22/08/2010
On January 31, 1950, a man whose magnificent obsession was education, founded a school which he named Quezon Academy, in memory of the late President Manuel Luis Quezon, the first President of the Philippine Commonwealth, whose qualities deeply impressed the Founder and First President of the school, Mr. RAFAEL GERONA DE CASTRO.
The Gullaba Building which was located at the old Gullaba Street was the first site of the school. In 1953, the school was transferred to its present location, corner Gerona and Dishky Streets ( now Amb. Tomas De Castro Street), in Bulan, Sorsogon.
The school had been for the four-year secondary course only. After thirteen years of modest successful operation, however, the Founder thought of extending the services of the school to the high school graduates who, desirous of finishing college degree, could not afford to go to the centers of learning in the cities. Thus, in 1963, the school began offering collegiate courses.
In March 1967, the Quezon Academy produced its first Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education graduates. The following March, the school produced its first elementary graduates from its free laboratory school.
Since then, the school has increased its course offering to include Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSE), Bachelor of Science in Commerce (Major in Accounting up to 1991-1992; now Major in Management) and a Bachelor of Arts (AB). To serve non-NCEE students, the school offered a two-year non-degree Small Business Management (SBM) course.
On July 16, 1980, Mr. Rafael G. De Castro passed away. He left a legacy not only to his family, but more importantly to the people of Bulan who believe in education. His widow, Mrs. MONICA R. DE CASTRO, assumed the presidency after his death and continued the able administration of the school founded to help sustain students attain "future efficiency, security and happiness"
From 1983 to 1986, Mrs. De Castro oversaw the construction of two new buildings: The R-M Building which now houses the college department and the Administration Building which also houses the library. It was also Mrs. De Castro, who, in 1986, caused the change of the school's name to R.G. De Castro Colleges, in memory of the founder.
Mrs. Monica De Castro died on July 2, 1990, at the start of the school year's 41st year of operation. Although the baton has now been passed to the second generation, "RGCC" still holds firm to its ideals of service in the field of education for the people of Bulan and its neighboring communities.
Daughter Atty. Nanette took over the reins in administering the school. She carried on boldly and efficiently even at a time of many competitions.
The school graduated its last batch of the secondary level in SY 1999-2000, to concentrate on its collegiate level.
On her twelfth year as President, Ma'am Nanette, the 3rd President of the School, passed away on February 17, 2003 in Maryland, USA - at the late part of the school year 2002-2003, and the school's 53rd year of operation.
Atty. Gary R. De Castro assumed the presidency after his sister's death holding firm on the school ideals of service in the field of education pioneered by their parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Rafael G. De Castro - to attain "future efficiency, security and happiness" for the people of Bulan and its neighboring towns.
In 2010, the school shall celebrate its 60th year of operation. Thousands of its graduates are now beckoned to come back to this Alma Mater for a General Reunion and Homecoming on May 26, 2010.
