The Name Game: "Why Masci Should Stick to Being Masci"

a testament to Masci's glorious past being forgotten

"What is in a name?"
-Juliet from Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare


Just recently news about the renaming of Manila Science High School to President Cory Aquino High School surfaced from several newspapers causing the alarm of many alumni including yours truly. Masci which has been around for more than 40 years, was threatened with an alteration of its identity from a Science High School to a school that will be named after a famous person. The good thing is that the alumni should set aside their placards, streamers and megaphones for now because the information is bogus.

Do not get me wrong. I recognize the contribution the late president has done to restore and preserve a democratic Philippines. I mourned with the millions of Filipinos during her death, wished Willie Revillame would suffer from small pox during his on-air tantrums about the video snippets and lauded the pictures from a newspaper that said GMA's coffin was the one being carried by the national guards. The only problem I have here is that Cory has her own legacy while Manila Science has its own.

Recognized as Asia's first science High School, Masci has been home to numerous leaders, scientists, artists and other influential people that made valuable contributions to their respective fields. Over the years Masci has experienced decline in facilities, morale from its students and its well deserved prestige. This was caused by improper funding from the local and national government that seems to forget that Masci is a legacy and proof of the Philippine's leadership in academics back in the day. This issue reminds us how Masci has sunk into a shadow of a more glorious past and has transformed into "just another public high school".

To my fellow alumni and others that stand for quality and relevant education, this is a wake up call and a warning that our beloved alma matter deserves more. This simple attempt of renaming our High School is an evidence that its wonderful past and significant contributions to the development of the Philippines is now forgotten for a simple renaming is equivalent to the erasure of its glorious history. Motions should be made to insure that Masci will stay as the Science High School it should be. Not only should we aim to protect its name but also the need for proper funding and better recognition should be addressed.

I enjoyed my formative years in this institution (maybe a little too much). I hold it as sacred ground. A renaming and decline of Masci is similar to vandalism and demolition of my beloved home. It is about time that this country of ours that is plagued with ingratitude, shame and corruption recognize that the preservation of this mere Science high school could mean that there is still hope, through science and education, for a better and brighter future for our country. Masci forever and Masci it will be. If you want to name a school for the late president then why not construct a new school which the country really needs more of.