SANCTUS JOSEPHUS SCHOOL, INC.

A great need of having Catholic learning institution was greatly felt by the parishioners of Saint Joseph the Worker Parish in President Roxas, Capiz in the late 80’s. Instead of sending the Pre-School children to other sectarian school in the community, a group of parishioners-The Ladies of Charity under the Presidency of Mrs. Merlinda Sin who later on was succeeded by Mrs. Norma B. Tolosa thought of putting up a parochial school which would cater the Pre-School Education of the children. In June 1987, the Saint Joseph parochial School incorporated, later named Saint Joseph Diocesan School by Archbishop Onesimo C. Gordoncillo, D.D. was formally opened with Msgr. John A. Blancaver as Parish Priest and Founder. The ladies of Charity AIC Philippines, President Roxas Unit facilitated and managed the operation of the school with seventy pupils (72) and two devoted teachers. The Parish retreat house was utilized as classrooms which later on were extended to the social hall of Lutod-Lutod Sugar Planters Association, for its first and second grades. This was the time when this educational project has reached the attention of the national ladies of Charity AIC Philippines under the presidency of Mrs. Milagros Dayrit who considered this project as laudable and important to the Parish Community. Saint Joseph Diocesan School in President Roxas, Capiz was considered by the organization as the first national Educational Program of the Ladies of Charity AIC in the Whole Philippines. The School was blessed with the dedicated and committed teachers to the ideas of the school. The school was also lucky to have Ms. Loudes B. Bereber and Mrs. Norma B. Tolosa who worked hard for the legal papers and Mrs. Rosario E. Catalan, a retired District Supervisor who had consistently guided and acted as its academic consultant.

The significant progress and development of this learning institution was shown on the school’s first graduation for the elementary level. Thirty-one graduates had their commencement exercises in the school year 1993-1994. Negotiations however were still being done with the Capiz Sugar Central Formerly owned by Elizalde Company and presently owned by the Uygongco Corporation for the acquisition of the school site, which momentarily just gave permission for its usage until donation of the said lot is finalized.

The clear vision for Catholic quality education and unquenching desire of educating the youth pushed the plan for secondary education. So, it was in S. Y. 1996 – 1997 that high school department was opened with twenty one enrollees. Mrs. Norma B. Tolosa tried to seek help for financial assistance from the action of the Three Kings with endorsement of the Archbishop of Capiz, Most. Rev. Onismo C. Gordoncillo, D.D. which he personally followed up in Germany. Mrs. Milagros Dayrit and Mrs. Patricia de Nava National and International president respectively, also personally met Msgr. Poll, Director of the Action of the Three Kings, West Germany during their International meeting at Brussels.

It was believed by the school community that Saint Joseph, their Patron Saint interceded on their prayers and petitions. This was evident the donations of the on hectare (10,000 sq. m.) lot by Mr. & Mrs. Domingo and Luisa Consing Locsin and family to Saint Joseph Diocesan School. In April 11, 1997, the blessing and laying of cornerstone WAS PRESIDED BY Most Rev. Onesimo C. Gordoncillo, D.D., Archbishop of Capiz, with presence of Mayor Raymund Locsin, Mrs. Patricia de Nava- LC International President, Mrs Loreta David National President; Mrs. Milagros M. Dayrit – ASEA Animator and National Project Coordinator, Mrs. Ofelia B. Acuña-Vice President of Western Visayas, and Mrs. Herminia Bisar- Archbishop President.

Few years later, during the incumbency of Rev. Msgr. Policarpio John A. Luza, Ph. D., as Chairman of the Board/Director, the two-storey building was constructed for the high school department thus, having two campuses for Saint Joseph Diocesan School, that is, the main campus which is just adjacent to the Parish Church and the High School Campus in Brgy. Cabugcabug, President Roxas, capiz. With God’s continual blessing, Saint Joseph Diocesan School, inc. received a financial aid from the action of the Three Kings, Germany in the year 2001. The school was able to construct complete concrete buildings for the Elementary department and additional 2-storey building for the High School Department. It was also in these years that the school had acquired its Government Recognition for Pre-School, Elementary, and High School levels in June 3, 1997.

The first commencement exercises of the High School of Saint Joseph Diocesan School was in S.Y. 1999-2000 with twenty graduates.