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Holy Cross College
July 2007
Catholic Education in Nueva Ecija
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
The Holy Cross College was started as Holy Cross Academy in December 1946 by
its founder, the late Rt. Rev. Msgr. Fernando C. Lansangan, H.P. The school
opened as a secondary high school primarily to offer Catholic education to the
young and be of service to the people of the town and nearby municipalities.
The opening of the school was welcomed by the respected elders in the area
knowing that access to secondary Catholic education there was very limited.
Parents of students who finished elementary education, found it a financial
burden to send their children all the way to the city for their secondary
education. The expansion and progress of the school became inevitable later
specially with the very enthusiastic and warm support from the people.
The leadership of Msgr. Fernando Lansangan ensured the success of the academy.
As early as its early years, he utilized the services of lay principals,
faculty and non-teaching personnel who were chosen for their specific
expertise. That team of the founder provided the educational needs of the
students.
By 1948, or two years after its foundation, government recognition was granted
to Holy Cross Academy, which by that time had a good number of enrollees - a
proof that the school had come up to the standards, not only of the community
but also of the Department of Education.
As Parish Priest, the late Msgr. Lansangan not only propagated the catholic
faith to his parishioners but also provided Catholic education especially to
those who could not afford to send their children to high school - and this
was the legacy he left behind – and this practice is still in effect to this
day.
Msgr. Lansangan also founded the Holy Cross Academy in Sta. Ana Pampanga. The
two schools he organized remain as living proofs of his personal desire to
educate the youth. Msgr. Lansangan however, died on October 10, 1981, after 35
years of selfless and dedicated service to the community. His name has
remained a byword among the many students who enjoyed and are still enjoying
the best things that life can offer – here and abroad as they work as nurses,
doctors, businessmen, some in the military and public service, and elected
public servants – all successful in their respective chosen fields of endeavor
– and all of whom have finished degree courses, because the late founder had
provided them the stepping stone – the high school education in attaining
their dreams. The community mourned because the death of the founder was a
great loss not only to his parishioners but to the whole community.
COMMITMENT
The Holy Cross College provides equal opportunity for quality education that
increases the chances of a better life after graduation and encourages the
students to enjoy the learning experiences.
PRESENT TIMES
After the death of the founder, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Fernando C. Lansangan, H.P.,
his grandniece, Dr. Raquel Tioseco Sta. Ines, took over the management of the
college. A graduate of the Assumption Convent from elementary to high school,
Dr. Sta. Ines later graduated from the Assumption College. She has a Doctor of
Philosophy degree.
At the age of 35, she took a gigantic step by transforming Holy Cross Academy
to Holy Cross College by offering pre-elementary, elementary and college
education. The expansion of the school’s curricular program was conceived in
response to the aspirations and needs of the community. During this period,
Sta. Rosa boomed into a commercial – agricultural center, servicing also
neighboring towns. Many residents improved their socio-economic status – and
education was held as a primary aspiration of the people. The reason for this
could be partly attributed to the fact that the level of literacy and
educational attainment of the people had risen. Another factor maybe
attributed to the many graduates produced by Holy Cross Academy and that many
sons and daughters of the families in the town who were able to pursue degrees
in colleges in Manila and other towns and cities of the country. As they
become successful here and abroad, they send financial support so their
siblings and other relatives so they could get college degrees and not just be
content with secondary education.
Dr. Sta. Ines also initiated numerous innovations. She started the
construction of three new concrete high-rise buildings to house 65 standard
classrooms, two state of the art laboratories for Physics – Chemistry and
Biology, a covered auditorium, an audio-visual room, a complete library room
and air conditioned computer laboratory rooms.
In all its 61 years of existence, HCC continues to give the best services to
the community - not only as a community-based secondary school but also as an
institution of higher learning with additional TESDA programs in Restaurant
Management, Computer Secretarial, and Electronic and Computer Technology; and
six-month courses in Contact Call Center and Medical Transcription. Most
important, HCC offers Masters in Education major in Mathematics and English.
HCC currently offers Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED), Bachelor of
Science majors in Secondary Education (BSE), Business Administration (BSBA)
and Computer Science (Ladderized) and Bachelor in Hotel and Restaurant
Management.
Zealous in her role in ensuring the College’s growth and continuous
development, Dr. Sta. Ines religiously dedicated immeasurable efforts, time
and resources in providing quality education to thousands students.
Holy Cross College Diamond Jubilee Celebration
A crowning glory
The students, faculty, staff and management impatiently waited for the 60th
foundation year of Holy Cross College. It was, indeed, a year of grueling
preparation for the “Event of the Century.” Everyone wants to be part of the
week-long festivity and, in fact, the alumnae presented a special program,
depicting the treasured memories of the school through the years.
Excitement was in the air and the corridors of all the buildings of the
pre-elementary, high school and college departments. There was no stopping the
participants with their scheduled practices of different Filipino folk dances
from various regions of the country.
The week-long festivity started with a thanksgiving mass and every student,
faculty and those whose life has been touched by Holy Cross College was in
attendance.
A parade were the muses from each curriculum year, and the school’s beauty
contest titlist from the year 1995 to 2005, rode in fabulous floats
accompanied by two musical bands – giving the whole town a ‘fiesta’
atmosphere. Fireworks, firecrackers, mascots and other eye-catching dances
covered the streets and brought people of all ages out to watch the colorful
display.
The next day, the Intramurals was officially opened by the College Vice
President and Managing Director Dr. Raquel T. Sta. Ines. Different field
demonstrations were performed by the students from the different departments,
donned with colorful costumes and accessories. The spectators were amazed with
the remarkable activities.
The search for Miss Holy Cross College followed the next day. The candidates,
garbed in beautiful dresses were all hoping to be crowned. After the search,
friendly competitions were also held, which included indoor and outdoor games,
wherein students practiced and developed sportsmanship, cooperation and
teamwork. Yet the week’s celebration was highlighted with the performance of
traditional and cultural dances participated by the faculty members.
The Diamond Jubilee Celebration Anniversary of Holy Cross College would not
have been possible without the foresight of Msgr. Fernando Lansangan, who is
now spending his life in the arms of God and the determination and commitment
of the Chairman of the Board Archbishop Paciano B. Aniceto, President David P.
Sta. Ines, and Vice President Managing Director Dr. Raquel T. Sta. Ines,
together with the faculty, supporters and parents of the students.
The 60 years of concerted efforts were true to the diamond anniversary theme:
“Go forth Holy Cross College for honesty, go for the glory of God.”
Source: Manila Bulletin Online
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