The Brothers of the Christian Schools (popularly known as the De La Salle Brothers) came to the Philippines in 1911 upon the invitation of then Archbishop Jeremiah Harty. The late Archbishop wanted the Brothers to put up a school that would provide quality Catholic education to young boys in Manila, with English as the schoolβs medium of instruction. Since then, the Brothers of the Philippine Sect
or have been trying to follow the footsteps of its Founder in giving a human and Christian education to the youth, especially the poor. In 2004, years after the first arrival of the Brothers in the Philippines, Brother Visitor Edmundo Fernandez FSC received a letter of invitation from Bishop Socrates Villegas, DD, then-Bishop of Balanga to put up a school for the poor in the Province of Bataan. Valdez wanted to donate a 3.5 hectare property in Bagac on the condition that the school will be run by the Brothers themselves. On the 8th of September of the same year, the Brother Visitor, together with his council responded positively to the invitation of the Bishop and immediately set up a committee to handle the project. In setting up Jaime Hilario Integrated School β La Salle in Bataan, the Philippine Lasallian Family takes a concrete step to put up a school faithful to the inspiration of the Founder to provide quality Christian education and answer the needs of the poor children and youth at risk. In June of 2006, the school opened its doors to its first group of students. It started with 40 students who were divided into three grade 1 sections. The pioneer batch of students were accompanied by Br. Bernard Oca FSC, the first school director, Br. Emmanuel Sia FSC, community director, and by Mr. Allan Paul Avelino, a dedicated Lasallian Partner who volunteered to help the school. As time goes by, the members of the Lasallian Family have been witnesses to the schoolβs gradual progress. On its second year, the school had three Brothers (Br. Ricardo Laguda FSC, school president, Br. Emmanuel Sia FSC, community director and Br. Mandy Dujunco FSC) and two Lasallian Partners (Ms. Melai Gacusana and Ms. Suzette Salupado). Moreover, from starting with 40 students, the schoolβs population also increased to 112, with the addition of the 2nd grade level. The school continues to grow each year as one grade level is added at the beginning of each school year.
