Payao National High School started as a barangay school on June 19, 1977 with one teacher, 1 classroom with 40 students most are over age. This was opened in accordance with Republic Act # 2706 as amended by Commonwealth Act #180 thru the collaborative efforts of the Late Barangay Captain Leopoldo Solito of Calaboa Este, Mrs. Vivencio Araneta, District Supervisor of Sta. Barbara and Mayor E
rnesto Sumagaysay of the Municipality of Sta. Solito, now Mrs. Sudario is the first and pioneer teacher. Payao National High School is situated at Magancina, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo, is eigth (8) kilometres away from the Poblacion. Looking at the map of the Municipality of Sta. Barbara you will notice that there is no such barangay as Payao. Because Payao is a creek encircling the barangays of Magancina, Tuburan, Conaynay, Calaboa Este and Canipayan. That is why talking of Payao you will be asked “Where is Payao?” These barangays serve as the school’s feeders of students. By virtue of the Executive Order #189 dated July 1, 1987, the barangay School has changed its status into National High School. It was fully confirmed as nationally funded last April of 1993. On July 9, 1989 the Municipal Government of Sta. Barbara had donated 6,000 square meters for the school site. On the 4th of July 1994, the Deed of Donation of Usufruct was signed by Mayor Jone P. Sabidong and Dr. Consolacion N. Quinon transferring the ownership of the lot from the Municipal Government to the Department of Education, Culture and Sports. There are 3 buildings with three classrooms each, and such cater the needs of the needs of the students and teachers. All these were constructed from 1993-2001. Four classrooms are used for academics. An Office, Home Economics, Laboratory, Library, MAPEH, Computer rooms are also provided. The students planted coconut and mahogany trees along the school perimeter fence. Landscaping was done and full utilization of school facilities is implemented. Through the years Payao National High School is striving for EXCELLENCE.
