The Colegio de Santa Isabel was founded on October 24, 1632 with the primary purpose of
educating Spanish orphans, daughters of the Spanish soldiers in the service of the King. But in the later years its doors were opened to Filipino girls as well. In 1733, by a royal decree of Queen Isabela II, the name o f the college was changed to “Real Colegio de Santa Isabel”.
On July 22, 1862, fifteen Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul arrived in the Philippines from Spain. Two years after, the Daughters of Charity took over the administration of the Real Colegio de Santa Isabel. The College was then in Intramuros until it was totally destroyed by fire during the liberation of Manila. After losing the Colegio, the Sisters sought refuge at St. Rita’s College which was fortunately spared from the ravages of war.
The Sisters taught in St. Rita’s College to support themselve
s, determined to keep alive the name of this illustrious college. The zealous Sisters left no stone unturned until they found a temporary home for the students. It was through the kindness of the benevolent and compassionate Monsignor Vicente Reyes, then Parish Priest of San Miguel Parish, who offered some rooms in the convent so that the Sisters were able to start anew their apostolate of educating the young. The sisters were not contented with the temporariness of the situation, so these courageous women led by Sr. Juana Zabalza, Superior of the College at that time, and the indefatigable principal Sr. Candida Ocampo, who later became the first Filipina Superior of the College, were able to acquire the former St. Rita at 210 Taft Avenue, Manila. These dedicated Sisters put Santa Isabel College on solid ground again. The post-war Santa
Isabel College owes partly its reason for being to them. In 1982, Santa Isabel College celebrated its 350th Foundation Anniversary. After three and a half centuries, Santa Isabel College has expanded its educational programs.
The courses, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Elementary/Secondary Education, and Music are still being offered, but the curricula were updated and enriched according to the demands of the times. Teacher Certificate Program (TCP) for professionals is opened. The Music Program likewise has expanded and now gives short term courses.
The Bachelor of Science in Public Relations, was given government recognition in 1981. Santa Isabel College is the only school in the Philippines offering Bachelor of Science in Public Relations. Aside from the said offerings, the school’s four new courses were given recognition by the government. They are: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Bachelor of Science in Information Management, Bachelor of Science in Office Administration, and Bachelor of Arts in Human Development. With the opening of the courses, Santa Isabel College opened its portals to male students, which was not actually new because the Music Program has always been accepting male students since it opened after the World War II.
The school has extension services. Just after the Vietnam War, Santa Isabel College opened the Center for Assistance to Displaced Persons. The refugees and boat people from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia were assisted by the Center under the Sisters and Staff. The Louise de Marillac Foundation, Inc. caters to the needs of an adopted community in Paliparan, Dasmariñas, Cavite and one in Barangay 736, Zone 80, Quirino Avenue, Manila.
Santa Isabel College has a strong well-organized alumni association. They hold meetings every month to plan what they can do for the school. They hold fund-generating projects to help improve the school plant, give scholarships and help those who are materially deprived. Every year those Manila-based alumni join their fellow alumni in the United States and Canada in a grand reunion.
The Higher Education Department has organized a Parent’s Council for the whole department. Officers and members are parents and guardians of students from all programs. Parents are organized as partners of the school in educating the young.
Reinventing Santa Isabel College was the main challenge of the last three school years. Intensive curriculum revision, realigning
and mapping for more cohesive and relevant offerings were undertaken in order to answer current needs. Thus new programs were conceived: two-year Associate in Computer Technology, two Year Certificate in Hotel and Restaurant Management, two-year Certificate in Accountancy, and short term computer courses. The school year 2005-2006 ushered in new programs: Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management and evening classes for working students.
The Santa Isabel College administrators believe that accreditation of the courses is one way of maintaining quality education. After the PAASCU visit last February 27-28, 2000, the school was granted reaccreditation for a period of five years, effective April 2002-2007.
In strengthening its response to God’s call of Discipleship and the Church’s mandate of “education in the faith”, Santa Isabel College continues to respond to the challenges of the times by inscribing in its academic community life planning sessions that, in part, actualize its vision-mission. In the school year 2003-2004, the entire school community underwent sessions on the revision of the institution’s vision-mission statement, an integration of the vision-mission statements of the MAPSA (Manila Archdiocesan and Parochial Schools Association) and the SLMES (St. Louise de Marillac Educational System), as well as scenario building and strategic planning. All of these are aimed for continuous growth and improvement, harnessing the capacity for continual transformation.
Santa Isabel College has carried on its mission in the last 374 years… The soul is immortal… The mission goes on to spread the Word and uphold the Standard of Truth.
