1. Samar National School (SNS) is the mother school of the province of Samar, Philippines located in its
capital city, Catbalogan that was founded in 1904.
Mission
The Samar National School is committed to upgrade the quality of life by providing the
education which aims to develop physical, mental, and spiritual capabilities of students, provide
them with experiences in the democratic way of life, and inculcate ideals and attitudes necessary
for the enlightened, upright, productive, and patriotic citizen, who is responsible to the needs of
the community and the country.
Vision
Samar National School, a school of educational excellence, where technology is excellently used
to promote content mastery and desirable values among administrators, teachers and students
who are responsive to the needs of the society.
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Early Years
After a long fierce battle between the Guerillas and American forces, civil government was
established in Samar on June 17, 1902, which paved the way for establishment of the primary
schools all over Samar. Later, the first high school in the entire island was erected.
Although, the first provincial high school was opened in October 1903, classes formally started
in January 1904.
Four teachers were assigned at Samar High School out of 17 American teachers who arrived in
Samar. Others went to be assigned in Borongan, Calbayog, Catarman, and other pueblos. With
Mr. Fredrick W. Abbot as acting principal, having six teachers under him, the provincial school
was housed in the old presidencia building and was renting in various small buildings around
town.
In 1915, after ten years of pleading by the people for a school building, a 14-room building was
constructed through local funds worth Php 27,384.60, which was originated under Act 1815
clearly specifying that insular loans were made prior to October 15, 1907.
The Samar High School building was inaugurated in 1917, during the incumbency of Governor
Clodualdo Lucero. Miss Jean Graham was made the acting Superintendent of the Division of
Samar while Mr. George Noland was the principal of the school.
During the inauguration of the school building, its name, Provincial High School was also
renamed Catbalogan High School, a name by its three initials CHS at the center of each of the

2. wrought-iron arches that crown the portals of the building this day. Later, the Catbalogan High
School was re-baptized Samar High School.
A succession of American principals administered the Samar High School until 1926 when the
first Filipino principal was appointed. (see list below)