By Clara Bettina Borromeo
Published October 5, 2023
In the heart of Las Piñas City, a small preparatory school was born in 1981. Little did its founders, Dr. Evangeline Oñas-Orosco and Dr. Arturo Agapito Orosco, Sr., know that their humble beginnings would one day blossom into a prestigious institution, now known as Saint Francis of Assisi College (SFAC). As SFAC celebrates its 42nd founding anniversary, we look back at its remarkable journey and the theme that guides its mission: “Shine Bright, Lead Right.”
A Humble Beginning
The story of SFAC is one of unwavering dedication and a commitment to providing affordable quality education. It all began with a two-classroom preparatory school in Talon III, Las Piñas City. The founders’ vision was clear: to offer young children access to an education that would equip them for success in life.
By 1983, the school’s reputation had grown so rapidly that a two-story, full elementary school building had to be constructed to meet the burgeoning community’s needs. In 1986, SFAC expanded further, opening its high school department, ensuring that its graduates had a seamless transition to secondary education. During the same period, two additional campuses were established, one in Taguig City and another in Los Baños, Laguna.
From Strength to Strength
In 1989, SFAC took another significant step forward by introducing tertiary-level education, offering a range of degree and non-degree programs. This expansion was not confined to the original campus. New campuses were added in Pamplona, Las Piñas (1990), Bacoor, Cavite (1994), and Alabang, Muntinlupa (1996). In 1996, Saint Anthony School of Las Piñas also came under SFAC’s supervision and management. The Dasmariñas, Cavite campus opened in 1999, and the Biñan, Laguna campus followed in 2006. In 2010, the Los Baños campus was renamed Saint Anthony School of Los Baños.
The 10th campus, located in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, opened its doors in the 2012-2013 school year. To streamline operations and enhance efficiency, the Pamplona campus transitioned its operations to the main campus in 2014, aligning with SFAC’s corporate branding efforts.
A Legacy of Leadership
In 2012, Dr. Arturo O. Orosco, Jr., succeeded his mother as the school president. Under his leadership, SFAC embarked on a journey to strengthen the school’s heritage and the spirit of “bayanihan” (community unity) that had always been a core value of the institution. Bold decisions and innovations have been made to fulfill the founders’ objective of serving more communities and society at large.
Today, Saint Francis of Assisi College offers a comprehensive education, spanning from preschool to the graduate level. It has earned recognition from the Department of Education (DepEd), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Additionally, the Bureau of Immigration has granted SFAC the authority to accept foreign students, reflecting its global reach.
Excellence in Education
Throughout its more than four decades of existence, SFAC has remained committed to academic, cultural, and sports excellence. Its educational programs are imbued with Christian and Franciscan values, reflecting the spirit of its patron, Saint Francis of Assisi. A rich and responsive curriculum, a dedicated team of educators, dynamic administrators, and an environment conducive to excellence all contribute to the lifelong learning experiences at SFAC.
To stay at the forefront of educational trends, SFAC established the Center for Excellence in Academics, Research, and Training Services (Centrex). To date, SFAC established the Academic Council that includes all subject areas. This entity serves as the standard-setting authority for SFAC’s academic operations and focuses on areas such as curriculum development, faculty training, and institutional research. Ensuring uniform standards across all campuses.
At SFAC, the commitment to education goes beyond traditional classroom teaching. Recognizing the importance of holistic development, SFAC offers an impressive array of over 100 developmental learning activities designed to enhance all areas of a student’s growth and potential.
These developmental learning activities are a testament to SFAC’s dedication to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also socially, emotionally, and physically adept.
Shining Bright and Leading Right
As Saint Francis of Assisi College celebrates its 42nd founding anniversary, it stands as a beacon of educational excellence and community engagement. With the theme “Shine Bright, Lead Right,” SFAC continues to mold future leaders who are not only academically proficient but also equipped with strong values and a commitment to service.
As the second part of the theme suggests, SFAC’s mission extends beyond personal achievement. It is about instilling in students a sense of responsibility, integrity, and service to others. “Lead Right” embodies the core values of SFAC, emphasizing the importance of ethical leadership and community engagement.
SFAC students are encouraged to lead with integrity, guided by a strong moral compass that shapes their actions and decisions. They learn that true leadership is not just about authority but also about responsibility, compassion, and empathy. The school’s leadership programs and character-building activities are instrumental in nurturing these qualities, ensuring that SFAC graduates go on to become ethical leaders in their communities and professions.
As SFAC reflects on its 42-year journey, it also gazes toward the future with unwavering dedication. The institution remains steadfast in its commitment that equips students not just with academic prowess but with the character and values needed to make a positive difference in the world.
Watch: SFAC 42nd Founding Anniversary Thanksgiving Mass
Watch: SFAC 42nd Founding Anniversary Opening Salvo