Cebu Normal University
Cebu Normal University was established in 1902 as the Cebu Normal School, a provincial normal school and a branch of the Philippine Normal School. The school building was built in 1922 and was completed in 1924. It became an independent institution in 1924, a chartered state college in 1976, and a university in 1998. It is one of the oldest educational institutions in Cebu, with the enviable reputation of having produced many outstanding educators and public figures.
During World War II, the original school building became the headquarters of the Japanese Imperial Army’s Kempeitai or Secret Police. Some of its rooms were converted into prison cells and torture rooms.
A museum currently occupies a large hall at the second floor of the old building. Historical markers that detail what happened during the Japanese occupation can be found in strategic places inside the building.
June 16th, 2010 at 12:13 am
The Report of Secretary of Commerce & Communications in the 1922 Annual Report of the Governor-General of the Philippine Islands mentions the Cebu Normal School Building as one of the most important works undertaken during that fiscal year, with a 90% complete status. It reached full completion only by 1924 (as contained in the 1924 Annual Report) probably due to the bleak financial situation during those times that slowed down the progress of most public works in the islands.
Therefore, the construction of the Cebu Normal School Building actually began in 1922 and completed in 1924.
source: Alarcon, Norma I. The Imperial Tapestry: The American Colonial Architecture in the Philippines / Norma Alarcon. — Manila: UST Publishing House, c2008.
June 16th, 2010 at 1:23 am
Seeing an old photo of this building, ca. 1927-1940 in the book, “Glimpses of Old Cebu” by Lucy U. Miller, I have observed that several alterations made to the building’s exterior. The old photo shows the low ends of the gable roof concealed by a low parapet springing up from the signficantly projecting cornice, aligned with the external wall. The roofing material is steel, white painted and probably of corrugated GI sheets. The frames, transoms, mullions and muntins of the capiz shell windows are white. Now, the low roof ends are extended down, touching the cornice (with the roof gutter projecting out) and eliminating the parapet. The roofing material is replaced with red faux “clay-tile” roofing. The window framings are painted brown. I don’t know when these changes were made but it is obviously kitsch, reflecting the poor “restoration” job they did to the building.
Adding to these injuries, a recent visit shocked me as the interiors were now lit with tacky ceiling lamps that look awfully incongruous to the design of the building.
I think these are the reasons why this building remains unrecognized by the NHCP as an historical site. It is quite unusual that the Capitol, which is several years younger than this building, has already received its historical markers while this building, also very historical (being used by the Japanese in WWII), has not.
June 16th, 2010 at 10:35 pm
You are correct, construction started in 1922. The building was finished in 1924.
May 31st, 2011 at 12:07 pm
Sir,
Please be informed that the latest documents show that Cebu Normal University was established on 1902. Please verify with the school authorities and the historical commission such information as the school seal now depicts: 1902.
Finally, the school will celebrate it’s centennial this year – something that has been long delayed. Hope you get to see the new interiors and the restored chandeliers.
Thanks!