Jose B. Cardenas Memorial High School

Jose B. Cardenas Memorial High School-Main is a public secondary educational institution located in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, Philippines. Originally established as Canlaon City National High School in 1971 at Barangay Mabigo without its own dedicated campus, the school initially shared limited space with an elementary school. The institution received its operating permit on July 23, 1971, with three teachers appointed to handle classes and related activities. The first graduation ceremony occurred in April 1974 with 27 graduates receiving certificates of completion. The school was nationalized in 1988 under Executive Order 189. In 1991, fourth-year students began transferring to the current campus at Exodus Avenue, Barangay Panubigan, approximately two kilometers east of the original location. By the 2002-2003 school year, all four grade levels had completed the transition to the new site. The school was renamed Jose B. Cardenas Memorial High School in 2002 through local ordinance, honoring its namesake. Currently, the school operates under the Department of Education's Division of Negros Oriental, led by a Principal II. The curriculum includes localized implementation of the Basic Education Curriculum, with Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) offering specialized subjects such as computer literacy, culinary arts, agriculture, cosmetology, and various livelihood programs designed to benefit both students and the surrounding community. The school employs 50 nationally paid teachers and maintains administrative support staff including an administrative assistant/registrar, bookkeeper designate, guidance counselor, clerk, and utility worker. Additional security personnel are funded through parental contributions via the Parent-Teacher Community Association (PTCA). The institution maintains strong partnerships with the PTCA, local government, community organizations, and various stakeholders. While the school has implemented an Educational Management Information System for data management, it currently lacks medical and dental clinics, a fully functional library, and complete science laboratory facilities. The school canteen has limited capacity, and some classrooms for first and second year students are temporary makeshift structures. Leadership emphasizes adherence to departmental regulations while fostering a collaborative environment among faculty members.