Saint Alphonsus Catholic School

Last updated
St. Alphonsus Catholic School
Location
G.Y. Dela Serna St, Poblacion, Lapu-Lapu City, 6015 Cebu
Information
TypePrivate, Catholic
MottoOra et Labora(Latin)
(Pray and Work)
Patron saint(s) Alphonsus Marie Liguori
Benedict of Nursia
Established1916
FounderMathew O'Callaghan
DirectressEmma Benedicta L. Villanueva, FDNSC
Nickname Alphonsians
AccreditationLevel III PAASCU Accreditation
AffiliationsPAASCU

St. Alphonsus Catholic School (SACS) is a Catholic institution currently run by the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. It was run by the Benedictine sisters for 88 years. Its campus is located at Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines. It offers programs in the preparatory, elementary and secondary levels. The school is accredited by the PAASCU.

It is the first private school on the island of Mactan founded by the Redemptorist Fathers in 1916. Mathew O'Callaghan is considered to be its founder. [1] Since 1921, SACS has been under the administration of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters even when the parish was turned over by the Redemptorists to the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC) in 1921. In 1991, SACS celebrated its Diamond Jubilee. SACS celebrated its 90th foundation day in August 2005. In August 2016, the school celebrated its 100th year of foundation.

History

Saint Alphonsus Catholic School (Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu) Inc., popularly known in the community as Saint Alphonsus Catholic School (SACS), was founded in 1916 in Opon (Lapu-Lapu) by Mateo O'Callaghan, a Redemptorist priest, who named it in honor of the Redemptorist founder, Alphonsus de Liguori. In 1916, the primary course was opened with 250 pupils and in 1918 the intermediate grades were added, thus completing the Elementary Department.

Desirous of spreading their educational apostolate over the island, the Redemptorists Fathers opened branch schools in the year 1920. They spread through Mactan, Agus, Babag, Sta. Rosa, Kalawisan, Basak and Pajo. Being mainly supported by parish funds, the schools managed to survive until the 1950s. Gradually, they were phased out due to the newly opened public schools.

In 1921, the Missionary Benedictine Sisters were called to administer SACS. In 1929, the Redemptorist priests turned over the parish to the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC) and the Benedictine Sisters continued in administering the school.

As early as 1922, the Secondary Department was opened for the first and second year students. SACS continued to operate until the outbreak of the Second World War. Because of this, the school was forced to close down. In 1946, however, SACS was reopened. In 1947, Year Three was added; in 1948, Year Four, and in 1949, SACS promoted its first batch of high school graduates.

In 1973 a night Secondary Course was offered to Year One and Two. It gradually moved up to five years and produced its first graduates in 1977. However, in 1988, it was phased out.

SACS which began with an initial school population of 250, has reached an enrolment of 3,706 (S.Y. 1998-1999) for both Elementary and High School. To meet the demands of the continued increase in enrollment, the school plant has been accordingly expanded. From a one-story building, the school has now maintained a complex of eight buildings.

In 1985, the school went through its preliminary survey accreditation. In May 1990, the High School Department was granted an initial accreditation by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU).

In 1991, SACS celebrated another momentous event in her history: her diamond jubilee.

In April 2002, the Grade School was awarded certificate of accredited status for a period of three years, hence, making both departments accredited. In the year 2005, the Grade School Department was accredited Level II status by the PAASCU. Then on March 16, 2006, the school was granted the permission for recognition to operate a pre-elementary course.

In 2009, with the Benedictine Sisters deciding to focus on their own schools and considering other forms of ministry, the school went through the transition stage. The Congregation of the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (FDNSC) was invited to work with the Benedictine Sisters. The administration of the school was then under the two Religious Congregations. Sr. M. Reginalda Cortez, OSB acted as the Directress and Principal of the High School Department while the sisters from the Congregation of the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart took on the other administrative roles.

Since 2010, the DOLSH Sisters have taken the responsibility to manage SACS in accordance with the policies and standards set by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU). In 2015, the High School Department was granted Level II Re-Accredited status.

In 2016, SACS celebrated the most significant milestone in her history: her Centennial Jubilee. [2] This is undoubtedly striking evidence that for 100 years the institution has perseveringly and steadfastly committed herself to provide quality Christian education for social transformation. More so the granting of PAASCU Level II Re-Accredited Status to the Grade School Department and Level III Re-Accredited Status to the High School Department has greatly confirmed the school’s thrust for academic excellence and character formation of the young Alphonsian in her care. In the same year, Senior High School was opened offering the General Academic Strand comprising four (4) sections with 164 students.

In 2017, the Grade School Department was awarded Level III Re-Accredited Status.

In 2018, SACS produced the first batch of Senior High School graduates. On June 5, 2018, the application for STEM and HUMSS offerings was approved by the Department of Education.

In 2022, SACS produced the first batch of Super Senior High School graduates. On June 8, 2022, the application for super STEM and super HUMMS offerings was approved by the Department of Education.

In keeping with the signs of the times, the school continuously evaluates its efforts and updates its master plan in order to make them more useful and relevant and to reflect the changes in the educational needs of the students and community as well.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Siena College of Quezon City</span> Private educational institution

Siena College of Quezon City is a private, sectarian, non-stock basic and higher education institution run by the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena in San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City, Philippines. It was established in 1959 by the Siena Sisters. The school offers tertiary education with degrees in Tourism, Business Administration, Hotel and Restaurant Management, Mass Communications and Religious Education. It also offers pre-school, elementary, secondary education, and SPED.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">La Salle Academy (Philippines)</span> Private institution

La Salle Academy is a private Catholic La Sallian basic education institution run by the Philippine District of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines. It was founded in 1958. It is the first of the third generation of La Salle schools founded by the De La Salle Brothers in the country, namely: La Salle Green Hills in Mandaluyong (1959), Saint Joseph School-La Salle in Bacolod (1960), and De La Salle Lipa in Lipa City (1962).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holy Family Academy (Philippines)</span> School in Fil-Am Friendship Highway, Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines

Holy Family Academy, also referred to by its acronym HFA, is a private Catholic basic education school administered by the Congregation of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing in Angeles, Pampanga, Philippines. It was established in 1906 as a Catholic parochial school and named Colegio de la Sagrada Familia in 1910. It is now one of the most prestigious schools in Angeles City. It has both elementary and high school departments as well as kindergarten and preparatory school classes for younger students. The school follows the Benedictine tradition of Ora et Labora, which means "Prayer and Work".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saint Theresa's College of Cebu</span>

St. Theresa's College of Cebu (STC), is a private Catholic institution of basic and higher learning run by the sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Cebu City, Philippines. It was founded by the Immaculate heart of Mary sisters on June 1, 1933 upon the invitation of Monsignor Gabriel Reyes, then Archbishop of Cebu.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of La Salette</span>

The University of La Salette is a private Catholic, coeducational basic and higher education institution run by the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette in Santiago City, Philippines. Founded by the La Salettes in June, 1951, It is now one of the top performing universities in the region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ateneo de Iloilo</span> Jesuit school in Iloilo City, Philippines

The Ateneo de Iloilo – Santa Maria Catholic School (AdI–SMCS), is a private, Jesuit, Catholic, Chinese-Filipino Basic Education school run by the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus in Iloilo City, Philippines. It is a non-stock and non-profit institution duly accredited by the Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PCNC). It is also recognized by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) with Level 2 accreditation. Ateneo de Iloilo began in 1958 as a parochial school named Santa Maria Catholic School. In 2004, the school was officially recognized as a Jesuit school separate from the Santa Maria Parish and was renamed Ateneo de Iloilo - Santa Maria Catholic School. It is the eighth Jesuit school in the Philippines to be named Ateneo. Ateneo de Iloilo is a K-12 school and its curriculum includes Chinese language, Christian Living Education, and Ignatian Spirituality programs. It is known for its excellence in the fields of academics and values formation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St. Paul University Quezon City</span> Private coeducational university

St. Paul University Quezon City, also referred to as SPUQC or SPU Quezon City, is a private, sectarian and coeducational university located in New Manila, Quezon City. It was previously an all-girls' school and turned co-ed beginning school year 2006-2007.

Pilar College of Zamboanga City, Inc. is a private Catholic basic and higher education institution owned and administered by the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM) in Zamboanga City, Philippines. It was founded by the RVM Sisters in 1894 as a Cartilla School. It is located at R.T. Lim boulevard, Zamboanga City. The college provides Catholic education to the children and the youth of Zamboanga City and the southwestern part of Mindanao. It offers elementary, secondary and college education.

Espiritu Santo Parochial School is a basic education institution in Santa Cruz, Manila, with a core of faculty members and staff.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">La Consolacion College Iriga</span>

La Consolacion College Iriga is a private Catholic coeducational basic and higher education institution run by the Augustinian Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation (ASOLC) in the City of Iriga in Camarines Sur Province, Philippines. It was founded in 1949 and is one of the 24 Schools in the Philippines administered by the Augustinian Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation. The Patroness of the School is the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title Our Lady of Consolation whose feast is September 4. It is the only catholic institution of learning in Iriga City. Colloquially known as LaCo, LCC-Iriga maintains a lofty position among other schools in the city. It is a member of the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities(PAASCU).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St. Mary's Academy, Guagua, Pampanga</span> School in San Roque, Guagua, Pampanga, Philippines

St. Mary's Academy of Guagua, commonly referred to simply as SMAG, is a private Catholic coeducational basic education institution administered by the Religious of the Virgin Mary in Barangay San Roque, Guagua, Pampanga, in the Philippines. The school was established by the RVM Sisters in 1908.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Notre Dame of Tacurong College</span>

Notre Dame of Tacurong College is a private, Catholic basic and higher education institution run by the Archdiocese of Cotabato in the City of Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat, Philippines. It was established by the Oblates in 1950. It offers Elementary, Junior High School, Senior High School, and College to the neighboring municipalities, cities, and provinces. It has been a member of the Notre Dame Educational Association, a group of schools named Notre Dame in the Philippines under the patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

St. Mary's College of Baliuag is a private, Catholic Co-educational basic and higher education institution administered by the Religious of the Virgin Mary in Baliwag, Philippines. It was formerly named Colegio de la Sagrada Familia or Holy Family School, when founded in 1912. On June 30, 1959, the Holy Family School was renamed St. Mary's Academy (SMA). It provides Preparatory, Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary education. It is the only Catholic school in the town of Baliuag, Bulacan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St. Rita's College of Balingasag</span>

St. Rita's College of Balingasag is a Filipino, Roman Catholic, co-educational college in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, Philippines. It was founded in 1901 by the late Jesuit missionary Rev. Fr. Gregorio Parache, SJ.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">College of the Holy Spirit Manila</span> Catholic institution

The College of the Holy Spirit Manila, or simply CHSM, was a private, Catholic education institution founded and ran by the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit in Manila, Philippines. Founded in 1913, College of the Holy Spirit Manila was established originally as Holy Ghost College through the invitation of then Manila Archbishop Jeremias Harty. Located originally at Legarda Street, the present campus is now located in the historic Mendiola Street, inside the Malacañang Palace Complex. It is one of the schools which comprises the Mendiola Consortium (MC) for academic cooperation along with Centro Escolar University Manila, La Consolacion College Manila, San Beda College Manila, and St. Jude Catholic School.

St. Agnes Academy ) is a private Catholic basic education institution run by the Congregation of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing in Legazpi City Albay Philippines. It was founded in 1912 and is the oldest Catholic school in the province of Albay, Bicol, Philippines.

The Saint Paul University Surigao, also referred to as SPUS or SPU Surigao, is a private, Catholic basic and higher education institution run by the Sisters of Saint Paul of Chartres in Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, Philippines.

The Nazarene Catholic School is a private Roman Catholic school located in Quiapo, Manila, Philippines. It was formerly known as the Quiapo Parochial School from 1951 until 2005, when its name was changed to Nazarene Catholic School in honor of the Black Nazarene.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christ the King College (La Union)</span> School in San Fernando City, La Union, Philippines

Christ the King College also referred to by its acronym CKC is a basic education institution run by the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in San Fernando City, La Union, Philippines. Founded in 1931 by the ICM Sisters, it is one of the oldest Catholic institutions in La Union and the Ilocos Region. Like St. Theresa's College in Quezon City and four others, it is one of the six Immaculati Cordis Mariae (ICM) schools in the country founded by Mother Marie Louise De Meester and ran by Belgian Sisters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lourdes College (Cagayan de Oro)</span> College in Misamis Oriental, Philippines

Lourdes College Cagayan de Oro City (LCCDO) is a private, Roman Catholic basic and higher education institution managed by the Congregation of the Religious of the Virgin Mary in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Philippines. It was founded by Archbishop James T.G. Hayes, S.J. in 1928. It is a member of the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU). The school has two campuses: the Integrated Basic Education Department (IBED) in Barangay Macasandig, and the Higher Education Department (HED) on Capistrano-Hayes Sts.

References

  1. ↑ St. Aphonsus Archives
  2. ↑ "Anniversary", Wikipedia, 2020-09-19, retrieved 2020-10-07
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.