The Immaculate Conception: Pasig Catholic College's Patron Saint
The Immaculate Conception, the Beloved Mother and Special Protector, is PCC's patron saint. The Spanish Missionaries placed the whole country under her special protection by making her the country's patron saint. During the 1760's, Pasig was one of the few immediate areas that saw the presence of the Spaniards. Settlements were built around the church, a familiar structure and one of the living pillars of the Hispanic era. Soon, priests were seen outside of the pulpit, gathering people, children and old folks alike, preaching and educating them on the values and virtues of Christianity.
For these reasons, Pasig Catholic College, presently a Diocesan College of Pasig, for long has adopted the Immaculate Conception as its patroness. Mary's hidden life, an eloquent testimony of deep faith, purity, courage, wisdom and obedience to the Father's Will is what the College has always wished for her students and employees to emulate.
The De Brouwer Legacy: PCC's Early Years
Out of the desire and determination of the Belgian CICM Missionaries to build a Catholic school for teaching children the love of God while passing on the cultural heritage and tradition of the people, Pasig Catholic College was founded by Rev. Fr. Pierre Cornelis de Brouwer, CICM in 1913. It was known as "Escuela Catolica" during the early 1900's.
In 1916, during the time of Rev. Fr. Paul Hubaux, CICM, the American government recognized the primary school. In 1920, under the administration of Rev. Fr. Godfried Aldenhuijsen, CICM, intermediate levels got approval for operations. As the population grew in 1931, Rev. Victor De Klerck, CICM saw the urgency of constructing what would be the school's first building, Bahay Paaralan, composed of eight classrooms built in the Church patio. In 1939-41, the Urbano Building was constructed under the administration of Rev. Fr. Urbain (Urbano) Timmermans, CICM.
Pasig Catholic College was originally incorporated in accordance with Philippine Laws on 24 August 1915. After World War II, the Articles of Incorporation were duly reconstituted on 12 August 1948 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The transcript of these Amended Articles of Incorporation was issued on 03 February 1949.
Rev. Tjolle's Arrival in 1951 & Infrastructure Development
The arrival of Rev. Fr. Roger Bruno Eduard Tjolle, CICM, from Washington D.C. in 1951 opened a new chapter for the school, now known as Pasig Catholic College, as secondary and tertiary levels were duly recognized. In the process, Rev. Fr. Tjolle introduced the American label of education to the Philippines through Pasig Catholic College.
Several infrastructure changes were seen during the administration of Rev. Fr. Josef (Joseph) Van den Daelen, CICM from 1957 to 1962. In 1965, he appointed lay Filipino Administrators to key positions in the academic levels of the school. Rev. Fr. Karel Ooteghem, Rev. Fr. Paul de Bevere and Rev. Fr. Lambert Smits (all CICM priests too), became PCC's school directors eventually during the mid-60s to the early 70s.
From Belgian to Filipino Directors
Founded by CICM, PCC moved towards Filipinization in 1973. Below is the list of directors who shaped PCC through decades of growth:
Before he became an iconic figure of the "Pondo ng Pinoy" advocacy, Msgr. Rosales was appointed PCC School Director under the Archdiocese of Manila from 1973 to 1976. He emphasized providing quality Catholic education suited to students' talents, cultural background, and ancestral heritage.
Msgr. Manuel Sobreviñas' charismatic leadership strengthened the school's culture of service and volunteerism. Concurrently serving as Superintendent of MAPSA, he put PCC at the forefront of MAPSA's organizational development.
Together with Assistant Director Rev. Alfredo M. Ramos, he constructed the five-story Msgr. Suñga Building (1994), a new school canteen, and gradually introduced co-education to the College department.
Pioneered PAASCU accreditation (Candidate status in 1998, Member status Level II in 2001). Established the Research and Development Center (RDC), Center for Integral Evangelization (CIE), and the School of Graduate Studies in 2001.
Msgr. Gerardo O. Santos introduced PCC's attributive phrase, "little acre of grace", established the core values, directed the construction of the PCC Centennial Building, and fostered the school motto: "Noblesse Oblige" (Nobility Obligates).
Managed K-12 transition, completed the Centennial Building, and implemented the Learning Continuity Program and Remote Virtual Accreditation (RVA) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under Most Rev. Mylo Hubert C. Vergara, D.D. and Fr. Daniel L. Estacio (Assistant to the President), PCC continues its journey towards excellence, service, and strategic partnerships across its 11 PaDSS member-schools.
Four Diocesan Pastoral Priorities
Established in 2017 by Bp. Vergara and the Diocese of Pasig to guide all parochial activities:
- Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs): Strengthening active participation in liturgical, doctrinal, and community "kapitbahayan" activities.
- Faith Formation: Annual lay gatherings, recollections, and spiritual development programs.
- Responsible Stewardship: Sharing of Time, Talent, and Treasure for church growth.
- Social Services: Active outreach programs helping poor communities in Pasig.
"The important thing is that we do not let a single day go by in vain without putting it to good use for eternity." — Rev. Fr. Pierre Cornelis de Brouwer, CICM
