Beaterio De Santa Catalina

School Organizations

History of Sta. Catalina College: Over 300 Years of Excellence in Catholic Education

Founded in 1706, Sta. Catalina College (SCC) is one of the oldest Catholic educational institutions in the Philippines. Its rich history is deeply intertwined with the country’s colonial past, enduring through centuries of change and challenges. Managed by the Congregation of Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena, SCC has always stood as a beacon of faith-based education and has been dedicated to shaping generations of Filipino youth.

Early Beginnings: The Beaterio de Sta. Catalina de Manila (1696)

The story of Sta. Catalina College begins in 1696, with the establishment of the Beaterio de Sta. Catalina de Manila in Intramuros, Manila. Under the leadership of the Venerable Mother Francisca del Espiritu Santo de Fuentes and Rev. Juan de Sto. Domingo, O.P., this humble institution was created to provide education and religious instruction to young girls from poor families. The Beaterio offered a well-rounded education, combining the Catholic faith with practical skills like embroidery, flower-making, and the arts.
 
From its inception, the Beaterio embraced diversity, welcoming not only Spanish girls but also mestizas and natives. The institution’s egalitarian approach stood in contrast to the elitist tendencies of the time, setting the foundation for Sta. Catalina College’s inclusive ethos. 

 

Growth and Recognition: A Pioneer in Women’s Education

In 1889, SCC gained international recognition when it was granted the privilege to confer the degree of Maestra Normal by the Queen Mother of Spain, making it one of the first schools for girls in the Philippines to offer formal teacher training. This distinction was later confirmed by the American colonial government, solidifying SCC’s role as a leader in women’s education. SCC graduates were known for their spiritual values, grace, and commitment to family and society, making significant contributions to Filipino culture and history.

From 1889 to 1935, the school adopted the American educational system, and English became the medium of instruction. The wives of American officers even taught at SCC, further broadening the institution’s influence.

WWII and Rebuilding: Resilience Amidst Adversity

The Second World War tested the resilience of Sta. Catalina College. In 1941, the original campus in Intramuros was destroyed during the Battle of Manila. However, the Dominican Sisters’ determination to continue their educational mission remained unshaken. With permission from Japanese forces, SCC resumed operations in a temporary campus along Legarda Street in Sampaloc, Manila. In 1942, it became the training department for the University of Santo Tomas’ School of Education.

After the war, SCC acquired new land in Sampaloc and, by 1953, inaugurated a new campus to accommodate its growing student population. This marked the beginning of an era of expansion and renewal for Sta. Catalina College.

A New Era: Modernizing the SCC Campus

In the 1980s, SCC embarked on a major physical and academic transformation. The school adopted the Catholic Schools System Development (CSSD), later known as the O.P. Siena Schools System Development Program (OPS-SSD), to enhance both its operations and spiritual formation. New buildings were constructed in phases, and in 1985, the College Department reopened with an emphasis on elementary teacher training.

In recognition of its historical significance, SCC was awarded a Historical Marker by the National Historical Institute in 1988, cementing its status as a national landmark in education.

Academic Excellence and Accreditation

Sta. Catalina College has long been committed to academic excellence. Both its grade school and high school departments have earned Level II accreditation from the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU), affirming its dedication to maintaining high educational standards. The College Department, which re-opened in the mid-1980s, continues to offer specialized programs aimed at producing well-rounded, capable educators.

Famous Alumni and Legacy

Throughout its history, SCC has nurtured numerous notable alumni, including Marcela Agoncillo, the creator of the first Philippine flag, and other distinguished women who have contributed to the nation’s cultural and political fabric. These graduates, known for their deep-rooted spirituality and sense of duty, have exemplified SCC’s mission to serve God, country, and fellowmen.

 

 

Continuing the Mission: SCC Today

Today, Sta. Catalina College remains steadfast in its mission to provide high-quality Catholic education to Filipino youth. Offering a K-12 program, as well as baccalaureate degrees, SCC prepares students not only for academic success but also for a life of service and leadership. With a legacy that spans over 300 years, SCC continues to be a respected pillar of education, producing graduates who embody the values of faith, compassion, and excellence.

As it moves into the future, Sta. Catalina College upholds its tradition of nurturing the minds and hearts of its students, ensuring that its role in shaping the next generation remains as strong as it was over three centuries ago.

Sta. Catalina College: A heritage of faith, a future of hope, and a legacy of learning.