The DUMAGUETE CHINESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (DCCC) was founded in Dumaguete during the year 1926 by a group of Chinese-Filipino businessmen. A few of the organizers included the late Mariano L. UyMatiao, Abdon Velez, Sun ug Son, Cang Yuco, Que Tech Tuen, Santiago Chiu Bontin, Lucio Limquiaco, Jo Tian Sang, Uy Yao Khun, Sun Un Po, Ong Chiong Chi, Du Quinco, and other prominent businessmen.

 

Two years after the DCCC was established, the Board of Directors considered creating a school where the children of the Tsinoy (Chinese-Pinoy) community could attain not only their needed education but could learn about the culture and arts of China. This gave way to the establishment of the Dumaguete Chung Hua High School on July 15, 1928. The late Chiu Yu Po served as the school's principal, while the late Santiago Chiu Bontin served as the board of trustees' chairman.

 

The school is located at the Sta. Located at the corner of Catalina and Noblefranca Streets. The school came from humble beginnings, consisting only of a one-story schoolhouse made of wood and nipa. A principal and three teachers ran the facility, which provided primary education to about forty students. Following then, enrolment grew until it had to close in 1941 as a result of the threat of the Second World War.

 

The school resumed operations after the war, and in 1951, a new concrete structure was built to replace the outdated, deteriorating schoolhouse. To accommodate out-of-town students' lodging demands, a boy's and a girl's dormitory were built. Later on, a gymnasium had also been commissioned to accommodate sports and other activities. Later on, these dormitories were converted to cater to the rising population of students during the year 1980.

 

Also, during the school's time from 1949 to 1956, under the administration of the late Mr.Chi-san Tsai, a full course in elementary and secondary education in both English and Chinese was required, necessitating a name change to Dumaguete Chinese High School. When its doors were opened to all Filipinos in 1967, during Rev. Fr. Joseph Wang's administration, the institution was once more given the name Holy Cross High School. Principal Joseph Wang. Later on during the imposition of Martial Rule in 1972, the institution underwent a complete Filipinization.

 

The Sisters of the Congregation of St. Therese of the Child Jesus from Taiwan took charge of the school in the year 2000. Initially, Sister Agnes Hsieh oversaw the school. Later on, a Montessori-based curriculum for the Pre-School Department was also implemented to cater to the growth of the school. Sr. Nellie Gillegao oversaw this department as its head.

 

In the year 2014, the Lorenzo Ruiz Mission Society took over the school's management with Rev. Fr. Garry Neil Fuentebella, LRMS as the new director.

The senior high program was introduced into the school’s curriculum during the year 2017. The senior high building, the newest addition to the school at the time, was donated by the Ramas-uypitching family. The building composed of 2 floors, not including the canteen, and held 4 classrooms for the students of senior high.

 

 

In Feb 2020, the covid pandemic struck. As a result, the school was forced to shut down. To continue their operations, under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Garry Neil Fuentebella and School Principal Dr. Profetiza S. Lim, an online learning method was adopted.

 

Finally, during July 2022, Holy Cross High School finally announced its limited face to face classes. It was the first school in Dumaguete City to open during the time. With strong leadership and firm health protocols, the school was able to re-establish itself as a covid-free school coming September the same year.

 

 

The school celebrates its official founder's Day every 15th of July. It also commemorated its Golden Jubilee on that same day in the year 1978 and its Diamond Jubilee in 2003. Furthermore, the school is expected to celebrate its centenary in 2028, 5 years from now.