HISTORY OF NEMCO
As soon as the dust settled, the extent of destruction and human suffering brought about by the Pacific War became clear. Lawyers, landowners, entrepreneurs, young professionals, civil servants, American-trained Filipino educators contributed money and skills to provide quality instruction and training to poor but deserving students by establishing an institution of higher learning.
1947
With an initial capital of Php100, 000.00, the Northeastern Mindanao Colleges (NEMCO) officially came into being on January 23, 1947 with the issuance of the Certificate of Incorporation under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines. The would be Congressman of the lone district of Surigao at that time, Atty. Reynaldo Paloma Honrado was elected as the first President of NEMCO and Juanito Mendoza became the first School Director with his appointment to the position in July 1947. Twenty-four capable and time tested educators joined the team of Atty. Mendoza. In its early days, NEMCO utilized private dwellings as temporary classrooms, the private residence of Mr. Vicente Revecho and Dr. Narciso Melendres among others. By the end of 1947 NEMCO had a population of 1,074. On May 12, 1947, the newly-established institution opened Civil Service Review classes for the June 14, 1947 Junior and Senior Teacher Examination.
1948
Juan A. Rivera assumed the position of College Dean replacing Mr. Juanito Mendoza after the latter accepted a new appointment in another school. By virtue of Government Recognition No. 480 s. 1948, NEMCO started to offer complete Secondary Education.
1949
Enrollment increased from 1,892 to 2,398, an unprecedented increase of 60% over the past 3 years. To cater to the demands of an ever increasing student population, NEMCO moved to a semi-permanent building along Rizal and Coleto (now Amat) Streets. The number of instructors also doubled. NECMCO’s flagship four-year course of Bachelor of Secondary Education as well as Normal, and Liberal Arts received Government Recognition No. 290 s. 1949.
1950
In the month of June, the Elementary and Secondary Departments received Government Recognition No. 390 s. 1950. The following month, July 1950, the course offering Bachelor of Science in Commerce with specialization in Management, Banking and Finance received Government Recognition No. 391 s. 1950.
1951
In July, NEMCO started to offer Night High School Classes.
1952
Hon. Jose Oroceo Paloma took over the reins of administration as the 2nd President of the Northeastern Mindanao Colleges, a position he held until 1974. In March 1952 new administration erected a new building worth Php 100, 000.00.
1953
Bachelor of Arts with specialization in English and Filipino was offered and granted Government Recognition No. 845 s. 1953.
1955
NEMCO was practically leveled to the ground by a big conflagration. The men behind the institution began an intense soul-searching whether to continue their educational endeavors or cash in and divide among them whatever assets there are left, and forget the dream that ended in a nightmare. At a time when a difficult decision was tossed into the laps of the stockholders, the lines of least resistance would have been followed, had it not been for the resolute resolve of a handful of stock holders. The effort to rebuild was spearheaded by the then Corporate Treasurer and President of the Academe, Hon. Jose O. Paloma, whose persistence and single-minded dedication provided the rallying point to rebuild. Like the proverbial Phoenix, a new and greater NEMCO emerged from the ashes.
1964
Typhoon Ining, internationally code-named Louise lashed its fury on November 19 and heavily destroyed many parts of NEMCO. Classes were suspended to give way to rehabilitation.
1966
NEMCO opened a Two–year Graduate Courses in Education leading to the degree of Master of Arts in Education. NEMCO was granted Temporary Permit No. 158 – R-1 s. 1966 on June 29, 1966 for its operation.
1967
Upon compliance of the rules and regulations pertaining to the organization, administration and supervision of private education institution and maintenance of the prescribed standards of instructions, the school was granted Government Recognition No. 85 s. 1967 on May 26, 1967.
1972
The school produced six full-fledged Master of Arts graduates. However, due to financial constraints to meet the increasing salary demands of qualified professors, the operation of the Graduates School ceased.
1975
After serving as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for quite some years, Mrs. Maxima Sarvida Paloma, the wife of Hon. Paloma, was installed as the 3rd President of the Northeastern Mindanao Colleges. Mrs. Paloma was one of the pioneering graduates of the Master of Arts program of the then Graduate School of NEMCO.
1976
After Mrs. Paloma went to the United States, Hon. Paloma assumed the administration of NEMCO for another four years.
1980
The management paved way to a young blood. The eldest son of the founder, Joselito Sarvida Paloma took over the Presidency of NEMCO as its 4th President. Hon. Paloma, in turn, was elected as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Joselito S. Paloma was a Master of Arts in Education and pursued Doctorate of Philosophy in Statistics. Under the leadership of Joselito S. Paloma as President and Hon. Paloma as Chairman of the Board, NEMCO positioned itself as a premiere institution of higher learning in Surigao and Northeastern Mindanao.
1985
NEMCO President Joselito S. Paloma was assassinated on August 19. Leona Manantan Paloma, the wife of the late Joselito S. Paloma, took charge in the management of the school as the 5th President of the Northeastern Mindanao Colleges.
1988
Upon a favorable recommendation of the Board of Trustees, Juanita C. Mendoza, Ed. D., a retired Public Schools Division Superintendent was installed as the 6th President of NEMCO. Mendoza shared her experience and expertise in managing educational institutions to NEMCO.
1990
The youngest son of Hon. Paloma and Maxima S. Paloma, Mr. Jessie S. Paloma, accepted the challenge to manage NEMCO. Paloma, a Master in Business Administration, served as the 7th President of NEMCO for 7 years.
1997
Emma L. Cañeda, Ed, D. assumed the Presidency of NEMCO for the three (3) years.
2000
Josefa J. Paloma, Ph, D. was appointed by the Board of Trustees as the 9th President of NEMCO. Paloma initiated programs and projects that focus on paradigm shift towards excellence and quality. An Extensive Faculty Development Program was implemented to improve delivery of instruction. The organizational structure of NEMCO was strengthened to facilitate effective and efficient administration and quality of educational services.
2002
The Board of Trustess under the watch of Hon. Paloma as Chairman Emeritus, just before his death, approved the plan to contract the massive construction of a four–story building occupying one city-block. The project, the implementation of which was spearheaded by the President of the Academe, Dr. Josefa J. Paloma cost P38,869,632.00.
2005
A majestic four-storey building, occupying one city-block, with advance and state-of-the-art computer classrooms, air-conditioned Conference Rooms and Halls, well-furnished libraries with online public access, dental and medical clinics and well-ventilated and equipped laboratory rooms towered the skies of Surigao. With the delivery of the new building, NEMCO started to widen its educational offerings to cater the needs of the studentry and the community and to support government efforts to build a strong Republic. Additional programs were offered to meet the rising demands on Management Accounting, Business Administration and Public Administration. New courses were offered, which included: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (TP) R13-464108-07 s. 2005 (BSIT), Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (TP) R13-464101- 07 s. 2005 (BSCS), Bachelor of Science in Information, Management (TP) R13-464107-05 s. 2005 (BSIM) and Bachelor of Science in Criminology (TP) R 13-840301-05 s. 2005 (BSCRIM).
