| OUR STORY |
In the year 1960, the people of Dumingag in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, desired that a high school be opened in town, but the local government could not shoulder the expenses to operate a high school. On November 7, 1960, Mayor Isidro Y. Real, recommended the approval of the application made by the priest to the Secretary of Education. On November 17, 1960, Rev. Alban Sueper wrote a letter to Most Rev. Luis Del Rosario S. DD of Zamboanga City, asking a permission to start a Catholic school. On November 26, 1960, the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga, Rev. Alfredo E. Paguia gave the permission to open the school in the name of Archbishop Most Rev. Luis del Rosario. On December 7, 1960, the executive secretary of CEAP, Vicente de Vera informed Rev. Alban Sueper of the approval from the bureau of education to open first year and second year level in the following year. The San Jose Academy aimed to offer education where the core of the curriculum is religion. It was meant to strengthen the catholic faith of the students and it was hoped that the graduates will serve as the first catholic leaders of the community. Through the school he desired, to reach as many youth as possible throughout Dumingag. Two rooms were built basically for the first year students in the year 1961. It was made possible through the efforts of late Norberto Caluma Sr. as the project contractor and Mr. Julie Lagas as the budget officer of the said project. In June 1961, the first set of freshmen enrolled in the school. Alban Sueper was the director, Mr. Pablo del Castillo who was hired from Oroquieta City was the principal and two young active teachers, Ms. Crispina Rupinta and Ms. Damiana Hermosilla were the first teachers. They followed the DEPED curriculum which was the 2-2 plan. In the succeeding years, the population increased and the different levels in the curriculum were added and more competent teachers were hired by Rev. Dennis Bartly, who succeeded Rev. Alban Sueper as director. Because of the sudden increase of the population, Mr. Rodulfo Sadili, the historian and musician of the school composed a theme song for the school which he then entitled “San Jose Academy the Best in the Land”. In April 1965, the San Jose Academy had the first 62 graduates. On June 15, 1965, the school received a government recognition. The San Jose Academy is a non-stock, non-profit school and is a religious organization that is tagged as a leading high school in Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur. It is one of the centers of excellence in the community. The founder was succeeded by some other Columban priests as directors of the school:
Rev. Dennis Bartly 1962-1967
Rev. Patrick Meehan 1967-1971
Rev. Raymond Collier 1972-1973
Rev. Brendan Sullivan 1973-1974
Rev. Jermias Murphy 1974-1976
All these years, the school owes its existence to the continued support of the parents, the dedication of the administrators and the teachers. The school continues to uphold her mission in providing quality education to the community and developing competent and GOD-fearing individuals. In 1977, the diocesan priest took over the management of the school. Patricio Getigan was the first diocesan priest assigned as director from the school year 1976-1978 and was followed:
Rev. Beda Belotindos 1978-1980
Rev. Romy Hontiveros 1980-1981
Rev. Cardinal Pintac 1982-1983
Rev. Adelmo Laput 1983-1987
Rev. Antonio Ylanan 1987-1990
Rev. Virgencio Zamoras 1990-1993
Sr. Angelina Sarsalejo 1993-1994
Rev. Rey Mutia 1994-1996
Rev. Eugenio Cagoco 1996-1997
The school is proud to have produced graduates who lived up to the ideas of the school. Among the graduates is a priest, certified public accountant, mayor, vice mayor, councilors, principals, doctors, nurses, engineers, respected professors, and others who were involved in the community oriented services. In the school year 1998-1999, the Missionary Congregation of Mary took over the administration. Lorena Batusin, MCM was appointed and became the school directress up to the school year 2001-2002 and was followed:
Sr. Joy Cajes, MCM 2002-2003
Sr. Lydia Perejan, MCM 2003-2008
Sr. Joy Cajes, MCM 2008-2009
Sr. Virginia Muego, MCM 2009-2012
Sr. Nally Espiritu, MCM 2012-2014
The arrival of the MCM sisters helped the community with more seminars and retreats that were given to the teaching staff. The school programs and the school policies implemented were more directed to the students’ welfare. The students and the teachers’ bonding is not just pedagogic lessons and assignments but most of all, the values that united them. In the year 2007, the school acquired a new link as it tried to connect with the outside world. Through technology and internet connection, the school was able to span the gap that separates the clientele from the rest of the world. Computerization of grades and other forms of technology that enhances the teaching-learning situation has been introduced in the school and is maximized to the advantage of the students. Then after the MCM sisters, Rev. Foelan G. Echavez, DCP MA became the new school director. After 2 years of serving the school, he decided to have a sabbatical leave so Rev. Nestor Ramasog took his place as the school director from June 2016 until March 2017. At present, Rev. Echavez returned back to school as the school director. With the presence of public schools, the school continues to give quality education and maintains a good standard of education and is still considered as one of the best schools in town. The school is committed to provide an evangelizing education that will lead the students to experience their dignity as a person that will propel them towards an integral human formation. The San Jose Academy is aided by the government funds through FAPE, ESC and EVS. The school has kept its pace and vigor to perform well in its committed service. Now, the school is adapting and applying the K-12 program of the government. The school has already the government permit to operate senior high school program.
