St. Paul College of Bocaue (SPCB) in Bulacan is one of the educational institutions owned and administered by the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres, a congregation of French origin.
The school’s early beginnings could be traced back to 1932 when Reverend Fr.. Elias Reyes, the then parish priest of Bocaue, founded a school named Annunciata Academy which was managed by the Sisters of the Holy Spirit. It was housed in a building attached to the left side of the parish church.In 1937, the Augustinian Sisters took over the management of the school. When World War II reached the Philippines in 1941, classes were suspended due to the Japanese occupation. The school was later revived but was re-named St. Martin Academy under the management of an active educator, Mr. Gregorio Ramirez who operated a high school.
On June 12, 1945 the Sisters of St. Paul arrived in Bocaue. The pioneers were Sr. Albine du Sacre Coeur Garcia, Superior, Sr. Augustin de Jesus Roxas as Principal, Sr. Maria Esperanza Oben, Sr. Julie Pierre Mapanao, Sr. Marie Gertrude Mandia, Sr. Pierre de Jesus Peña, Sr. Maria Consejo Gureb, and Sr. Angel Joseph Parayno, classroom teachers, Sr. Maria Josefa Grey, piano teacher; Sr. Paz of the Sacred Heart Eco, cook; Sr. Maria Remedios Docog, in charge of linen and Sr. Cayetana Pagulayan, laundry supervisor.
On July 2, 1945, the Sisters opened Kindergarten and Elementary classes for boys and girls. The school was renamed Bocaue Catholic School. Recognition of the Kindergarten and Elementary Courses was granted on August 10, 1946 by the Bureau of Education. In 1947, Mr. Gregorio Ramirez gave up his school to the Sisters, thus, the school as merged was named St. Paul College of Bocaue.
On February 2, 1950, the Bureau of Education granted recognition to the Secondary Course which was attended by both girls and boys. In 1956, Sr. Joseph de Jesus de Ocampo, SPC became Superior. The school capped first place in Bulacan and 19th place in the whole country in the first National Examination for seniors. A one-story building was constructed and the school campus was cemented. In 1957, boys in the High School department were dismissed to give more rooms for the girls.
In 1963, a wall with two gates was constructed to keep the children safe, with Sr. Mary Robert Orquiola as the Superior. On July 2, 1966, Sr. Mary Gonzague Makiling succeeded Sr. Mary Robert Orquiola as Superior and Principal. In 1969, a concrete administrative building with dormitory was built. High school boys were readmitted. The Third and Fourth Year Paulinians joined the CCD. Students under Sr. Felicisima Paala started teaching catechism in the public school. It was also during this time that the Sisters opened Kindergarten classes in Sta. Maria with Sr. Marie Gertrude Jamias and Sr. Josefa de Jesus Lasala.
In December, 1970, SPCB celebrated its Silver Jubilee. On February 22, 1973, Sr. Domitilla Nañola Rosario was duly appointed Superior of the Bocaue community. Construction of the Grade School Home Economics Building was completed. In 1976, a one-story building was constructed by then the High School Principal, Sr. Maurice du Sacre-Coeur Paz, on a piece of land outside the SPCB gate. The High School Office and high school classes occupied the building after the blessing.
During the time of Sr. Caritas de St. Paul Sevilla, when SPCB celebrated its Coral jubilee in 1980, the High School Building was renovated to house the High School Department in its three floors. In 1982, a two-story building was constructed for the Grade School Department. SPCB Ruby Jubilee was celebrated in 1985. In 1986, Sr. Mary Edith Lapid took over as Superior and Sr. Maria Milagros Amos as Directress and High School Principal. The School Organ was revived. Math, Science and Guidance Clubs were organized. In 1987, Computer as a subject was introduced, and an inter-class songfest was held for the first time. The Paulinian Family Circle, the parent-teacher association of SPCB, was formally organized in 1989.
On March 4, 1991, the groundbreaking for the new building in the new site in Barangay Turo was held. Bishop Cirilo Almario, D.D. of the Diocese of Malolos, Bulacan officiated during the laying of the cornerstone. In July, 1992, the second, third and fourth year levels of the High School Department were transferred to the new site. In April, 1993, the new building was blessed by Bishop Cirilo Almario, D.D. The fencing of the whole campus, the construction of the open canteen, the construction of the guard house and the basketball court were realized. A stage partly financed by Pepsi Cola Bottling Corporation was constructed in the site in 1994. The cementing of the access road commenced during the summer months. It was on July 2, 1995 that SPCB celebrated its Golden Jubilee. Sr. Mary Edwardine Columbano replaced Sr. Milagros as Directress and High School Principal. Construction of the gymnasium, expansion of the library and fencing of the quadrangle were completed in 1996-1999.
In 1999-2001 Sr. Marie Celine Santos, the new Directress and High School Principal completed Our Lady of Chartres Building, which housed the administrative offices and the Grade School department then. The construction of the canteen for the high school students was likewise started. Sr. Nilda Caparanga, SPC became the new Grade School Principal in 2001. Family Day celebrations & the Drum and Lyre Band were revived. Special lessons in ballet were offered. Celebration of each section’s Patron Saint was started. In 2002, Sr. Estela Eugenia Sebastian, SPC was appointed Directress & High School Principal. The Grade School Department was moved to the newly renovated High School Building and the High School occupied the Our Lady of Chartres building. Sr. Nilda Caparanga, SPC had the Grade School playground constructed and had additional special lessons like painting, violin and Taekwondo offered. In 2004, when Sr. Esperanza Rodriguez, SPC took the place of Sr. Nilda Caparanga, SPC as the Grade School Principal, had the Computer room made with 40 units of computers.
In 2005, Sr. Virginia Taguinod, SPC replaced Sr. Esperanza as the Grade School Department Principal and Sr. Bernadette Racadio, SPC was appointed Directress & High School Principal. During this time, the Vision-Mission of the school was revised, general strategies and Paulinians Values Framework were formulated, departmental goals were aligned with the Vision-Mission, the Administration and Staff Manuals were written and completed and the Faculty Manual was revised. The institutional sharing of one’s gospel life for the week called DEPThS (Drop Everything, Pray, Thank and Share) was introduced. Parent-teacher coordination for the welfare of the students was strengthened through the Paulinian Family Circle (PFC).
The Diamond Jubilee of the school was celebrated with a Mass officiated by Their Excellencies Msgrs. Cirilo Almario and Jose Oliveros together with Paulinian Alumni Priests. A play entitled “The Night before Christmas,” was staged to celebrate the Jubilee Year. The Jubilee marker, a stainless sundial on top of an hour-glass, donated by the 1981 Silver Jubilarians was blessed. The gymnasium was named as Fr. Louis Chauvet Gymnasium. Several infrastructure improvements were done like the re-landscaping of the gardens before the façade of the gym and fronting the Grotto and installation of air conditioning units in IMC. The construction of the parents’ waiting area was carried out with the assistance of the GS Paulinian Family Circle. The first off-site planning seminar workshop of the faculty and managerial employees was held.
In 2006, classrooms in the GS were provided with new wall fans, bulletin boards and display cabinets. while the High School classrooms were air-conditioned. Moreover, blackboards were replaced with whiteboards, cork boards were installed, stone benches were set in the gardens. The cementing of the road to the canteen was sponsored by Engr. Luisito Tiqui and Gov. Josefina dela Cruz, both alumni. In 2007, Grades I-VI classrooms were air-conditioned with the help of the GS-PFC. Whiteboards in all classrooms were also provided. The construction of the wave swimming pool was completed, and swimming lessons to students from preschool to high school and Grades 4 to 6 students from Sta. Maria commenced. At this time, most offices in the Grade School and High School buildings were air-conditioned and the school canteen was centralized. It is notable that during this time an educational tour was organized for the administrators, faculty and staff in Hong Kong and China giving them a great exposure of our neighboring culture. Likewise, strengthening the formation of students, Sr. Bernadette Racadio, SPC, spearheaded and implemented the “Stairway to Heaven,” a checklist for spiritual life and healthy habit formation.
Other noteworthy events that happened during this period were the visit of Sr. Anne Laurin, the Assistant to the General, the staging of the TV morning show “Unang Hirit,” for the celebration of the 1982 Alumni Silver Jubilarians, the Grade School Department bagged the Over-all Champion Award at the National Science Congress, a High School student, Gian Dominique Francisco garnered First Place in Sports Writing in the 2008 National Press Conference, and Irish Perez won the First Place in Oratorical contest in Water District Oratorical Contest and the secondary administrators went on an international seminar-workshop tour in Malaysia and Singapore sponsored by Phoenix Publishing House, Inc.
In 2008, a tie-up was forged with St. Paul University Philippines for the graduate studies of the faculty of St. Paul School of Sta. Maria and St. Paul College of Bocaue, turned over 5 MS graduates from the High School and 7 MS graduates from SPSSM. Some other significant developments and events during this year included the following: LCD-TVs were installed in all classrooms of the High School Building, a new sound system was installed in the amphitheater, the Annual Marian Songfest grand finals was staged in SM City Marilao for the first time, the1983 Silver Jubilarians donated a school mural and the Administrators went to an international seminar-workshop organized by Asian Institute of Technology, sponsored by Rex Group of Companies in Thailand. More improvements were done in 2009, which included the following: plastic arm chairs for the Grade School and High School classrooms replaced the wooden ones, classroom bulletin boards were installed, computer units for the offices, laboratories, and library and heavy-duty kitchen equipment for the canteen were purchased. The reading program of the school was enhanced with the adoption of Scholastic, which was integrated in all English classes in the High School Department.
2010 was highlighted with Sr. Bernadette Racadio, SPC having received the 2009 Quality Seal Award for the textbook she co-wrote, the Language in Literature for the Fourth Year Level by the National Book Development Board. During this year, too, an artistic school signage at the side of the main gate was constructed through the efforts of the Silver Jubilarians Batch ’84 while the Silver Jubilarians Batch ’85 mounted the relief of the Vision-Mission statement. Ballet lessons from Preschool to First Year High School were offered. For safety in the campus, the ramp in the Grade School Building was constructed and CCTV cameras at the High School building as a joint project of the Clubs & Organizations and Academic offices. The canteen was improved and with a new water station, processing bottled water called, Quench! clean and safe water was more accessible to the Paulinian community. Several renovations were done which included the provision of a consultation room in the HS building, the improvement of the signage facing the NLEX courtesy of PFC 2010-2011, the expansion of the Boardroom, and the improvement of the High School Library.
In 2011, the High School program TITAN was launched. It was also in this year when the laying of the cornerstone of the retreat house was held and the area beside the grade school covered walk was converted into a garden now known as “The Garden of Beauce.” For curricular enrichment, the reading program through Scholastic Assessment and Enrichment Program in the Grade School Department began, the Understanding by Design, Professional Learning Communities and Differentiated Instruction were implemented. The High School Religious Education faculty attended the World Youth Day in Madrid, Spain. Furthermore, in 2012, the following were accomplished, the renovation of the High School Library, called the Learning Resource Center or LRC and completion of the construction of the retreat house dubbed as Paulinian Spirituality Oasis, the High School Department re-entered the BULPRISA sectoral and provincial meet and the ISP was transferred from Digitel to New World Cable TV for faster internet connection. In 2013, the Genyo Learning Management System was adopted. The Grade School Library referred to as the Learning Resource Center (LRC) was renovated. Old sewing machines in the Home Economics Room were replaced by new ones and uniform bulletin boards were installed in the first floor of the High School building for the use of the different clubs. With the help of GS-Paulinian Family Circle, the drainage system in front of the GS building was fixed.
The visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines in 2014 was memorable for a number of Paulinian students, faculty and staff who attended the papal Mass. At this time, Sr. Marie Celine P. Santos, SPC replaced Sr. Virginia Taguinod, SPC in the Grade School as Principal and Local Community Superior, while Sr. Remedios R. Cayetano, SPC was appointed Directress and High School Principal. It was during this period that CCTV cameras at strategic places were installed through the efforts of the Paulinian Family Circle of both departments, while the GS Paulinian Family Circle donated industrial fans for the Father Louis Chauvet Gymnasium. Significant also during this year were the installation of Fr. Rey San Juan, an alumnus, as the School Chaplain and the revival of the St. Paul College of Bocaue Alumni Association under the leadership of Joanona Figuracion of Batch 1987.
SPCB passed the evaluation process conducted by the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC) for the certification to qualify in the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) program as mandated by the Republic Act (RA) 8545. As such, on its initial implementation in SPCB, 65 Grade 7 students were able to receive government financial assistance through the Education Service Contracting (ESC) program. The qualified students were assured of the ESC for the entire High School course as long as they met the requirements. Qualified teachers, on the other hand, received a salary subsidy called, "Teachers' Salary Subsidy (TSS).
“An Hour with the Principal-Directress” was initiated for the students to express their concerns. New innovations in teaching and learning processes such as inclusion of MTG, were adopted to aid students in their mathematical skills. In 2015, St. Paul College of Bocaue celebrated its 70th Foundation Anniversary year and the SPC‘s 320th foundation. A set of institutional Paulinian Family Circle officers was formed and inducted to office. The collaboration and partnership of the school and Grade School DepEd Principals in Bocaue took place.
Robotics was tried, and selected students participated in a two-day training conducted by Technokids Philippines, a leading company in robotics. Consultation meetings with parents and students were conducted for major activities and other plans of the school for improvements including proposed tuition fee increase.
The administration encouraged professionalization of teachers by sending them to further studies and work on their licenses.
The Government Probationary Permit to operate senior high school effective school year 2016 – 2017 was given. Senior High School Offerings have been approved by DepEd through SHS Permit Number 161 s. 2015 dated October 8, 2015, SHS Permit Number 161 s. 2015 dated December 18, 2015 (Approved Permit for Additional Tracks and Strands.)
The school also conducted and joined Lingap Kalikasan Projects such as Discussion of 5 K’s (Kalusugan at Pamilya, Kalusugan at Kaluluwa ,Kalinisan, Kaayusan, Katipiran, Symposium advocacy on war on waste, Araw ng Paglilinis ng Estero Program, Symposium on Organic Farming, and Symposium on Disaster Management and Emergency Preparedness. The High School Department conducted LINGAP PAMILYA Programs - a program for sons and daughters of OFW’s, parenting seminar sponsored by SPCB PFC (PaulinianFamiy Circle Officers and the Homeroom-Guidance Offices.
SPCB Disaster Risk Reduction Management Program (SPCB-DRRM), which was aligned with SPCEM Directives Perspective #3 on Disaster Preparedness, was formed and gave assistance to victims of calamities.
New innovations in teaching and learning process were adopted such as inclusion of Writing - Coach online - an online subscription to aid students in technical and research skills and updated learning materials for Senior High School according to specialized tracts.
Innovations on learning spaces were made such as the purchase of Apple IMAC computers a Windows computer units, development of track and field, soccer, and open basketball court, and installation of 16 CCTV cameras in cooperation with the High School Paulinian Family Circle.
Enhanced Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) programs were designed for students to expose their tracks/preferences for Senior High School and all what the school can offer. Extended Learning Time (ELT) where each student is enrolled in specialized subjects related to his/her chosen track/ preference was conducted. Integration of Environmental Stewardship and Disaster Preparedness were included in the Extended Learning Time of Grade 7.
Alignment to K -12 curriculum and application of pedagogical approaches to address the21st century learners and expected outcomes/skills (critical thinking, creativity, collaborative learning) were implemented. Creativity and Critical Thinking thru 16 HOM’s (Habits of the Mind) and Six Thinking Hats were enhanced. Innovations on Administrative Systems such as developing a website/ domain for SPCB, updated financial system, online library system and enrolment system were established. The use of baseline data to develop intervention programs and future plans was initiated. Year-end assessments on performance in mathematics and Lexile levels were conducted.
Formative activities like the use of reflective practice in the form of digital portfolio and in hard copies were used as the framework of meaningful engaged learning in reflection. The students were empowered to be agents for the transformation of the society by joining the project iHELP and iPRAY.
The Mission of Mercy thru Restorative Discipline Programs in handling disciplinary cases was adopted. The school participated in Sunday School – a weekly outreach program initiated by the parish in which the Sunday Gospel reading is read and discussed to the children by the teachers/staff and some student volunteers. Lingap Kalusugan Projects such as Student Health Watch Program, BP Mo Gets Ko, and Pagkalinga ko sa Kalusugan were conducted. The Ranking Tool for faculty, staff, and maintenance was revised, and the ranking system was revived. Salaries of faculty, staff, and maintenance were upgraded.
Other Learning Management Systems such as Schoology, Kite, and Aralinks were adopted to enhance online learning. In May 2016 Sr. Angeles Ilagan, spc was designated as the Directress and High School Principal of St. Paul College of Bocaue. She readily set the affirmation and promotion of the shepherding role of all SPCB employees and put emphasis on the nurturance of a harmonious integration of Spirituality and Excellence in all plans, programs, activities and services of the school. She also set the thrusts of the school, which are as follows: nurturance of a harmonious integration of spirituality and excellence in all programs and services; Upgrading of the curriculum and strengthening of instructional delivery; Institutionalization of Community Extension Services; and commitment to SPCEM advocacies which are: environmental stewardship, corporate social responsibility, and to peace, justice and respect for life.
Upgrading and updating the curriculum and enhancing institutional delivery became one of the school’s top priority since SY 2016 - 2017. Great efforts were initiated, done regularly and continuously to enrich teachers’ knowledge and application of innovative and creative teaching strategies. Seminar-workshops and trainings were organized and conducted to help hone teachers’ skills and competencies. Curriculum reviews, vertical and horizontal articulation and academic discussions were held periodically. To support and further enhance instructional delivery, the school subscribed and used STAR Books in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in SY 2018 - 2019, and the World Book on Line in SY 2019 - 2020 which help enrich the learning experiences of students and enhance their research and study skills. For SY 2019 - 2020 Robotics as a program was integrated in the ICT Curriculum. The Senior High School Program was implemented with one hundred ninety eight (198) Grade 11 students enrolled in June 2016. The Academic Track was offered with four Strands: STEM, ABM, GAS and HUMMS. Inclusion of Research for grades 10, 11, and 12 as a subject was likewise done to ensure that high school graduates are prepared for their college research work. Campus tour was organized for grade 11 students in SY 2018 - 2019 to give the students the opportunity for an exposure to different colleges and universities to help in their decision making for their choice of a school in college. The culture of excellence in education was promoted through which the students are encouraged to stretch their minds, ideas, and interest; where discovery and creativity are inspired. SPCB Education thus seeks innovative and creative ways that engage students with the world in all its complexity.
For its human resources’ continual growth and development, a well-designed and purposive Faculty and Staff Development Plans were crafted. And from 2016, every school year began with a Pre-Opening Week which included not only the faculty but likewise all the Office and Auxiliary Staff. This particular program includes activities like: Discussions of the Thrusts of the school year, team building, echo of the highlights of the annual SPCEM educators’ Congress, discussion on significant sections of the Faculty and Staff Manuals, Paulinian Work Ethics, Policies and Procedures, Paulinian Core Values, preparation for a quality instructional delivery and improve student care. Regular celebration of the Eucharist and socio-cultural activities were held throughout the school year. SPCB takes on the responsibility of taking care of its human resource through adequate training and development in adherence to proven procedures, total commitment to meet customer requirements and maintaining an organizational culture that fosters community and continual improvement.
The Paulinian Formation Program was given special attention and concern. It included the following activities: Employees’ Annual Retreat, Recollection, Faith sharing, Prayer Life and Spiritual Life which deepen employees’ awareness of God’s endwelling presence in ones’ self and in others. There were talks on the Life of our founder Fr. Louis Chauvet and on St. Paul the Apostle, our patron. In school year 2017 - 2018, the Homeroom Program was enhanced and new modules were prepared for each grade level and homeroom period were conducted once a week. The community Extension Services Program (CES) was institutionalized in SY 2017 - 2018. The CES Three Year Development Plan was formulated as well as the Action Plans for the different programs. CES Awareness Week was held beginning SY 2017 - 2018. Active involvement of all employees, students, parents and alumni was encouraged since Paulinian students, parents and alumni are expected to serve and participate in outreach activities for social, political, economic and cultural upliftment of life of the community and society. Likewise, the use and adoption of the Paulinian Five Core Values as criteria for deportment grades then become a requirement for determining honor students.
Furthermore, Sr. Angeles Ilagan, spc promoted, actively supported and strengthened the commitment of the school to different advocacies such as: Environmental Stewardship, Corporate Social Responsibility, Direct service to the Poor and Code of Ethics for Paulinian Schools which advocates integrity and transparency.
Since SY 2016 - 2017, SPCB forged itself and worked on Value-Innovated Programs and Services by coming up with: a Marketing Program for school promotion; continued to offer various forms of scholarships and discounts to students; introduced Digital Blended Learning Program through the use of Schoology and Aralinks; adopted a more customer-friendly schedule for the Library, Guidance Center, Clinic and Finance Office as part of internal marketing and for improved student care; held orientation program on the ASEAN Qualification Reference Framework, held ASEAN Fair, Travelogues and International Business Fair since 2017.
In April and May 2017, the Student Handbook, Faculty Manual, Staff Manual and Administrative Manual were reviewed and revised. Changes and updates were done following and in reference to The Manual of Regulation for Private Schools. Orientation and discussion were held to ensure the effective implementation of the provisions, guidelines and policies specified in the manuals.
Continuous updating of Physical Plant and facilities since SY 2016 - 2017 were done, such as: the construction of covered pathway from the high school building to the canteen, from the canteen to the swimming pool, retreat house and convent, from the high school building to the grade school building and the 4th phase was from the grade school canteen to the gymnasium; the construction of a two-storey building which houses the grade school canteen, ballet room and seven individual music rooms; the construction of a canopy in front of the grade school building; repair and renovation of the swimming pool, added with a new mini pavilion, enhanced the gardens and landscape; equipment and fixtures in the science laboratory were upgraded; the grade school science laboratory was renovated and improved; the grade school and high school guidance centers were renovated. The school put up the Robotics laboratory room in May 2019 in preparation for the implementation of the integration of Robotics in the ICT Curriculum. Likewise, several religious images were installed in the strategic locations in the campus which gives a peaceful and prayerful atmosphere. The whole school campus is a safe haven to the students where they can engage in and enjoy varied activities.
The conception and idea of forging for accreditation came about upon the recommendation and encouragement of Sr. Lilia Therese Tolentino, spc, the provincial superior of the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres. Aiming at becoming a quality school, St. Paul College of Bocaue took on the big challenge, thus its Journey to Quality began in 2017 with the leadership of Sr. Angeles Ilagan, spc.
To create the desired results, institutional infrastructures were created where people in all levels were involved, and where collective aspirations were encouraged and nurtured. The school then subscribed to key process such as strategic planning, operational planning, financing and culture building. And as one of the SPC-owned schools, SPCB adopted the strategic directions of the SPCEM: Paulinian Formation, Quality Teaching and Learning, Value Innovated Programs and Services, and Good Governance. Pertinent documents were prepared, beginning with the Three-Year Institutional Development Plan, from which all other development plans and programs were cascaded and crafted. Supervisory programs were likewise written. Orientation about accreditation and on the standards of PAASCU (Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities) was given to the employees, parents and students. The PAASCU taskforce was created and designated area Chairmen and co-chairmen.
As a Catholic school, SPCB commits itself to become a place where the Gospel message is proclaimed; a community where Christ is experienced; where service to others is the norm, and where thanksgiving and worship of God is cultivated and inspired. The administration continues to guide and animate the whole school community to undertake courses of actions with accompanying wholesome educational atmosphere in order to implement a total school program that is faithful to the schools’ Vision and Mission and the Charism of the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres.
