Then and Now: A Look at Some of the Oldest Schools in Philippines

The Philippines is a country that has a rich history brought about by centuries of  Spanish, American, and Japanese occupations, and when combined with our own colorful traditions, make for an interesting culture altogether. It is not surprising to see traces of foreign influence in our language, food, clothing, and even in architecture. Would you believe that some of the oldest schools in the country were built as far back as the 15th century?

Here’s a double-tap worthy peek at some of the oldest schools in the country and what they looked like then and now:

University of San Carlos

University of San Carlos is one of the biggest universities in Cebu City. USC was first known as the Colegio-Seminario de San Carlos founded by Bishop Mateo Joaquin de Arevalo and began to function as a university in 1867 though some sources claim that its origin can be traced back as early as 1559 with the foundation of the Jesuit school, Colegio de San Ildefonso.

At present, University of San Carlos remains as one of the top performing higher learning institutions in the country, having 8 Centers of Excellence and 12 Centers of Development determined by the Commission on Higher Education.

THEN:

NOW:

 

University of Santo Tomas

University of Santo Tomas is a Catholic university founded in 1611 as the Colegio de Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario with its original campus built in Intramuros. In 1865, the institution served as the Department of Education when it was authorized by Queen Isabella II of the Spanish monarchy to direct and supervise all the schools in the Philippines.¹

UST also served as a second home to prominent personalities in the country including our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. In its quadricentennial year in 2011, the university made a world record for forming the largest human cross, patterned after the Dominican black and white cross.²

THEN: 

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Colegio de San Juan de Letran

Colegio de San Juan de Letran traces its history from two schools: Colegio de Niños Huerfanos de San Juan de Letran founded by Don Geronimo Guerrero in 1620 and Colegio de Huerfanos de San Pedro y San Pablo established by Brother Diego de Santa Maria. Serving the same purpose and vision, the two schools were merged in 1630. Throughout its history, Colegio de San Juan de Letran has produced graduates that have made notable contributions in the society including Philippine presidents, heroes, media personalities, and other prominent names in the field of education, literature, and sports.³

THEN:

 

NOW: 

 

Santa Isabel College of Manila

Santa Isabel College of Manila is one of the oldest existing colleges in the country starting in 1632 as the all-girls school Real Colegio de Santa Isabel. The school started to accept boys in 1970 in its Music Department, 1995 in Lower Basic Education, and 2003 in Upper Basic Education. Santa Isabel College opened its music department in 1930, being one of the pioneer schools in the country to offer the degree.

THEN:

 

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Sta. Catalina College

Sta. Catalina College was founded in 1706 as Colegio de Santa Catalina yet the school’s origin can be dated as early as 1969 with the establishment of Beaterio de Santa Catalina, a convent for Spanish women. Like most of the other institutions built during the Spanish era, Sta. Catalina College wasn’t able to escape the destruction of the World War II. From its old Intramuros site, the college transferred in Legarda St., Manila.

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Ateneo de Manila University

Home of the Blue Eagles, Ateneo de Manila was founded in 1859 by the Spanish Jesuits as the public primary school, Escuela Municipal, in Intramuros, Manila. When the Americans came to the Philippines, the school changed its name to Ateneo de Manila. From its old campus in Intramuros, Ateneo moved to its current Loyola Heights, Quezon City location.

THEN:

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Concordia College

Concordia College, also known as as Colegio de la Imaculada Concepcion de la Concordia, was founded in 1868 by in Doña Margarita Roxas de Ayala. The school plays a big part in the life of our national hero, Jose Rizal, as this was where his sisters Saturnina, Olympia, and Soledad graduated, and the place where he met Leonor Rivera.

THEN:

 

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St. Mary’s College of Quezon City

Established in 1684, the school was first known as Beaterio de la Compania de Jesus. In 1939, the Beaterio was renamed into St. Mary’s College. From the exclusive all-girls school, the school started to accept boys to its student body after the war. St. Mary’s College moved to its present location in Mother Ignacia Avenue, Quezon City, in 1950.

 

THEN: 

 

NOW:

Throughout the years, these schools have not only witnessed important events in our history but also produced generations of students who made a great impact in society.

 

References:

¹–http://nhcp.gov.ph/asias-oldest-university-the-royal-and-pontifical-university-of-santo-tomas/

²– http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/largest-human-cross

³– http://www.letran.edu.ph/Colegio/History

Learn more about these some of the oldest schools in the country and their current programs from Edukasyon.ph’s extensive database .