The Our Lady of Mercy Academy, which was originally named Our Lady of Mercy High School, was founded by the Oblates of St. It was named after the parish patroness, the Nuestra Seรฑora de la Merced. It started with only 40 students who were patiently taught in a vacant room under the parish convent by the two pioneer teachers, Mr. Marcelino Martinez from Calamba, Laguna and Ms. Emiliana Magmanlac of Mabini, Batangas. In 1962, students increased in population as well as teachers like Ms. Remedios de Guzman, Mr. Bienvenido Breiz and M. Atanacio Baes, the janitor. They opened the third year curriculum the following year and on the fourth year, in 1965, the first commencement exercise was achieved under the new principal, Ms. Isabel Reyes. The student population grew. Because of this, the Oblates of St. Joseph priests headed by Rev. Guido Colleti, OSJ thought of purchasing another piece of land at Brgy. Mahanadiong were the school was to be transferred. The lot was closed and is one kilometer away from the town proper. The new school building was two-storey high with 16 classrooms, and H.E. building, 2 restrooms and an auditorium behind the main building. The growth of the student population continued as well as the teachers, Directors, Assistant Directors and principals came in, one after another. In 1994, pre-elementary education particularly the Kindergarten level was opened under the management of the new principal, Miss Isabelita C. Baes through the then Director of the Oblates of St. Joseph Schools, Rev. Alkonga, OSJ. It started with 15 children and its first mentor was a nun, Sis. Mary Raphael, CSFN. On March 2001, OLMA its first commencement exercises in the elementary department, an open proof of its continuous success in the increase of its enrollment and also in the construction of the additional facilities; like the annex building for the computer room, library and laboratory rooms, another classroom and a playroom for the pre-elementary department, a new school canteen were students and teachers and pupils as well can eat comfortably, a waiting shed and pavement, a change of proof for the whole building โ all under the initiative of Directors and Assistant Directors like Rev. Randy Marquez, OSJ who wholeheartedly offered their help and support for the improvement and development of the school. All these improvements go hand in hand with the most important event, the Canonization of the OSJ Founder, Blessed Joseph Marello on November 25, 2001. Indeed, Our Lady of Mercy Academy is blessed with honors and pride!
