A Brief History of the

Aklan State University

School of Fisheries and Marine Sciences

The Aklan State University School of Fisheries and Marine Sciences started as the New Washington Junior High School way back in 1948 when it was hard for many young people to go to Kalibo to secure Education. Then PTA President Geronimo Dalida backed by the guidance from District Supervisor Deosdado Delfin, Mun. Councilor leon Magalit and Mayor Patriotico G. Magalit took the initial steps for the goal of having a high school in New Washington. Their efforts succeeded and the school opened in 1948 with the help of the funds from the Province of Capiz (Aklan was a part of it then). It offerd General Secondary Course and held classes in the Municipal Building. Mr. Felimon Guillen was its first principal.

The school took the name New Washington High School when it progress to complete secondary course and eventually had increases of enrolment. In 1954, the fund was adversely affected. There was a decline in enrolment. The school authorities threatened to close the NWHS.

In 1956, Aklan was separated from Capiz. Mayor Bartolome L. Venus, Jr. who has just assumed office exerted all efforts to save the school. Thru his initiative, Congressman Godofredo P. Ramos presented before Congress House Bill 7174 providing for the conversion of the New Washington High School into the Aklan National School of Fisheries. It was immediately approved by congress in 1957 and came into operation as republic Act 1931.

When the new Fishery Education Curriculum was implemented, there were series of improvement especially in terms of infrastructure. More teachers were taken in to cope with the increase in enrolment. Mr. Telesforo S. Lina acted as principal. A succession of principals followed: Mr. Victorio Sison succeeded Mr. Lina when the latter was assigned to the General Office. Mr. Sepas Flores came next when Mr. Sison was promoted. Then, Mr. Elpidio Icamina succeeded Mr. Flores.

The marked improvements gained attention from school officials. In January 1963, the ANSF became the venue of a National Workshop on Vocational Courses for Fishery Secondary Schools. The Fishery School Principals endorsed Aklan National of Fisheries as the best in the Philippines. This inspired Congressman Godofrede P. Ramos to work for its conversion into college.

Congressman Ramos presented to Congress House Bill 4390 in January 1963. The bill provided for the conversion of the Aklan National School of Fisheries to the Aklan National College of Fisheries. The bill was approved by the Senate in May 1964, and signed into law by President Diosdado Macapagal in June 1964, which became known as Republect Act 3844. With this new law, The Aklan National College of Fisheries offered a Secondary Fishery Curriculum as well as collegiate courses. More college courses were offered during the advent of Supt. Lucio M. Arquisola who played much part for the progress of this college. He spent many years as Superintendent of ANCF. Then Governor Jose B. Legaspi, Congressman Rafael B. Legaspi, Governor Roberto Q. Garcia and Mayor Eriberto L. Venus played important roles for the development of ANCF into what it is today.

Under the administration of Supt. Arquisola, succession of principals took place. Mr. Elpidio G. Bruno in 1967-1973; Mr. Daniel F. Tefora took ever in 1973 when Mr. Bruno was promoted as Regional Supervisor in Region 1. In 1978, Mr. Tefora became ill and eventually succumbed to death, Mr. Freslito L. Testa took over until his retirement in 1991.

Mr. Ruperto I. Cayetano succeeded him from 1991 to the present.

Superintendent Lucio M. Arquisola himself retired from the service in May 1992. Mr. Ricardo S. Andress for the meantime was appointed Officer-in-charge until in 1994 when Mr. Renato Z. Gepty, who was then Vocational School Administrator of the Ibajay National Agricultural and Industrial School, was assigned as Officer In-Charge of ANCF until the regular appointment of Superintendent Manuel R. Remaneses on May 16, 1996 and retired on October 22, 1998. Thereafter, Dr. Victor E. Navarra, Education Supervisor II, CHED-HERO VI was designated as Officer In-Charge. Later, his designation was revoked on August 5, 1999 and Dr. Elenita B. Andrade was designated as Officer In-Charge. Recently, ANCF has been integrated to the Aklan State University as School of Fisheries and Marine Sciences with Dr. Elenita B. Andrade as Campus Dean.