History of St. Benedict College of Cotabato

ST. BENEDICT COLLEGE has grown from modest beginnings into a full-service educational institution. It started with a dream of Cecilia Camello-Barroga to establish a school with the aim of providing early childhood education programs to pre-school age children in Cotabato City. Behind this dream was Gabriel Camello Barroga, the eldest son of Cecilia and late Engr. Enrique F. Barroga, who was the source of inspiration. Gabriel needed a favorable learning environment where his young mind can be nurtured and developed.

The dream of putting up a school became a reality, with the support of Salvacion L. Dumdum. In 1989, the founding partners Cecilia and Salvacion founded ST. BENEDICT HOMESCHOOL . The school started as a pre-school, and classes were conducted at the residence of late Judge Macario Camello in Santos St., Cotabato City. The terrace served as a temporary classroom, and the yard was developed into a playground. The first teacher of the Homeschool was Rainelda C. Florido.

The dedication and hard work of the founding partners paved the way for the growth of St. Benedict Homeschool. Since the school was established, it has won the trust and confidence of parents, students, and community, as well as gained the support of colleagues. With a heightened demand from the parents, the founding partners eventually added Grade 1 of the basic education program in its academic offerings in 1992.

Confident that St. Benedict Homeschool was ripe for expansion, the founding partners invited their immediate family members, relatives, and friends to join them. Among the first ones to join were Rainelda C. Florido, Atty. Estrella D. Pizzaro, Supreme Court Justice Atty. Edgardo A. Camello and wife Mary Ann, Eugene A. Camello and wife Celia, Edmundo Camello, Engr. Enrique F. Barroga, Ruben M. Dumdum, Faith Remedios L. Dumdum, and Leovigildo A. Lumaque. The group organized a Cooperative to serve the purpose, hence;

ST. BENEDICT HOMESCHOOL MULTI-PURPOSE COOPERATIVE was formally organized on July 26, 1992. It was registered with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) on September 7, 1992 under Registration Certificate No. 0258-KEO, with education, lending, and consumer as its services. July 1993 was a very remarkable history for St. Benedict Homeschool. It marked the birth of ST. BENEDICT COLLEGE, INC.

The SBHMPC facilitated the acquisition of a 2,000 sq. meters lot from the Sumayod-Camello Estate on which St. Benedict College was built. In February 1993, the first floor of the 2-story school building was constructed. Since the construction was not completed on time for the beginning of the school year, classes were temporarily held at Cristobal Building Sinsuat Ave., Cotabato City. Later on, classes were moved at National Museum ORC Complex. In August 1993, classes were transferred at the newly constructed building of St. Benedict College. Additionally, three temporary classrooms were made available for teachers and students to hold their classes. Prof. Marino R. Ridao was the first President of St. Benedict College.

In April 1994, Dr. Salvacion L. Dumdum was appointed as the second President of St. Benedict College. Backed by the support of school officials, faculty and staff, and SBC community, the leadership of Dr. Dumdum has brought SBC to greater heights. SBC was recognized as a school that produces well-rounded and competent graduates.

From 1995-2005, the main SBC building, temporary classroom buildings, covered court, and playground were constructed. SBC developed into a campus conductive for both teaching and learning.

In 2005, St. Benedict Homeschool Multi-Purpose Cooperative and St. Benedict College marked its 13th year of existence by opening two sister schools: ST. BENEDICT COLLEGE KALAMANSIG (SBCK) in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat and SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND SCIENCE EDUCATION (SPCSHE) in Parang, Maguindanao. St. Benedict College became a system of schools, with the aim of extending its quality education services to neighboring provinces in Mindanao. Later, however, the SBC Board of Trustees decided to close the operation of SBCK because of the peace and order situation in the area. On the other hand, SPCSHE continued its operation.

In 2011, the BOT passed a resolution changing the name of Southern Philippines College Science and Health Education (SPCSHE) to ST. BENEDICT COLLEGE OF MAGUINDANAO . The CHED-ARMM granted approval to the name change effective on the school year 2012.

In July 2007, a 5-member Management Team was created by St. Benedict Homeschool Multi-Purpose Cooperative and St. Benedict College, Inc., through a SBHMPC Resolution No. 1 and SBC Board of Trustees Resolution No. 1 dated July 31, 2006. The Manage Team shall supervise and manage the Administrative and Academic Affairs of St. Benedict College, Inc. / SBC System in lieu of a President.

The school is under a 5-member Board of Trustees elected at large by the members of the Corporation. The school is owned by the Cooperative with its 9- member Board of Directors elected at the Annual General Assembly by all members of the Cooperative.

Through the years, the membership in the Cooperative has changed. In January 1997, the application for membership to the St. Benedict Homeschool Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Prof. Carmelita B. Serrano, the present Vice President for Academic Affairs and Extension was acted favorably by the Board of Directors in recognition of her faithful and dedicated service to the school. However, Mr. Daniel Lacerna, Paz Daga, and Teresa Alcaraz have withdrawn their memberships. Five members, namely Atty. Antonio Sumayod, Felipa Sumauang, Daniel Lacerna, Mariano Pizarro, and Atty. Estrella Pizarro have passed away. The new members were Atty. Dominador F. Pizarro, Loreto Socorro Pizarro, and Leah Sumauang.

St. Benedict Homeschool Multipurpose Cooperative (SBHMPC)

(5) BOT CHAIRMAN/MEMBERS

(35) FOUNDING PARTNERS