Saint Vincent’s College was founded on June l7, 1917. Incorporated on June 20, 1917, and finally organized on July 20, 1917. First called the Dipolog Parochial School, it has always been a non-stock, non-profit corporation with the following Jesuit priests as respective 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 town. 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 school endured financial difficulties from 1952 to 1960. In the summer of 1960, a 37-year-old priest from Sevilla Bohol arrived. The new director, Rev. Fr. Constancio P. Mesiona graduated Magna Cum Laude for his Seminary course and for his Masters at the San Jose Seminary, Manila, before going to Spain to take up his Doctorate of Canon Law at the Universidad Pontifica de comillas in Santander. In 1963 a separate Accounting Office was created. Each department became independent from the other departments. Gonzales type buildings(which are still existing) were built one after another, replacing old structures. Moreover, qualified teachers were hired to teach their major field of specialization, books and laboratory equipment were purchased. Musical instruments were acquired to equip the newly organized Saint Vincent’s College Orchestra, probably the best in Mindanao at the time. In 1967 Bishop Felix Zafra assumed as Bishop of Dipolog and as the President of St. Vincent’s College. He served in that capacity until his transfer to Bohol in 1987. During the seventies, Saint Vincent’s College grew more proud, academically, culturally and religiously. More courses were offered and recognized. On July 2, 1975 the Master of Arts in Education (M.A.) as well as the Master in Business Administration (MBA) were recognized. The MATEA as well as the opening of the second year of BS in Kindergarten were given permit on May 22, 1978.
Posted on: Wed, 28 Aug 2013 08:23:36 +0000
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