Cecilio Kapirig Putong (February 1, 1891 – January 26, 1980) was a Filipino educator, writer, Boy Scout leader, UNESCO fellow, author, and later became the Secretary of Education of the Philippines in 1952. His parents were Apolinario Putong and Gregoria Kapirig, both of Tagbilaran, Bohol His father was an asst. band conductor and his mother was a housewife who, upon the death of her husband at an early age, had to be a vendor to raise two children, Cirilo and Cecilio.
Early Education: Dr. Putong studied in the Tagbilaran Spanish Public School and the Tagbilaran School later established by the first American teachers in the Philippines (called Thomasites). After passing corresponding examinations, he obtained the primary course in March, 1906 and the intermediate course certificate in June, 1906.
As a Gov't. Pensionado: Diploma for Normal Course (Phil. Normal School, Manila, 1908-1912, graduating as Class Valedictorian)
Three degrees obtained in the USA as gov't. pensionado: BSE - Western Illinois State Teachers College, 1920; M. A. - Columbia University, NYC, 1921; and Ph.D. - University of Chicago, Illinois, 1937
Intelligence Quotient: 138 (Very Superior Adult) (Otis Intelligence Scale Test)
Bohol and Its People. This was perhaps the very first publication that dealt wholly about the province. " Bohol and Its People" may be considered Dr Putong's tribute to the province. The book was a landmark undertaking and it changed the perspective by which subsequent generations of Boholanos viewed their own island-province.
Editor,"Visayan Planters", UP College of Agriculture, 1915
Editor,"Western Courier", Western Illinois State Teachers College, 1919
Author, "Bohol and Its People" (Manila, 1965)
Co-Author with Lydia Abad-Santos, "Phil. Community Life for First Year High School" (G. Miranda & Sons, 1963)
Co-Author with C. de la Pena and I. Fajardo, "Livingin Our Country, Grade 5" and "Living in Our World, Grade 6" (Bookman,Inc., 1964 & 1968)
Editorials in the "Filipino Teacher" (1956–1961)
Writer of various articles and speeches on education, boy scout movement, and related topics
Awards and Citations
At the age of 13 when he joined a contest in composition writing. His piece, "The Province of Bohol" won him first prize, receiving five pesos from Judge Charles H. Burritt and two pesos more from Governor Salustiano Borja.
First Prize, Composition Writing Contest on "The Province of Bohol" held on Nov 28, 1904 (prize of P5 from Judge Charles Buritt and P2 from Bohol Governor Salustiano Borja)
First Prize, Folklore Writing Contest conducted by the Philippine Education Company in 1910 (prize: any course offered by the Int'l. Correspondence School based in USA)
Rizal "Pro Patria" Award for Education in Nationalism- given by President Carlos P. Garcia during the first centenary of Dr. Jose Rizal's birthday (June 19, 1961)
Bestowed the honorary degree of Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, by the University of Bohol (May 15, 1975)
Citation as Outstanding Alumnus of the Philippine Normal College (formerly Phil. Normal School) during its Golden Jubilee (Sept.2, 1951)
Citation for Faithful and Inspired Service to the Philippine Educational System from Classroom Teacher to Undersecretary of Education --- given during its Golden Jubilee on December 16, 1951
Award for Distinguished Service to the Philippine School System --- given by the Philippine Association of School Superintendents in 1956
Bronze Usa, Silver Usa and Bronze Tamaraw (various Dates); Silver Tamaraw (1954); Gold Medal of Merit (1958); Special Plaque for Distinguished Service (1960); and Certificate of Recognition (1961) --- all from the Boy Scouts of the Philippines
Certificate of Appreciation --- from the Jose Rizal National Centennial Commission (1961)
Citation for Services Rendered as Ex-chairman of the board of Regents --- given by the University of the Philippines (1963)
Award of Merit for Outstanding Service in the field of Education --- given by the Bohol Association, Inc. in Manila (1959)
Citation as Educator of the Year --- given by the Lions Club of Tagbilaran
Honors and recognition
The Bohol National High School or BNHS; also Bohol High, is a public, secondary educational institution at Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines named after Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School by virtue of the 14th Congress House Bill No. 3724 sponsored by then Congressman Isidro Zarraga, Jr. of Bohol, amidst a controversy in that province where many were not aware of the accomplishments of Dr. Putong. It is located along Carlos P. Garcia or CPG Avenue.
Putong Street (formerly Ma. Clara Street) was named after Dr. Cecilio Putong.
