Cecilio Kapirig Putong (February 1, 1891 – January 26, 1980) was a Filipino scholar, educator, writer, UNESCO fellow, author. In 1952, he became the Secretary of Education of the Philippines. He was one of the most brilliant minds from Bohol having a reported IQ of 138 (Very Superior) based on Otis Intelligence Scale Test.

Early life

His parents were Apolinario Putong and Gregoria Kapirig, both from Tagbilaran, Bohol. His father was an assistant band conductor. His mother was a housewife who, upon the death of her husband at an early age, had to be a vendor to raise two children, Cirilo and Cecilio.

Education

Putong's first formal teacher was Maestro Andoy who happened to be the future Bohol Governor Fernando Gorraiz Rocha. The school was then the old stone building at the corner of J.A. Clarin Street and CPG Avenue, where a PNB branch still stands today. Later, he studied at the Bohol High School established by the Thomasites, the first American teachers in the Philippines. In March 1906, after passing corresponding examinations, he obtained the primary course in March 1906 and the intermediate course certificate in June 1906.

As a scholar

Career highlights

Writings

Awards and citations

Membership

Honors and recognition

Sources