One of the landmarks in Asingan is the Rizal Academy, known one time as the Rizal Junior College which was also known one time as the Asingan Institute. At present, it is called the Colegio de San Luis Beltran owned and run by Susan Delmendo Santos, an Asinganian who is now living in LA.
This school was founded by the two Eleazar brothers. Many generations of Asinganians passed thru the gates of this school. I studied here from 1954 to 1958. After I finished University, I was offered my first job here as a classroom teacher. I worked for two years, then I moved on to Divine Word Academy in Urdaneta, Pangasinan.
Some say, the "golden age" of the school took place under the administration of Mr. Juan Salinda. This is about the years from 1950 to 1954. I heard so many stories how good and strict he was as a teacher and as a principal. But there is always an allowance for debate when we come to the subject of history.
My sister was still in the RJC when Mr. Salinda was a faculty member. She is shown here with many vintage photos that have stood the passage of time, thanks to the processing skills of the Sampaga family, the pioneer of photography in Asingan...
1 comment:
I just came across this article about the Rizal Academy. From what I understand, the two Eleazar brothers were Luis and Manuel. Luis founded the Rizal Academy in Asingan and Manuel founded the Lucban Academy in Lucban, Quezon. One of my father's sisters went to school with Erlinda Eleazar in Manila. Erlinda was from Asingan. My aunt mentioned Erlinda had a brother that migrated to Mindanao. Unfortunately, my aunt lost contact with Erlinda and her family many years ago, but if anyone from Asingan knows where Erlinda or her descendants are, please let me know at ericzar5@yahoo.com
We would like to reconnect with them.
Regards,
Eric Eleazar
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