.