Our History
A century of Vincentian education rooted in faith, excellence, and service.
Our humble beginnings epitomized the genuine charism upheld by our founders, St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac. During the early years, the Daughters of Charity sisters crossed the Iloilo river by banca to teach little boys and girls in the city proper. On September 14, 1917, Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus was formally recognized.
The years following until the outbreak of World War II witnessed remarkable developments such as the acquisition of new lots and the establishment of the Escuela Gratuita, a free school for the poor. New courses opened in the 1950s and 1960s, trailblazing innovations like the Conservatory of Music — the first of its kind south of Manila — which became home to operattas, Broadway productions, and symphonies.
Through the years, Sagrado continued to flourish as she found her niche in education, theater arts, community service, and social advocacy — remaining steadfast in her mission to serve the deprived with faith and compassion.
1917 — The Beginning
COLEGIO DEL SAGRADO CORAZON DE JESUS was officially recognized as an educational institution on September 14, 1917. It began with Kindergarten and Elementary education, later expanding to include training in cooking, sewing, typing, stenography, and music.
1941 — Growth and Challenges
Under Sister Teresa Fortuny, Sagrado’s Gothic-style façade was built to connect two houses. During the Japanese occupation, with the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 8, 1941 Sagrado survived heavy bombings, but left two of the Sisters wounded, evacuating temporarily to Colegio de San Jose. Despite challenges, the spirit of service and resilience endured.
1970s–1980s — Accreditation and Excellence
In 1975, Sagrado’s High School Department became the first Daughters of Charity school in the Philippines accredited by Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universitites (PAASCU). On the same year, the Mother Seton Social Services Center, formerly the free school for poor students was established. The Personalized Education in the Grade School was also introduced during this period. The College Department began its own drive for quality education in 1983 when PAASCU nominated the institution to be a pilot college for testing the common accreditation standards of the Federation of Accrediting Agencies in the Philippines (FAAP). A subsequent self-survey using the FAAP Manual led to the successful accreditation of the Liberal Arts, Education, and Commerce programs in August 1986.
1980s–1990s — Innovation and Integration
The College Department introduced new programs including Diplomas in Catering Services and Garment Fashion, as well as a Certificate in Cooperative Bookkeeping and a two-year course in Hotel and Restaurant Management. In 1986, the grade and high schools merged into the Basic Eduation Department to improve program articulation and became co-educational with the admission of male students. Sagrado celebrated its Diamond Jubilee on September 14, 1992, highlighting its community achievements in education. The 1994-1995 school year saw the implementation of the integrated DC schools system, allowing for shared leadership and resources between Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus and Colegio de San Jose to enhance educational goals.
2000s–Present — Empowered Partnerships
In the school year 2008-2009, the DC Philippine Province prioritized empowering partnership through expanded lay participation in administration, leading to genuine lay empowerment in governance. For 2009-2010, the Vincentian Management Team (VMT) was established to enhance collaboration and governance within the Iloilo Integrated Schools, comprised of three lay administrators and two DC sisters, with Dr. Ma. Helena Desiree M. Terre appointed as the first lay Chair. This approach emphasized partnership, teamwork, accountability, and openness to spiritual guidance.
In the School Year 2014-2015, the VMT structure underwent modifications, replacing the Iloilo Integrated Administration with an independent framework for each school while maintaining shared human resources. Celebrating its centennial in 2017, Sagrado embraces its Catholic Vincentian education ideals, responding to contemporary challenges with renewed vigor and commitment to excellence, encapsulated in its motto: “The Boldness of Charity for a Century — Great Sagrado.”
"To educate is to touch lives with the love of Christ."