His parents were Apolinario Putong and Gregoria Kapirig, both of Tagbilaran, Bohol. His father was an assistant band conductor and 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
Early Education: Dr. Putong studied in the Tagbilaran Spanish Public School and the Tagbilaran School later established by the first American teachers in the Philippines. After passing corresponding examinations, he obtained the primary course in March, 1906 and the intermediate course certificate in June, 1906. As a Gov't. Pensionado: Diploma for Normal Course Three degrees obtained in the USA as gov't. pensionado: BSE - Western Illinois State Teachers College, 1920; M. A. - Columbia University, NYC, 1921; and Ph.D. - University of Chicago, Illinois, 1937 Intelligence Quotient: 138
At the age of 13 when he joined a contest in composition writing. His piece, "The Province of Bohol" won him first prize, receiving five pesos from Judge Charles H. Burritt and two pesos more from Governor Salustiano Borja.
First Prize, Composition Writing Contest on "The Province of Bohol" held on Nov 28, 1904
First Prize, Folklore Writing Contest conducted by the Philippine Education Company in 1910
Rizal "Pro Patria" Award for Education in Nationalism- given by President Carlos P. Garcia during the first centenary of Dr. Jose Rizal's birthday
Received the honorary degree of Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, by the University of Bohol
Citation for Faithful and Inspired Service to the Philippine Educational System from Classroom Teacher to Undersecretary of Education --- given during its Golden Jubilee on December 16, 1951
Award for Distinguished Service to the Philippine School System --- given by the Philippine Association of School Superintendents in 1956
Bronze Usa, Silver Usa and Bronze Tamaraw ; Silver Tamaraw ; Gold Medal of Merit ; Special Plaque for Distinguished Service ; and Certificate of Recognition --- all from the Boy Scouts of the Philippines
Certificate of Appreciation --- from the Jose Rizal National Centennial Commission
Award of Merit for Outstanding Service in the field of Education --- given by the Bohol Association, Inc. in Manila
Citation as Educator of the Year --- given by the Lions Club of Tagbilaran
Honors and recognition
The Bohol National High School or BNHS; also Bohol High, is a public secondary educational institution at Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines named after Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School by virtue of the 14th Congress House Bill No. 3724 sponsored by then Congressman Isidro Zarraga, Jr. of Bohol, amidst controversy. It is located along Carlos P. Garcia or CPG Avenue.
