St. Anthony's College

HISTORY OF ST. ANTHONY’S COLLEGE

The humble beginnings of St. Anthony’s College came from a simple proposal for a college institution. Although Fr. Simon Baars, then superior of the Mill Hill Fathers in the Philippines, Rev. Fr. Luis Zots and Rev. Fr. John Daly, consultors of the Fr. Superior all Mill Hill Missionaries pioneered its foundation in 1959, St. Anthony’s College got its name from the “godfathers”, both named Anthony, who, though not officially connected with the College, had financially helped in its foundation. They were Rev. Fr. Anthony Verheyen and Rev. Fr. Anthony Oomen.

Construction of a one story concrete edifice with seven standard-sized classrooms started in April 1959.  These classrooms were occupied by both College and High School students.  Presently named Hienken’s Building, now it is used by the high school department.

In 1962, another one-story structure having seven standard-sized classrooms intended solely for high school department was constructed.. Named the Verheyen Building, it is presently occupied by the Liberal Arts-Education Department.  Apart from being used as classrooms, this building also houses the Office of the Dean, the Faculty Room, and the Home Economics and Technology Laboratory.

The Administration Building, now known as the Cardinal Vaughan Building, was constructed under the administration of Rev. Fr. August Stockmann in June 1962. At the ground floor are the offices of the Father President, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Vice President for Administration, Finance Office, Audit Examiner Office, the Registrar’s Office, the Research Planning and Development Office and the Audio-Visual Room. The second floor houses the college chapel, the Christian Formation Office, and the Hotel and Restaurant Management Laboratory.

Other buildings were constructed since then. The Delaney Hall houses the College Learning Resource Center. Constructed separately around its perimeter are the multi-purpose rooms which are being used as classrooms of the Engineering Department, Medical and Dental Clinic and the Physics, Chemistry, Hydraulics, Drawing and Biological Sciences’ Laboratories. The three-story Oomen Building has been fully occupied since 1987 by the Business Education Department, Student Affairs Office, Guidance Office, Psycho-Spiritual Animator’s Office, The Anthonian Publication Office and the Office of the Student Republic.

In June 1992, the La Mennais Brothers helped facilitate the donations from the Government of Canada and Manus Unidas of Spain funds for the construction of a two-storey technology center, the La Mennais Building, which presently houses the classrooms of Technical Training Program (TTP), the Computer Literacy and Enhancement Program (CLEP), and the offices of the Information and Communications Technology Office.

The latest addition to the physical structures in the college is the two-storey ten –classroom building for the High School, which was fully occupied on June 10, 2002. This was made through the efforts of Canadian Provincialate of the La Mennais Brothers and the Basque Government.

The growth and expansion of the College was made possible through the energetic and effective leadership of its past Presidents, five of whom were Mill Hill Missionaries and the other five were Antiqueño Diocesan priests. Each of the College Presidents made his own mark on the College.

In its first year of operation, 1958-1959, Father Henry Heinkins was appointed Director/President of the College. His first concern was to put the College on the map. To achieve this, he gave the College a lot of exposure to the community.  Fr. Heinken’s three-year stay ended as his new assignment took him to the U.S.A.

Father Clement August Stockmann replaced Fr. Heinkins as Director/President of the College in June 1962.  The new College President believed that the quality of graduates was of prime importance. He then stressed academic excellence and worked for the formation of faculty and improvement in syllabi and content of various course offerings.

In May 1968, Father Harry Janssen took over as head of the College. Father Janssen’s term was marked by physical improvements and faculty formation made possible through the support of the Fund for Assistance to Private Education (FAPE), SAC was one of the many institutions which first availed of the benefits from this fund. The FAPE Scholarship Program sponsored three SAC teachers and has provided the College with two more MA degree holders in later years.  The faculty has greatly profited from the program started by Father Janssen.

Father Leonard Kellenaers succeeded Father Janssen as President of the College starting April 1972.  The “signs of the times” played prominently during term of Father Kelleaners.  This was the famous period was marked by the world-wide phenomenon of “student unrest” as well as political and social instability which later led to the declaration of Martial Rule all over the country on September 21, 1972. It was during his time that the enrollment of the College ebbed.  Internal re-organizations took place all the time to meet the needs of the moment. The members of the faculty had to take a great share in the affairs of the College, thus, their development for positions of the administration were given attention. Likewise, curricular and physical expansions were also attended to. On the other hand, the Articles of Incorporation and By Laws of the College were amended to facilitate the transfer of the College from the Mill Hill Society to the Prelature of Antique.

However, in March 21, 1975 Father Kellenaers left for a vacation.  Father James O’Donoghue took over as President of the College in an acting capacity.  During his absence, Father O’Donoghue effectively managed the affairs of the College until the return of Father Leo on August 25, 1975.

Immediately the following day, August 26, 1975, Father Kellenaers resumed as President and remained in that position until May 17, 1976.  During this time, great expansion of the College was noted.

The physical improvement of the College extended to the time of Father Joaquin Dioso, Jr. who took over as President of St. Anthony’s College on May 18, 1976.  Father Dioso was the first Filipino head of the College not only was this a demand by law, but more importantly, the time was ripe for a change. During his term of Father Dioso did more direct contact with the students and at the same time expanded the Faculty Development Program to meet the existing needs; thus bringing the enrollment to soar high.  The increase of enrollment meant additional classrooms, additional curricular offerings,   qualified faculty, competent staff and improved student services.  St. Anthony’s College applied for PAASCU Accreditation. The PAASCU self-survey forms were used to meet these demand in an efficient and professional manner.  In March 1981,  St. Anthony’s College was granted Applicant Status  by PAASCU and FAAP.  Father Joaquin Dioso, Jr. served as President for seven years, from May 1976 to April 1983.

In May 1983 Father Fortunato M. Abiera took over as President of the College.  A very significant event took place during his term.  In SY 1984-1985, St. Anthony's College merged with San Jose Academy , the latter owned by the Religious of the Assumption.  The site of the then San Jose Academy is now the SAC Grade School Campus.

After his term in April 1986, Father Abiera  was replaced by Father Jose Romeo O. Lazo  Father Lazo who served as College President from May 1986 to April 1989.  It was during his term that PAASCU made its first Formal Visit in July 1986 and in January 26,1987, St. Anthony’s College was granted LEVEL II Accreditation by PAASCU/FAAP for the programs Liberal Arts, Education and Commerce.

In May 1989, Father Nicolas A. Rendon swore in as College President, the position he held until April 1997.  Father Rendon had his own management style that is he involved himself in all the affairs and activities of the College.  A hands-on College President, as many people described him, he had accomplished a lot during his term. He pursued the offering of the Five-Year Civil Engineering course (B.S.C.E) that was later granted Government Recognition in 1990.  In that same year, PAASCU had a first re-survey visit. In May 1991, St. Anthony’s College was granted Deregulated Status LEVEL II until May 1996 for the programs Liberal Arts, Education and Commerce.  The four-year course in Accountancy was also given Government Recognition in 1993. The following year, the Technical Training Program (TTP) managed by the La Mennais Brothers was given permit to operate.  Housed in the two-storey LM Building, that was constructed with the aid from the Manos Unidas of Spain and through the able leadership of Bro. Claude Beauschesne, the SAC-TTP caters to youth of Antique who were unable to go to College due to financial constraints but were interested to take a ten-month course in dressmaking, tailoring, refrigeration, mechanics, woodworks and carpentry.   In 1995-1996 a two-year non-degree course in Hotel and Restaurant Management was given Government Recognition through TESDA.  In April 1996, SAC was granted LEVEL II Deregulated Status for another five years including the Accountancy program.

In June 1997, Father Cornelio V. Ysulat, Jr. was installed as the 10th President of St. Anthony’s College.  Fr. Lius as he is fondly called by colleagues and friends, brings the College to where it is now. To date, Father Ysulat serves his 10th year of being the College President, the longest term ever in St. Anthony’s College.

As the only Catholic educational institution of higher learning in the province of Antique, St. Anthony’s College hopes for the on-going improvement of the facilities and services for the attainment of its mission of providing quality, holistic, and responsive educational programs, services and experiences for its students and other stakeholders in Antique and the neighboring provinces.

A brief historical sketch provides the highlights in the curricular and other important aspects in the development of SAC.

1958 - The Mill Hill Missionaries founded St. Anthony's College located at the old site in Bantayan, San Jose, Antique; Government Recognition was given for First to Fourth Year High School (Antique Academy).

1958 - Government Recognition was given for Two-Year Liberal Arts Course leading to the title of Associate in Arts (A.A)

1959 - Government Recognition was given for One-Year Collegiate Secretarial Course with Certificate in Secretarial Science (C.S.S.) and Two-Year Collegiate Commercial Course leading to the title Associate in Commercial Science (A.C.S).

1964 - Government Recognition was given for Grades One to Four of the Elementary Course and to Third Year Commercial Course.

1965 - Government Recognition was given for Grades Five to Six of the Elementary Course, Two-Year Collegiate Secretarial Course with Diploma in Secretarial Science (D.S.S), the Four-Year Government Recognition No. 32, S. 1965, was given to Education Course leading to the degree Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E) and Government Recognition No. 33, series 1965 for Four-Year Collegiate Normal Course leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (B.S.E.Ed).

1968 - Government Recognition No. 125, S. 1968 was given for Third and Fourth Years of the Liberal Arts Course leading to the degree Bachelor of Arts (A.B).

1975 - Government Recognition No. 300, S. 1995 was given for the Collegiate Commercial Course leading to the degree Bachelor of Science in Commerce (B.S.C.).

1978 - Government Recognition was given for Kinder I and II

December 1980 - St. Anthony's College applied for PAASCU Accreditation

March 1981 - St. Anthony's College received the Applicant Status from PAASCU/FAAP

SY 1984-1985 - St. Anthony's College merged with San Jose Academy, of the Religious of the Assumption

July 1986 - PAASCU Formal Survey Visit

Jan. 26, 1987 - St. Anthony's College was granted PAASCU Accreditation Level I for programs until 1990

1990 - Government Recognition No. 029, S. 1990 was given for Five-Year Civil Engineering Course leading to the degree Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (B.S.C.E).

August 1990 - PAASCU Resurvey Visit

May 9, 1991 - St. Anthony's College was granted Deregulated Status,
Level II by PAASCU for the Liberal Arts, Education and Commerce Programs until May 1996

June 1993 - Government Recognition No. C-R-006, S. 1993 was given for Four-Year Course in Accountancy leading to the degree Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (B.S.A).

SY 1994-1995 - St. Anthony's College was given permit to open the La Mennais Brothers’ Technical Training Program (TTP)

SY 1995-1996 - Government Recognition (R-VI) No. V-0002 S. 1996 was given for the Two-Year Non-Degree Course in Hotel and Restaurant Management

April 19, 1996 - St. Anthony's College was granted PAASCU Accreditation Level II for Five Years including the Accountancy Program until 2001.

June 1998 - Research Planning and Development Office (RPDO) was established.

SY 1998-1999 - Ruby Jubilee Celebration of St. Anthony’s College

SY 1999-2000 - Information Technology Services Unit (ITSU) was established Liberal Arts programs merged with Education Department; Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) program transferred to the Business Education Department and Engineering became and independent department.

March 28, 2001 - Government Recognition No. 015, S. 2001 was given for the First Year Course in Computer Engineering leading to the degree Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering.

June 2001 - The Office of Accreditation, Planning, and Development (OAPD) was created; the Research Office (RESO) became an independent office.

The Human Resource and Development Office (HRDO) was established.

Oct. 1-2, 2001 - PAASCU Third Resurvey Visit

April 30, 2002 - St. Anthony's College was granted Level II Re-accreditation by PAASCU for Five Years until 2007.

May 15, 2002 - Temporary Permit No. 007, S. 2002 was given for Second Curriculum Level for Computer Engineering leading to the degree Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering.

June 28, 2002 - UTPRAS Registration Certificate was granted by TESDA VI for the following programs:

• Two-Year Hotel and Restaurant Management - Registration Certificate WTR No. VI-283, S. 2002
• Two-Year  Computer Programmer - Registration Certificate WTR No. VI-284, S. 2002
• Two-Year Computer Secretarial - Registration Certificate WTR No. VI-285, S. 2002
• Two-Year Computer Technician - Registration Certificate WTR No. VI-286, S. 2002
• One-Year Data Encoder - Registration Certificate WTR No. VI-287, S. 2002

July 6, 2002 - Inauguration of the new High School Building donated by the Basque Government and the La Mennais Brothers and with aid from the High School Parent Teachers’ Association.

March 6, 2003 - Temporary Permit No. 014, S. 2003 was granted for Third Curriculum Level of Computer Engineering leading to the degree Bachelor of Science of Science in Computer Engineering.

May 2003 - Review of 1998 – 2003 Strategic Plan, Revised the Vision-Mission Statement and Formulated the 2003-2008 Strategic Plan.

SY 2003-2004 - New Strategic Plan in its initial year of implementation;  Job Analysis of all job functions in the College.  Job Analysis brought about changes in the organization structure.

May 31, 2004 - Certificate of Program Registration WTR No. 0406022005 was given for One-Year Caregiver NC 2.

June 3, 2004 - Temporary Permit No. 069, S. 2004 was given for the First Curriculum Level of Hospitality Management leading to the degree Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management.

SY 2004-2005 - Implementation of the re-engineered organizational set-up  of St. Anthony's College Grade School and High School merged as one Basic Education Department (BED), under one principal.

Reviewed of Policies, Guidelines and Processes at both the corporate and departmental /unit levels.  Revised Policies that do not support the new Vision, Strategies and Structure.

June 9, 2005    Revised Policies, Guidelines and Processes presented to and approved by the SAC-BOT for implementation.

July 11, 2005    Temporary Permit No. 078, S. 2005  was given for Second Curriculum Level of Hospitality Management leading to the degree Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management.

October 5, 2005    Government Recognition No. 006, S. 2005 was given for Five Year Course in Computer Engineering leading to the degree Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (B.S.Co.E)

March 22, 2006    Temporary Permit No. 011, S. 2006 was given for Third Year Curriculum Level of Hospitality Management leading to the degree Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management.

The Academic Year 2006-2007 will be another milestone in the history of St. Anthony's College. In February 2007, PAASCU will have a resurvey visit for the re-accreditation of the Commerce, Education and the Liberal Arts programs and preliminary visit for the Civil Engineering and Accountancy programs.