Saint Vincent's College

Saint Vincent’s College ("Colegio de San Vicente" in Spanish and commonly abbreviated as SVC) is the oldest and the most recognized higher education institution in the Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. Situated in the heart of Dipolog City, known as the Orchid City of the Philippines, SVC is a private non-sectarian, non-stock and non-profit institution duly approved and authorized by the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education to offer course programs from kindergarten to post-graduate levels.

Due to its renowned quality of higher education delivered by its high-caliber faculty, SVC is the first institution in the Province of Zamboanga del Norte granted government authority and recognition to offer a doctorate degree. It prides itself to be the leading training ground for both public and private institution leaders in the whole Province. Proud alumni and current students of the College are popularly referred to as "Vincentians".

History

Saint Vincent's College, with address at Padre Ramon St., Estaka, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte 7100, Philippines, was founded on June l7, 1917, incorporated on June 20, 1917, and finally organized on July 20, 1917. It was first called the Dipolog Parochial School with the following Jesuit priests as the first incorporators and officers of the school administration: Rev. Fr. Francisco Garcia, Rev. Fr. Manuel Valles, Rev. Fr. Eliseo Gil, Rev. Fr. Hobac, and Rev. Fr. Handueza.

In 1932, Fr. Eduardo Aniceto, the new Director reorganized everything to cope with the standards prescribed by the Secretary of Education, working for a government recognition to operate a complete elementary school. The seventh grade was added to the general intermediate course on May 31, 1938.

The community worked for the establishment of a catholic high school that would train and prepare the youth for academic, moral and spiritual responsibilities. Fr. Benigno Dagani, S.J., a Filipino priest together with the Board of Directors, asked help from the Bishop, Msgr. Luis del Rosario, S.J., D.D., for the establishment of a catholic high school. The institution was named Saint Vincent’s School, in honor of St. Vincent Ferrer, the second Patron Saint of the City. In order to give equity to young girls of Dipolog, the girls’ department was established. The headship of the school was taken over by a new director, Rev. Fr. Pio J. Saavedra.

In 1947, Rev. Fr. Engracio S. Rivera, a clergy, was appointed Director. He gave the school motto, “Induamor Arma Lucis”, meaning “Let us clad ourselves with the armor of light”. The college level was established with the end in view of raising the academic standards. Permit was granted to open first year of Junior Normal College Course, first year pre-law, and first year Education Course on June 18,1947. It became Saint Vincent’s College on February 28, 1950.

The College endured financial difficulties from 1952 to 1960. In the summer of 1960, a 37-year-old priest from Sevilla Bohol, Rev. Fr. Constancio P. Mesiona, arrived to take over the new directorship of the College. Rev. Fr. Mesiona graduated Magna Cum Laude for his Seminary course and for his master's at the San Jose Seminary, Manila. He earned his Doctor of Canon Law (J.C.D.) at the Universidad Pontifica de Comillas in Santander, Spain.

In 1963, a separate Accounting Office was created. Each department became independent from the other departments. Gonzales type buildings, which are still existing these days, were built one after another, replacing old structures. Moreover, qualified teachers were hired to teach their major fields of specialization, and books and laboratory equipment were purchased. Musical instruments were acquired to equip the newly organized Saint Vincent’s College Orchestra, the best in Mindanao at the time.

In 1967, Bishop Felix Zafra assumed as Bishop of Dipolog and as the President of Saint Vincent’s College. He had served in that capacity until his transfer to Bohol in 1987.

During the seventies, Saint Vincent’s College grew the proudest academically, culturally and religiously. More courses were offered and recognized. On July 2, 1975, the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Education as well as the Master in Business Administration (MBA) were recognized. The M.A.T.E.A. as well as the opening of the second year of B.S. in Kindergarten were given permit on May 22, 1978.

The school continued to reap honors and prestige not only locally but also nationally through its students who excelled in the different fields of competition, and to the many graduates who shone and excelled in their chosen professions. Fr. Mesiona built more buildings to accommodate the growing student population. The present Administration Building was built from his retirement pay. During his term, the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.), and Doctor of Educational Management (E.M.D.) were recognized.

Upon the demise of Fr. Mesiona on April 3, 1995 at the age of 72 after serving the institution for 35 years, Bishop Jose R. Manguiran, the incumbent President, took over the reins as the College Director. On June, 1996, Fr. Beda B. Belotindos was appointed to act as Director for three years. By June, 1999, a new structure was adopted with the appointment of three Vice Presidents, namely: Rev. Fr. Bienvenido E. Hamoy, VP for Finance; Dr. Alfreda B. Calamba, VP for Administration; and Dr. Jose M. Baloria, Jr., VP for Academics and secretary. Rev. Fr. Greg B. Canonigo, Seminary Director and Dr. Gaudiosa M. Ochotorena, Dean of Graduate School, complete the Board of Trustees.

In keeping abreast with the computer era, the school opened the courses of Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communication Engineering on May 22,2000.

The present administration created the Office of Alumni Affairs chaired by Dr. Bebita H. Esparaguera who initiated the revival of the alumni association, which has lain dormant since 1964. A group of dedicated alumni headed by Atty. Uldarico B. Mejorada and retired Judge Juanito A. Bernad who were subsequently elected President and Vice President, respectively, drafted the Constitution and By-laws of the Saint Vincent’s College Alumni Association, Inc. It was ratified in a plebiscite called for the purpose on August 20, 2000.

On October 1, 2000, the alumni officers, directors, and members in attendance were inducted into office in a fitting ceremony held at the new Millennium Building.

References

http://dipologcity.com/SchoolsSVC.htm, http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2006/11/13/SCAU2006111379325.html, http://www.ched.gov.ph/hei_dir/HEIDirJan2008/jan8Region09.pdf