San Roque Catholic School (Alabang) 5.34

San Roque Catholic School
A Historical Perspective

San Roque Catholic School (SRCS) was founded on February 13, 1981 by Monsignor Tomas T. Gonzalez. As Parish Priest and School Director, he envisioned SRCS as provider of quality secondary Catholic education for the youth of Alabang and its neighboring community. Since then, the school has become a partner of the Parish in the task of evangelization and Christian formation.

Grouped into three sections (Faith, Hope, Charity) the first batch of students numbered one hundred forty one. Classes were held at the rectory of the parish and the other side of the church. To accommodate the growing number of enrollees, Msgr. Tomas Gonzalez initiated the construction of a three-storey building in 1982. The following year, it was ready for use by five hundred forty two (542) students from various levels: first, second and third year. Full high school education was offered in the school year 1984-1985. The first principal , Miss Lydia Santos (1981-1984),ably assisted by a group of pioneering and dedicated faculty and staff, managed the responsibility of providing quality education to the students.

Following the footsteps of the first Msgr. Tomas Gonzalez, Rev. Fr. Stephen Villanueva (1985-1987), his successor, continued the path towards expansion and development of SRCS with the help of Mrs. Erlinda Esporlas (1985-1987), who was school principal at this time. The School directorship was ably passed to of Rev. Fr. Romerico Prieto (1987-1989) in partnership with Sr. Minda Penaredondo D.C. , principal (1987-1989).

In 1989, the school opened its doors to the religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM), to assist in the academic management of San Roque Catholic School. The RVM Sisters known for their proficiency in school management as educators, appointed Sr. Ma. Domitilla Enriquez,RVM as principal (1989-1991). Her successors, S. Ma. Marina Insigne, RVM(1991-1994), S. Ma. Teresita Varon, RVM (1994-1996), S. Ma. Celestine T. Viernes, RVM (1996-2002), S. Ma Julia Advincula, RVM (2002-2005) and S. Ma Corazon P. Agoncillo, RVM (2005-2006), S. Ma. Marlene M . Dolalas, RVM (2006-2007) creaticely and innmovatively inculcated Gospel values during their tenures in response to the demands of the times that molded our students and graduates to be truly Roquenians-in heart and spirit.

The past Directors, Rev. Fr. Rolando Dela Cruz(1989-1991), Msgr. Celso Ditan (1991-1996), Msgr. Nereo P. Odchimar (1996-1997) and Msgr. Felipe Ocol (1997-2004) continued the efforts initiated by their predecessors to provide quality Catholic education to the youth.

A historic event took place in 2004 when the three-story building in front of West Bay College was completed to house the pre-school, kindergarten and grade school levels (up to Grade V). This was made possible through the efforts of Rev. Fr. Fidel Fabile, Diocese of Paranaque Parochial School Association (DOPPSA) Superintendent and acting School Director (January22, 2004 and up to January 10, 2005). He was followed by Rev. Fr. Jerico H. Habunal (January 2005 to June 2011) who made extensive renovations of the school gymnasiums both high school and annex building as well as improvements in the school facilities which caters to the needs of every student of the SRCS. He was followed by Rev. Fr. Benjamin D. Molina Jr. (June 2011 to January 2012) who, despite his brief stay as school director, promoted reforms for the school for its continued growth and development. He was followed by Rev. Fr. Gerard Vicente B. Mascariña (May 22, 2012 - May 25, 2014) who instituted school-wide reforms, prioritized formation of the youth and a deep knowledge of the faith.

At present, the school is under the Directorship of Rev. Msgr. Albert A. Venus (May 25, 2014 - Present) whom acts as the pastor of the school guiding her towards the light of Christ who is our end goal as a Roquenian family. With his steadfast and firm resolve to bring SRCS to higher opportunities, the school currently develops itself to become a school with Christ as the heart of learning. Joined by the High School Principal, Br. Aniceto B. Sister, OSM and Elementary Principal, Ms. Vivian C. Dela Peña, they, in one way or the other, continuously promotes a contemporary and up-to date educational and pedagogical programs which gives great advantages to both Roquenian students and Pupils alike. The school currently adapts and develops approaches which are being integrated into the school system to fully realize San Roque Catholic School’s vision and mission: to mold each youth to become agents of FAITH, HOPE, CHARITY and most importantly, LOVE.

The spirit is eternal; SRCS will always Do everything in love (1 Cor. 16:14)