Guided by Gospel values, we nurture leaders, stewards, and community builders in an inclusive and transformative environment. Saint Catherine’s School (SCS) traces its origins to a primary school that operated from 1909 to 1913 under Rev. Francis de Snick, CICM, offering a complete elementary course until the Pacific War disrupted its operations in 1941. In 1950, SCS resumed operations by opening
a Junior High School after an eight-year closure. The school had been used as a garrison by Japanese forces and later as a hospital during the war. The year 1951 was officially recognized as the school’s foundation year, and by 1952, SCS celebrated its first batch of graduates. The High School Department received Government Recognition No. 118, Series of 1953, while the Grade School Department was awarded Government Recognition No. 117, Series of 1953. The Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM) missionaries and the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of the Holy Mother of God (SFIC) played a significant role in the school's early development, serving as school directors, principals, and Christian Living Education (CLE) teachers. One of the most influential directors was Rev. Julian De Lodder, CICM, who led the school from 1958 to 1981, leaving a lasting impact on generations of Catherineans. One of the greatest challenges faced by SCS was the devastating fires that destroyed the elementary building in 1987 and the junior high school building—housing the library, faculty room, and principal’s office—in 1988. Under the leadership of Rev. Guilbert van Huiselling, CICM (Director), Sr. Gapuz, SFIC (High School Principal), and Mr. Miranda (Grade School Principal), the school painstakingly rebuilt its classrooms, facilities, and student records, essentially starting from scratch. In 1995, Saint Catherine’s School became a member of the Diocese of Bayombong Catholic Schools Association (DBCSA), now known as the Diocese of Bayombong Educational System (DBES). On June 30, 1999, the school renewed its registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), officially changing its name to Saint Catherine’s School of Bambang, Inc. The year 2000 marked a significant transition as Rev. Silver D. Ablaza was appointed as the first diocesan school director. In 2003, under his leadership, the High School Department achieved an ABOVE STANDARD evaluation in the DepEd-FAPE Educational Service Contracting (ESC) Certification. On April 17, 2006, the school’s administration was turned over to Msgr. Vicente Emilio B. Tugadi, HP, with Mrs. Deanna Dean M. Aduca, MAED-EDA, as Grade School Principal and Ms. Clarissa S. Silva, MEd-SL, as High School Principal. During the first quarter of the 2008–2009 school year, SCS underwent an institutional self-evaluation in preparation for the DepEd-FAPE ESC/EVS Re-Certification Program. Once again, the school received an ABOVE STANDARD rating, reflecting its continuous improvements under Msgr. Tugadi’s leadership. In April 2012, Rev. Teodoro L. Lazo became the third Filipino school director of SCS. Under his leadership, the school underwent extensive improvements, including the construction of a faculty room, a senior high school building, a laboratory building, and renovations to the Grade 10 building, the home economics building, and the school dormitory. Additionally, SCS became the first PAASCU-accredited school among the DBES member schools in Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino. On August 15, 2013, under Fr. Lazo’s leadership, SCS formally applied for PAASCU Accreditation for Integrated Basic Education. Beginning in the 2014–2015 school year, Mrs. Aduca was designated as Assistant Principal, while Ms. Silva was appointed as School Principal under the Integrated Basic Education Program. SCS had its PAASCU Preliminary Survey Visit on August 25–26, 2016, and was granted CANDIDATE status on December 6, 2016. On July 27, 2015, the SCS Senior High School was granted Government Permit No. 060, Series of 2015, to offer the General Academic Strand (GAS), Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), and Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strands starting in the 2016–2017 school year. Later, the school also secured approval to offer the Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM) strand. SCS successfully passed the SHS Ocular Visitation by the DepEd Regional Office on January 12, 2018. After two years of preparation and rigorous improvements, SCS underwent its PAASCU Formal Survey Visit on August 30–31, 2018. On November 23, 2018, the school earned its official PAASCU MEMBER status. Shortly after, on December 11, 2018, SCS was granted FAAP Level 1 Accreditation under the administration of Fr. Lazo (School Director), Ms. Silva (School Principal), and Mrs. Aduca (Assistant Principal). In July 2019, Fr. Anthony Peter B. Addauan was appointed as the fourth school director of SCS. His leadership was significantly shaped by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected education worldwide from the last quarter of the 2019–2020 school year through the 2021–2022 school year. Despite these hardships, SCS remained resilient, implementing a Learning Continuity Plan that included modular distance learning, self-paced learning modules, video-recorded instruction, online classes, and gradual face-to-face sessions toward the end of the 2021–2022 school year. During the pandemic, Fr. Roberto T. Oliveros Jr. served as the OIC School Director for six months, helping ensure the school’s continued operations. Despite enrollment challenges during these difficult years, SCS remained steadfast in its mission. Under Fr. Addauan’s leadership, notable infrastructure improvements were completed, including the construction of the Julian De Lodder Elementary Building, renovations of the library, assistant principal’s office, registrar’s office, guidance office, grade school computer laboratory, student and teacher dormitories, and school canteen, along with the installation of CCTV cameras to enhance security. On February 24–26, 2021, SCS celebrated its 70th Founding Anniversary with the theme: "Blessed to Share, Care, and Serve." Due to the pandemic, most events, including a virtual concert, online greetings, spoken word poetry, and a digital poster-making contest, were conducted online. A Thanksgiving Mass, officiated by Most Rev. Jose Elmer I. Mangalinao, DD, was held on February 24, 2022. The following year, the school celebrated its 71st Founding Anniversary from February 23–26, 2022, with the theme: "SCS @ 71: Serving as Catherinean Stewards." The celebration included outreach programs, alumni testimonies, and a Thanksgiving Mass. On June 27–28, 2022, after two years of virtual ceremonies, SCS held its first in-person Graduation and Moving-Up Ceremonies. The Grade School Department conducted a walk-in recognition ceremony, while the Junior High School Department and Grade 11 students had a virtual recognition event. Full in-person classes resumed on November 3, 2022. Continuing its pursuit of excellence, SCS underwent a PAASCU Resurvey Visit on March 9–10, 2023. After a rigorous evaluation, SCS was granted a five-year PAASCU re-accreditation, valid until May 2028. This milestone reaffirms the school’s commitment to delivering high-quality Catholic education. With a legacy of resilience, excellence, and service, Saint Catherine’s School continues to shape the future of its students, empowering them with strong values, academic excellence, and a commitment to serving others.
