St. Mary’s College of Catbalogan, Inc. traces its roots to 1929, during the American regime, when Bishop Singzon Institute was established in Catbalogan as a parochial school in honor of the late Msgr. Pablo Singzon, the first Bishop of Samar and the Diocese of Calbayog. The institute pioneered Christian education for the youth in the community.
After World War II, the late Msgr. Miguel Acebedo, then Bishop of Calbayog, invited the Sisters of the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM) to take over the management of the institute. Thus, on July 3, 1945, two RVM Sisters—S. Ma. Sousa, RVM and S. Ma. Josefina Contreras, RVM—left Manila for Catbalogan to respond to the bishop’s invitation. The parish priest of the town, Msgr. Vicente Figueroa, welcomed the Sisters and helped them renovate the old convent, which served as the school’s main building and the Sisters’ dormitory for several years.
In 1946, the RVM Sisters began establishing a college for the community. The institute then became Sacred Heart Junior College. In 1948, the school’s name was changed to Sacred Heart College after it became a full-fledged college, and S. Ma. Josefina Contreras, RVM became its first Directress. On September 12, 2000, the school was renamed and has since been known as St. Mary’s College of Catbalogan, Inc.
Since then, under the auspices of the RVM Sisters, the school has undertaken various developments in pursuit of its institutional goals. These developments have included the construction and renovation of buildings, improvement of the school facade, restructuring of administrative offices, expansion of laboratories and the library, and enhancement of classrooms and other facilities to promote a wholesome and supportive educational environment. A sports venue in Brgy. Payao, Catbalogan City was also provided to support the physical development of learners.
Through the years, the school’s curricular offerings have continuously expanded in response to the needs of the community and the changing demands of society. Curriculum and instruction have been enriched through pedagogical innovations such as Understanding by Design (UbD) integrated with RVM Pedagogy, with emphasis on holistic formation. The institution has also adopted research-based inputs, modern educational technology, and outcomes-based approaches in order to strengthen instruction and curriculum development.
As the only Catholic private institution of higher learning and basic education in Catbalogan City, St. Mary’s College of Catbalogan strongly upholds Ignacian Marian education. Guided by the RVM Quality Roadmap, the school has consistently pursued transformative quality education, enriched curriculum and instruction, extensive networking and linkages, continuous development of human and material resources, and wider accessibility of RVM education.
The school’s pursuit of excellence has likewise been recognized through quality assurance efforts and academic achievements. Its High School Department attained PAASCU accreditation in 2003 and successfully passed the PAASCU Level II Resurvey in August 2013. The institution has also been recognized for being CHED-compliant and commendable in various areas of evaluation. Its strong performance in board programs, particularly in Accountancy and Teacher Education, has further strengthened its reputation as a school of choice in the region.
School Year 2016–2017 marked another milestone with the implementation of Senior High School in accordance with the DepEd K to 12 curriculum.
Amid its academic growth and institutional progress, St. Mary’s College of Catbalogan remains steadfast in its core mission of spiritual formation. Inspired by the Lord Jesus Christ, the Blessed Mother Mary, and Venerable Ignacia del Espiritu Santo, the SMCC academic community continues to ignite the Ignacian Marian values of Faith, Excellence, and Service in the hearts of its learners.
Today, St. Mary’s College of Catbalogan, Inc. continues to move forward with humility, dedication, and hope, carrying out its mission of serving God through education and responding to the challenges and opportunities of the times.
