02/05/2026
👇👇👇
MNHS welcomes new school head as Bitara ends 5-year tenure
by: Suhyeon Kim
Magsaysay National High School (MNHS) entered a new chapter in its history as Leopoldo Bitara Jr. formally ended his tenure after five years of service, paving the way for the leadership of Luisito Mendez, former head of Victoria J. Tuacar National High School (VJTNHS).
Bitara’s leadership at MNHS was characterized by both challenges and achievements that he described as a valuable training ground for school leaders.
“Sa mahigit limang taon o 1,945 araw ko bilang punong-g**o ng MNHS, marami akong karanasan na hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan. Ang mga karanasang ito ay nagpaigting ng aking kaalaman at kasanayan bilang isang punong g**o ng paaralan. May mga panahong masaya, at mayroon din namang malungkot o mahirap, ngunit lubos kong pinahahalagahan ang lahat ng ito," Bitara said in an interview with The Stance.
He also expressed gratitude to teachers, Schools Division Office officials, and barangay leaders for their support throughout his leadership.
"Nais kong ipaabot ang aking taos-pusong pasasalamat sa buong bahagi ng MNHS, sa aking mga kapwa g**o, at sa mga opisyal ng Schools Division Office. Nais ko ring magpasalamat sa mga opisyal ng barangay, lalo na kay Barangay Captain Romie Pacao, Kagawad Co**ha Gadil, at Kagawad Joel Alfante at sa iba pang mga opisyales. Maraming, maraming salamat po sa inyong patuloy na suporta at pakikipagtulungan," he added.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Secondary Learner Government (SSLG) of VJTNHS issued a statement thanking Mendez for his more than a decade of service.
“Every great school has a great leader, ours just happens to be moving on to his next adventure,” VJTNHS SSLG said in a Facebook post.
At MNHS, student leaders welcomed Mendez’s arrival with optimism.
Zion Glomar, SSLG President for School Year 2026–2027, said the student body hopes to work closely with the new school head in improving the school grounds and expects him to earn the genuine respect of learners.
"It’s a pleasure to know that our school has a new school head. As the student leader of Magsaysay National High School, I wish that we will have good cooperation with the school head on improving the school grounds, and I expect that he will gain true respect from my fellow students," Glomar said in an interview with The Stance.