Concepcion Catholic School

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= Concepcion Catholic School =

The Concepcion Catholic School, also referred to today as ConCS to distinguish it from a sister school

with the same acronym, is a private Catholic coeducational basic education institution owned by the

Diocese of Tarlac and run by the Dominican Sisters of Our Lady of Peace. It first opened formally in 1933

as Little Flower Academy by the Congregation of the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM) until 1945. Then

post‐war, it was handed to the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS) to manage until April

1980. In April 1965, the school’s name changed to Holy Spirit Academy of Concepcion. Its current name

started in April 1980 when the school was turned over to the Diocese of Tarlac.

Concepcion Catholic School has the distinction of being the province of Tarlac’s first and oldest Catholic school.

The school offers programs from kindergarten through elementary and secondary levels. Its students are

called “ConCSians.”

The campus contains 3 statues: the Immaculate Concepcion, the town patron, the thinking statue of St.

Dominic of Guzman, the school’s patron saint, and the Guardian Angel, the oldest existing icon, first

installed in the mid‐1950s.

Concepcion Catholic School

Former Names	Little Flower Academy (1933‐1965)
	Holy Spirit Academy of Concepcion (1965‐1980)
Motto	Laudare, Benedicere, Praedicare simply reitereate the Dominican's modus viventi of soaking oneself with the Spirit of God (laudare) and letting this permeate to all his/her works (benedicere) and his/her words and witness (praedicare) The school's Core Values are Competence, Service, Compassion
Type	Private Catholic Non‐profit Coeducational Basic Education Institution
Established	April 17, 1933; 90 years ago
Founder	Fr. Tomas De Vega, Parish Priest of Concepcion, Tarlac, the longest serving parish priest of Concepcion, 1914‐1949. Later became Monsignor.
Religious Affiliation	Roman Catholic (Dominican Sisters of Our Lady of Peace)
Principal	Sir. Barnie Cunanan
School Administrator	Sr. Lorna Ablog, O.P.
Location	A. Dizon St. San Nicolas Poblacion, Concepcion, Tarlac Philippines
Patron	St. Dominic of Guzman
Basic Education	K‐12
Colors	Blue and Gold
Nickname	ConCSian

Notable Alumni

Federico N. Alday, Jr. (LFA Class 1963), former National Irrigation Administration Administrator (1986-1989), Angel C. Cruz Law Office (Intramuros, Manila) Senior Partner. Deceased 12/29/2020.

Jesli Aquino Lapus (LFA Class 1965), former Secretary of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (3/15/2010-6/30/2010), Secretary of the Philippine Department of Education (10/4/2006-3/15/2010), Congressman of Tarlac (6/30/1988-10/4/2006), Undersecretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform (6/30/1987-9/9/1989).

Jeci Aquino Lapus (HSA Class 1969), Administrator of Local Water Utilities Administration (2017), Director of BDO’s Leasing and Finance subsidiary, former Congressman of Tarlac (6/30/2007-6/30/2013), Vice President of National Agri-Business Corporation under the Department of Agriculture (1998-2000), President of TODO Foundation, Inc. (1998-2005). Deceased 7/12/2021.

Enunina Villanueva Mangio (HSA Class 1972), Honorary Consul of the Republic of Liberia in Manila, Charter President of Rotary Club of Fort Bonifacio West, Chair of the Philippine-Korea Business Council and Philippine USA Business Council, Chair of the 46^th Philippine Business Conference and Expo (2^nd woman in its history).

Jesus Gordon Descanzo (HSA Class 1974), former Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Assistant General Manager for Security and Emergency Services (2015), MIAA Police Department Head (2013), Director of the Aviation Security Group (2012-2013), Police Chief Superintendent of the Philippine National Police (1991), Armed Forces of the Philippines Lieutenant General (1990), Philippine Military Academy (Class 1982).

Noel Villanueva (HSA Class 1976), Concepcion, Tarlac’s Municipal Mayor (2022-Present), former Congressman of Tarlac (2013-2022), Concepcion, Tarlac’s Municipal Mayor (2004-2013).

Andres David Lacson (CCS Class 1993), former Municipal Mayor of Concepcion, Tarlac (6/1/2013-6/30/2022).

History

The idea of a Catholic school in Concepcion, Tarlac was initiated by Fr. Tomas de Vega (later a

Monsignor), who became the parish priest of the Catholic Church of the Inmaculada Concepcion in 1914.

He reached out to the sisters of the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM) who were running a Catholic school

in Guagua, Pampanga, Sacred Heart Academy founded in 1908.

The RVM sisters took the name Little Flower Academy and managed it from 1933 to 1945. At the

outbreak of World War II, the sisters were recalled to Manila. The school was used as a refuge center

housing a great number of homeless men and women, children and the elderly.

After the war, the people requested the church authorities to reopen the school. With the Catholic

school in Tarlac City was handed to the German Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS), it was

fitting to do the same for Concepcion. Little Flower Academy was handed over to the SSpS Sisters who

began their work on April 11, 1945. The school grounds then were rather too small that the parish

priest, Fr. Mariano Sablay gave up some rooms in the convent for classrooms. In 1951, the parish church

donated a part of the church ground to the school and a 1‐storey sawali building with eight classrooms

for elementary was built. In 1960, a new high school 2‐storey wooden building was put up. The

expansion program of the school led to the various renovations of the school buildings. In 1966, the 1‐

storey elementary building was demolished and replaced by a 2‐storey concrete building with the help of

Les Misereor, a contribution of the German Catholics and the SSpS congregation. At the beginning of the

school year 1965‐1966, the school was renamed as Holy Spirit Academy of Concepcion to consistently

rebrand all schools being managed by the SSpS sisters. Starting in school year 1968‐1969, the school had

its first Filipina Holy Spirit principal, Sr. Ines Maria Castro, SSpS. The 50s, the 60s, and 70s were

flourishing years for the school.

For the third time its name was changed to its current name Concepcion Catholic School, when the SSpS

sisters handed the school to the Diocese of Tarlac under the management of the Dominican Sisters of

Our Lady of Peace. Since then, the school went through major renovations to accommodate increases in

enrollment and modernize its facilities. Starting in school year 2016‐2017, the school implemented its

Senior High School program offering 3 academic strands: Accountancy, Business & Management (ABM),

Humanities & Social Sciences (HUMSS), and Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM).

Timeline

THE IDEA OF CATHOLIC SCHOOL

The Little Flower Academy in Concepcion, Tarlac was established through the initiative and efforts of Fr.

Tomas de Vega who became the parish priest of the Catholic Church of Inmaculada Concepcion in Tarlac

in 1914, sometime after the church was destroyed by fire. In addition to his responsibilities of

ministering to the spiritual needs of his parishioners, one of the challenges he faced was the rebuilding

of the church, which was made possible by the generous donations of his parishioners, friends and

benefactors. The thought of building a Catholic school in the parish was also in his mind. It was not

unknown to him that a group of Sisters, the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM), who were previously

known as the Beatas de la Compañia, were running a Catholic school in Guagua, Pampanga. The school

named Sacred Heart Academy was founded in 1908. This was probably the reason why he sought the

help of these Sisters to assist him in putting up a Catholic school in his parish.

MAKING IT HAPPEN

Fr. de Vega must have already taken initial steps in organizing a school after the Church had been rebuilt.

Certain circumstances facilitated his communication with the Religious of the Virgin Mary. Concepcion,

Tarlac was the hometown of the mother of Sor Guillerma Santos who just pronounced her first vows in

1913 in the Beaterio. Her first assignment was in Sacred Heart Academy, Guagua, Pampanga. Three years

later, her mother, Carolina Garcia, died and left her a sum of money deposited in the bank. In claiming

her inheritance and in fulfilling the last will and testament of her mother, Sor Guillerma went to

Concepcion to meet with her relatives. She was accompanied by some Sisters from her community in

Guagua and they stayed in the house left by her mother who was already a widow upon her death. On

one of these visits, Fr. de Vega had a chance to meet them.

In 1930, Fr. de Vega wrote the Archbishop asking permission to use a part of the church land to build a

school and a convent for the Sisters who would run the school. The reply to Fr. de Vega’s letter came

from the Auxiliary Bishop of Manila, William Finnemann. In his letter dated July 31, 1930, the Bishop

granted the perpetual use of the land for the school and the house of the Sisters provided they continue

to administer the school.

In reply to the letter of the Superior General of the Religious of the Virgin Mary, Mother Venancia

Ceballos, the Archbishop of Manila, Michael O’Doherty, granted permission to the Congregation to

establish a religious house with a Catholic school in Concepcion, Tarlac. The date of his letter was

February 27, 1932. A follow‐up letter, dated March 17, 1932, came from the Secretary of the Archbishop,

Simeon Gutierrez inquiring about the legacy that the Congregation would use for the maintenance of the

Sisters. The Congregation submitted in reply the declaration of Sor Guillerma Santos, expressing that the

legacy was given to her by her deceased mother who also expressed her will to use the interest from the

money deposited in the bank for the maintenance of the Sisters who would stay in the house in front of

the Catholic school should this project materialize. Other points were clarified in this declaration.

There is no record of the year of the opening of the school. However, the biography of Sor Justina

Martinez, who was assigned to the Little Flower Academy in Concepcion, Tarlac after her first profession

in 1933, shows that before her admission to aspirancy and postulancy in Guagua, Pampanga, she was

already a fully qualified teacher and was asked to teach at the Little Flower Academy in the said town in

1932. This would imply that while the school house was being constructed, some informal classes were

already being conducted.

1933‐1945: THE BEGINNING OF A CATHOLIC SCHOOL

When the school opened in 1933, it offered a secondary course for girls. Later, catechism and catechism

classes were offered to young boys as well. Piano was also offered sometime in 1941‐42. At the outbreak

of World War II, the Sisters were recalled to Manila. The school was used as a refuge center housing a

great number of homeless men and women, children and the aged.

The first group of Sisters who were assigned in the school in 1933 were: M. Andrea Cruz – Superiora; Sor

Guillerma Santos, Procuradora; Sor Isabel Purificacion, Directora de clases; Sor Josefa Martinez – Auxiliar.

Considering that Sor Justina Martinez stayed for three years in this assignment, an undated list of Sisters

which includes Sor Andrea Cruz and Sor Isabel with Sor Justina would indicate that they were together

for three years. Another Sister was added to the community in 1936, Sor Amparo Elaco. Sor Guillerma

Santos returned to the Little Flower Academy in 1937 with Sor Agatona Gomez as principal of the

primary and intermediate classes. Sor Emilia Romero was appointed in 1938 as Superior of the house by

the Superior General Mother Efigenia Alvarez. M. Josefa Ricafort was appointed superior in 1940 and in

1941‐42 her community consisted of Sor Maria Daymiel and Sor Jesusa Andrada.

Improvements on the school building were completed in 1936 after serious deliberations that began in

1934. The accounting of the funds was presented by Sor Guillerma Santos to the special General Council

meeting on July 5, 1936. Other matters concerning the Little Flower Academy were also discussed in that

meeting including some guidelines for future deliberations and decision on the management and

administration of the school by the Congregation.

The Role of the RVM Sisters in our School’s History. The Religious of the Virgin Mary was given the

privilege to contribute to the opening of a Catholic School in Concepcion, Tarlac. The RVM Congregation

was part of the early history of the Little Flower Academy. There are no indications in the RVM records

why the school was named Little Flower. In a way, the Congregation and the Sisters who were assigned

there practiced the spirit of the little way of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, a spirituality that is also

aligned with the humble service of the Foundress of the Congregation of the Religious of the Virgin

Mary, Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo.

St. Therese of the Child Jesus was very popular among Catholics after her canonization on May 17, 1925

exactly 7 years from LFA’s opening. In fact, many schools in the U.S. and Canada were named ‘Little

Flower’ around the same time.

1945‐1952

After the war, the people requested the church authorities to reopen the school. Around that time in

Tarlac City, the Catholic Academy of Tarlac founded by 10 prominent men of Tarlac in 1939 was turned

over to the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS) in 1940 and was later named Holy Ghost

Institute and later College of the Holy Spirit Tarlac. With this early establishment of education it was

fitting to do the same for Concepcion.

The religious congregation, also known as Holy Spirit Sisters was founded by St. Arnold Janssen, SVD and

Blessed Maria Helena Stollenwerk and Blessed Hendrina Stenmanns in 1889 in Steyl, Netherlands.

LFA was handed over to the SSpS Sisters, who began their work on April 11, 1945 with Sister Acella

Heyer, SSpS., as superior.

The school grounds then were rather too small. Because of lack of space the parish priest, Fr. Mariano

Sablay gave up some rooms in the convent for classrooms. In 1951, the SSpS sisters almost decided to

leave the school because of the crucial problem of lack of enough space for school operations. The

townspeople of Concepcion who valued the education from the nuns, took certain measures to give the

school its own place that it might be of greater value to them. That same year, the parish church of

Concepcion donated a part of the church ground to become the school’s own compound, and within the

same year, a 1‐storey sawali building with eight classrooms was built.

1953‐1968

Sr. Marysilda Heinrichs, SSpS, led as Mother Superior at the beginning of the school year in 1952 until

1959.

In the mid‐1950s, the Iconic Guardian Angel statue was first installed at the school’s front garden behind

the church. A life‐size statue, the Angel pats with its left hand the child’s head while pointing his right

hand towards the sky and/or the school’s very first building also known then as the convent building.

Annually every November, Grade 2 students undergo their First Holy Communion when the Holy

Eucharist, one of the 7 sacraments, is officially endowed on each student.

Third Year (Juniors) and Fourth Year (Seniors) students hold the Junior‐Senior Prom, a dance party in

February or late January complete with semi‐formal to formal attire.

Sr. Aurelina Mester, SSpS, became Mother Superior from 1959 to 1962.

In 1960, the new high school building structurally built in wood was put up. The expansion program of

the school led to the various renovations of its facilities.

What started in school year 1960 every October was COLLEGE DAY, maybe a misnomer but that was what

it was called until it later changed to ACADEMY DAY. This annual celebration was very much awaited and

rehearsed in preparation by every class section for their field demonstration number.

In 1962, the big stage was constructed at the garden behind the church. It had 6 steps from end to end

with the level as tall as an adult person. The Guardian Angel statue was moved to a location facing the

school’s playground.

Sr. Dolorata Fingerhut, SSpS, succeeded as Mother Superior from 1962 to 1968.

Starting with the school year 1965, the name Little Flower Academy was changed to Holy Spirit Academy

to consistently rebrand all schools being managed by the Holy Spirit sisters.

Some firsts:

1. First school night bonfire called Winnie Roast held before All Saints Day started in 1965.

2. Spelling Bee Concepcion Interschool Championship, with 1st Prize trophies and medals going to HSA in

1964 to Juliet Salas of Class 1969, followed in 1965 to Belinda Giron of Batch 1970, both were 5th

Graders.

3. First school fair for 3 consecutive days in 1968 and 1969 with 25 feria booths and games, Pepsi Cola

sponsorship, and 1,000+ peso funds raised as seed money for HSA’s first library, spearheaded by the

Student Catholic Action (SCA) president, Belinda Giron.

4. Citizens Army Training culminated by the Philippine Military Training cadets pass‐in‐review and each

Officer with a Sponsor at every mid‐year.

In 1966, the old 1‐storey sawali building was demolished and a 2‐storey concrete building was

constructed with the help of Les Misereor, a contribution of the German Catholics and the SSpS

congregation.

Also in 1966, first time to sing in Pilipino, LUPANG HINIRANG and PANATANG MAKABAYAN in assembly at

campus together every morning. Previously, students sang LAND OF THE MORNING and PATRIOTIC

PLEDGE.

Another start in 1966 yearly every October, school rosary prayer every day, culminating in the end of the

month with the HSA students’ living rosary held at the Town Plaza. Each rosary bead represented and

prayed by a student.

1966 – First cub scouts.

Knights of the Altar was first introduced for Boys starting in 5th Grade.

Sodality of Mary for girls started in 1966.

Every grade level in the elementary had a patron saint and played his/her life during the class's feast day

celebration with casts in full costumes:

Grade 1—Guardian Angel

Grade 2—Blessed Imelda later St. Pius X

Grade 3— Our Lady of Fatima

Grade 4— St. Rose of Lima

Grade 5—St. Therese of the Child Jesus

Grade 6—St. Mary Goretti

When elementary & high school levels exceed 40 students, classes were split into 2 sections, BLUE &

WHITE, in honor of our town patron.

Simbang Bengi/Misa De Gallo Choir—high school students trained in English, Latin, Spanish choir songs

for the 4 AM Masses, 3 out of 9 days before Christmas.

Christmas Caroling—each high school level practiced and went caroling with teachers from 6pm to 8pm.

A list of Concepcion families divided into 4 and visited for 1‐2 nights. Donations were used for Christmas

Drive for the poor.

Annual tradition of Christmas Nativity Play/Tableau started.

The Legion of Mary was introduced in 1966 as weekly meeting every Monday at the K of C, where prayer

is intermingled with reports and discussion focusing on spiritual and social welfare, a collaboration in

every apostolic and missionary undertaking sponsored by the parish in the spirit of faith and in union

with Mary. The group was led by Rebecca Guiao of Class 1967 and Lagring Santos, a parish devotee of

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Praesidium.

1969‐1980

Starting in school year 1968‐1969, Sr. Ines Maria Castro, SSpS, became the first Filipina Holy Spirit

Principal of the school.

Student programs in literary and performing arts were expanded. The official school organ, FOCUS,

started during that school year.

Renowned stage plays were presented by various student levels and became pay‐to‐see fund raisers for

school projects as prominent people in Tarlac province attended. Some of these are as follows:

In 1967: LITTLE WOMEN, played for 3 nights for 2 hours like pros, casts included from Class 1967 Rebecca

Guiao and Marylyn de Jesus.

In 1970: THE SLEEPING BEAUTY. Casts included from Class 1971 ‐ Eloisa Sanchez in the lead role was a

ballet student fresh from her successful show in Manila – The Nutcracker, Enrico Santos as prince

charming, and Trinidad Angelica Palma; from Class 1972 – Romeo Yumul; and from Class 1974 – Meriel

de Jesus.

In 1971: NEW YORKER IN TONDO, a classic satirical Filipino one‐act play of Marcelino Agana Jr. written in

1956. Casts included from Class 1971 ‐ Judy Rivera Paras in the lead role as Kikay, Ma. Nida Santos, Gloria

Borja, Lucia Josefina Carpio, Dante Lapus; and Class 1972, Eduardo Carpio.

In 1972: ONE WAS VALIANT, a story of religious conversion in the mountainous area of the Ifugao region.

A collaboration of different batches. Casts included from Class 1972 – Marivic Hipolito in the lead role of

Liana, Susan Briones, Julieta Carpio, Elizabeth Canivel, Virgilio Muan; Class 1973 – Antonina Sigua, May

Castro; Class 1974 – Riza Dado, Frenesie Descanzo; Class 1975 – Angela de Jesus, Lea Hipolito; Class 1977

– Gerardo Castro, Nerissa Garcia; Class 1978 ‐ Rodel La Roque, Ricardo Castro, Jr., Felicitas Garcia.

In 1969, First Talent Exhibition:

In Oration—Belinda Giron (Class 1970), Dante Lapus (Class 1971), Danilo Mallari (Class 1972), Maribel

Vicencio and Erwin Gomez (Class 1973), Raul Cunanan and Victoria Cunanan (Class 1974).

In Spanish Dance & Ballet—Eloisa Sanchez (Class 1971).

First Student Council campaign and elections, Oscar Timbol of Class 1970 won as president.

“Green Project” was launched as featured in a FOCUS article by Belinda Giron entitled “The Instant

Garden” how the rubles of demolished previous site of old piano room turned into a lovely garden.

In 1970, the First Star Scouts for Girls.

Students’ Piano Recital yearly in March with the last or finale number showcased the best, similar to the

valedictorian of the bunch. Consistently for years till her graduation in 1970, Belinda Giron of Class 1970

concluded the recital performances.

High school students teaching Catechism to public school students.

HSA beyond borders:

1. Elected V.P. by all secondary and college of representatives from 25 schools in the Diocese of Tarlac,

Belinda Giron of Class 1970.

2. Represented in SCA National Congress in Calapan, Mindoro: Belinda Giron of Class 1970, Susan

Briones of Class 1972, Juanita Silvestre of Class 1973, and Victoria Cunanan of Class 1974.

Mission Charity yearly in October, goal was to raise monetary donations for the poor and needy.

In 1970, through the leadership of its graduating class the basketball/volleyball court quadrangle was

constructed.

During the school year 1972‐1973, because of Martial Law, many activities were suspended.

Curfews were implemented, many townspeople were scared from reports of killings especially in the

remote barrios, and ordinary life became difficult.

On November 24, 1973, the Class 1974 was the first to be required to pass the National College Entrance

Exam (NCEE) for all college freshmen for the incoming school year 1974‐1975. Physics and Chemistry

were not part of the high school curriculum then, but Class 1974 were prepped for these subjects for this

national exam.

Sr. Resurreccion Quebral, SSpS, took over as Principal starting in the school year in 1974.

The area between the classroom building and the old convent building went through major landscaping

beautification. In the summer of 1977, the Guardian Angel statue was moved for the third time as a

focal point in the lush garden, at the L‐angle of the two connecting 2‐story classroom buildings.

In compliance with the Department of Education, student school records went through thorough

auditing with birth certificates required for resubmission.

The school rarely participated in town fiesta festivities although in 1974, 6th grader Cynthia Mallari of

Class 1978 represented HSA in the town parade but was not allowed in the beauty contest.

The sports competitions for elementary and high school rebranded as annual intramurals started in

school year 1975‐1976.

The 4‐H Club (Head, Heart, Hands & Health) was introduced by HSA alumna, Aurora Rivera of Class 1969,

to develop citizenship, leadership, responsibility and life skills of youth through experimental learning

programs and a positive youth development approach.

HSA bagged Tarlac Private Schools Association’s (TAPSA) academic competition in journalism for BEST IN

NEWS WRITING by Roland Santos, Class 1976’s valedictorian.

Sr. Thelma Molina, SSpS, started the Rondalla in school year 1974‐1975, a native string ensemble of

banduria, laud, octavina, mandola, guitara, and bajo de unas.

Performances were incorporated during the school’s special occasion programs.

First kindergarten class started for school year 1976‐1977.

An inter‐grade academic and talents contest in both high school and elementary levels in Spelling, Public

Speaking, Dramatics, General Information, Writing, Arts and Music (SPEDGIWAM), a brainchild of Class

1977’s Diana Julao, started.

Ma. Virginia “Jeanne” Sioco of Class 1978, became Ms. Provincial Social Action (PROSAC) as part of the 4‐

H Club actions for youth development.

DOCTOR BY COMPULSION Stage Play in school year 1974‐1975—produced by Class 1975. Lead actors

were Mario Calma, Lea Hipolito, Angela de Jesus, and Andres Puno.

CINDERELLA Stage Play in school year 1977‐1978—produced by Class 1978. Directed and led the role of

Cinderella, Melody Meneses, Evangel Gueco as Prince Charming, Shalimar Jane Bengco as the step mom,

Concepcion Bucu and Cynthia Mallari as the stepsisters, Ma. Virginia Sioco as the fairy godmother, and

Gaspar Canlas as the Father.

The HSA Grand Finale, a reunion for alumni, teachers and administrative staff on April 6, 1980 was held

at the school campus.

On April 30, 1980, the Holy Spirit sisters ended the management of the school.

During the LFA and HSA era the official student uniforms were as follows:

1. GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL:

Regular Uniform—Khaki‐colored dress in long sleeves with white back‐ flap collar, cuffs and belt. The

length of the dress depends on what's fashionable in the period. It first started long below the knees,

until the late 60’s till the early 70’s when it was shortened to above the knees, then finally up to the

knees in the late 70’s till 1980.

Gala Uniform— Worn only on special occasions and Sunday student mass. The same style as the regular

uniform, but in all‐white, more formal look. Also in long sleeves.

2. GIRLS’ GRADE SCHOOL: The same khaki‐colored regular uniform and gala uniform as for High School

but in short sleeves.

3. BOYS’ UNIFORM: Either white shirt w/ big red school logo or front buttoned polo shirt with red school

logo on the side pocket. Khaki long pants for high school, short pants for kinder and grade school but

optional long pants for Grades 5 and 6.

1980‐1990

The school’s stewardship was continued by the Society of the Daughters of St. Dominic of Our Lady of

Peace on May 1, 1980. The congregation was founded by Most Reverend Jesus J. Sison, D.D. on March

19, 1973. Its name was later changed to the Dominican Sisters of Our Lady of Peace (OP‐DSLOP). The

sisters managed 13 schools in Tarlac province including a College in Capas.

The school’s name was changed for the 3rd time to Concepcion Catholic School.

Sr. Mary Rose Villacorta, OP, was the Directress and Sr. Loreta Penuliar, OP, was the Principal during its

first school year.

The school’s logo then bears the seal of the Dominican congregation and the school’s motto of THE

TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE indicated below it.

The student uniform officially changed as follows:

1. GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL: Checkered black & white pleated skirt and necktie, paired with white blouse

with ruffled piping collar and short sleeves.

2. GIRLS’ GRADE SCHOOL: Checkered black & white front‐square suspender jumpers paired with white

blouse with ruffled piping collar and short sleeves.

3. BOYS’ UNIFORM: Black‐colored long pants for high school, optional for Grades 5 & 6, short pants for

grades 4 & below, and either white shirt w/ big black school logo or front buttoned polo shirt with black

school logo on the side pocket.

Class sections were changed to names of FLOWERS.

The Class of 1981 first graduated under Concepcion Catholic School. The use of white toga with cap and

tassel became the official graduation attire.

Completely new Holy Mass songs were introduced through a Hymn Book that every student became

familiar with.

The school organ was called THE CLARION with its first issue published during the school year 1981‐1982.

The ACADEMY DAY held every October or November was switched to FOUNDATION DAY and celebrated

every February. Aside from the usual field demonstrations rehearsed and performed by different class

sections, there were competitions for both high school and elementary in Math, Science, Spelling,

General Information, Religion, Tula, Declamation, and Oration.

TAPSA Awardees from Class 1982—1st Prize Literary Contest, Tarlac Campus Journalism, Agnes Vicencio;

2nd Prize Oratorical Contest, Alegria Palad.

Sr. Remedios Yumul, OP, assumed Principal for school year 1987 – 1988.

Sr. Caridad S. Bayani, OP, continued as principal with Sr. Assumpta Manalac, OP, as OIC from school year

starting in 1988 until 1990.

The drum and bugle group was first introduced in the beginning of the school year in 1988.

A 2‐storey small structure was built at the L‐corner of the classroom buildings. This later became the

school canteen until April 2022 when it was demolished.

A statue of St. Dominic was installed at the garden fronting the old 2‐storey HSA concrete building.

1990‐2000

Sr. Ermelinda Cecilia S. Bayani, OP, took over as Principal from 1990 until 1994.

On July 16, 1990 at 4:26 pm, Luzon had an earthquake with 7.7 magnitude that collapsed buildings,

roads and bridges. It was a frightening experience for everyone at the school as all the school buildings

swayed during the earthquake. There were rooms on second levels that had cracked floors.

In 1991, Mt. Pinatubo in Zambales erupted. Classes were suspended for a month. The school was used

as evacuation center as all public schools were occupied. When students went back to school, they had

mandatory Saturday make up classes to catch up from the missed school days.

Sr. Ramona M. Viernes, OP, led as Principal from 1994 until 2002.

The school’s logo was changed to replicate the coat of arms of the worldwide Dominican Order.

In 1995, it was the first time an Asian country hosted World Youth Day. Pope John Paul II presided the

event. Youths from all over the world participated. The 3rd year and 4th year High School students were

sent with two sisters to Manila to join the event. It was a surreal experience for students to personally

see the Pope in his Pope mobile in Luneta. The entire week were festivities highlighting the theme: As

the Father has sent me, so I am sending you. The theme song, Tell the World of His Love by Trina

Belamide, couldn't be more appropriate.

In the Summer of 1995, a play was held in the church entitled WAY OF THE CROSS during the Semana

Santa. Selected students from the incoming 4th year High School of Class 1996 played the roles.

The class sections were changed to BOOKS OF THE BIBLE starting in school year 1995‐1996.

Starting in 1996, our school started to participate at the Tarlac Diocesan Schools Association (TDSA) in

lieu of TAPSA. The school won as Overall Champion among all the Dominican schools competing as it was

declared Champion in Men’s Volleyball & Men’s table tennis single and doubles, won the Gold in Science,

Math, and Social Studies, and Silver in General Information.

The school uniform changed starting in school year 1999‐2000 as follows:

1. GIRLS’ UNIFORM: Plaid green in different shades, short‐sleeved one‐dress style including the ribbon

shoestring necktie, and piping on the white oversized‐square‐bib collar with stitched school logo on its

lower left corner.

2. BOYS’ UNIFORM: Black‐colored long pants for high school, khaki‐colored for grade school, long pants

for Grades 5 & 6, short pants for grades 4 & below, paired w/ front‐ buttoned polo shirt with black school

logo in the side pocket.

The school organ was changed to DOMINICUS.

The yearbook for graduates was officially called VIR BONUS, meaning the good learned man in Latin,

starting with Class 2001.

In preparation for the church’s major renovation, the school’s big stage constructed in 1962 was

demolished. The church’s altar was extended and took over the stage’s space reducing about 25% of the

campus. Because of this, the school’s main gate was moved from F. Timbol St. to the current entrance at

Dizon St. A 2‐storey building was built where the previous main gate at F. Timbol St. was located. This

became the administration building.

Starting in school year 2002 until 2004, Sr. Blesilda A. Daroy, OP, assumed as Principal.

The class sections were changed to names of saints.

For school year 2004 – 2005, Sr. Edna Soliman, OP, assumed as High School Principal with Sr. Ma. Luz

Diomerez, OP, as Elementary Principal.

Starting in school year 2005 until 2008, Sr. Ma. Luz Diomerez, OP, took over as Principal of the school.

The 3‐storey Saint Dominc building rose along Dizon St. right next to the school’s current main gate.

In school year 2008‐2009, Sr. Loreta A. Penuliar, OP, took over as principal for the second time around

until 2012.

The very first school building once called Convent Building during the LFA era situated in the middle of

the school campus was demolished in 2008, after 75 years. The space became the new

basketball/volleyball court and quadrangle.

A smaller stage was put up in 2010. This was demolished in April 2022.

2010‐2020

The school uniform once again changed starting in school year 2010‐2011

1. GIRLS’ UNIFORM: All beige‐colored dress with oversized‐square‐bib collar and a stitched school logo

on its lower left corner.

2. BOYS’ UNIFORM: Black‐colored long pants for high school, khaki‐colored for grade school, long pants

for Grades 5 & 6, short pants for grades 4 & below, paired w/ front‐ buttoned polo shirt with black school

logo in the side pocket.

The class sections were switched to VIRTUES.

In 2012, the construction started for a 4‐storey building to replace the wooden structured 2‐storey

building built in 1960 closest to the church.

Sr. Blesilda A. Daroy, OP, took over as Principal for the second time around starting in the beginning of

school year in 2012 until 2018.

The construction of the 4‐storey building was completed in 2016. The project was extended to another

4‐storey to replace the 1‐storey boys' practical arts room and comfort rooms adjacent to the church’s K

of C Building.

The school started its Senior High School in school year 2016‐2017 with the Class of 2018 as its first

graduates. The school offered 3 academic strands: Accountancy, Business & Management (ABM),

Humanities & Social Sciences (HUMSS), and Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics (STEM).

A new logo with the official colors of blue and gold was first introduced and proudly shown at its main

entrance gate at Dizon St.

The class sections were changed back to names of Saints.

The school uniform changed for the 5th time in its history as follows:

1. GIRLS’ SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL: Plaid blue in different shades for its pleated skirt, long necktie (with

school logo at its front‐wide flap), collar and cuff piping for its matching white blouse.

2. GIRLS JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL: Plaid blue in different shades for its pleated skirt, belt, ribbon shoe‐

string necktie, collar (w/ school logo on left flap) and cuff piping for its matching white blouse.

3. GIRLS’ ELEMENTARY: Plaid blue in different shades for its front‐square suspender jumpers, collar & cuff

piping for its matching white blouse.

4. BOYS: Black‐colored long pants for Junior & High School, Grades 5&6, and short pants for Grades 4 &

below. White polo shirt w/ side slits, front‐button down w/ school logo on left collar for Junior H.S. and

below, front‐half‐button down w/ school logo on left pocket for Senior H.S.

The 1st COLOR FEST RUN, a fund raiser for school programs and activities, started in February 2016.

For school year 2018 – 2019, Sr. Ermelinda Cecilia S. Bayani, OP, was assigned back this time as

Administrator with Sr. Rose Marie C. Garces, as Principal.

The quadrangle was covered.

The official CCS‐HSA‐LFA Alumni Association was formed as 501c3 non‐profit organization in California,

USA. Its first Annual Grand Alumni Homecoming (AGAH) was held in February 2018 in Concepcion,

Tarlac.

The following school year 2019‐2020, Sr. Ermelinda Cecilia S. Bayani, OP assumed as Principal until

school year ending in 2021.

The Immaculate Conception statue and the thinking St. Dominic statues were installed over flowing

stone fountain in 2019.

The main entrance gate was remodeled and the iconic Guardian Angel from the mid‐1950s was

refurbished and reinstalled at the main entry gate at Dizon St.

2020‐Present

The school was forced to do virtual classes starting with school year 2020 –2021 in observance of

national lockdowns as safety precautions against COVID‐19.

Sr. Lorna Ablog, OP, became Principal in the school year 2021‐2022 up to the present.

Virtual classes continued for the following school year 2021‐2022 as COVID‐19 lockdowns got extended.

The school became a member of the Alliance of Private Schools in Tarlac Province, Inc.

School organizations and specific services online communication expanded to include:

Araling Panlipunan Club

Dominican Vocation Club

Guidance and Counseling

League of Young Scientists

Lupon ng FiliPinoy

Masters of Mind—English Club

Math Wizards

School Publication

Servants of Love

Supreme Student Government

TLE and ICT Club

WIFI Partylist

On May 4, 2022, live graduation ceremonies resumed after 2 years of consecutive virtual graduation

rites. The Senior High School grads first used BLUE & GOLD togas to proudly wear the official school

colors.

Face‐to‐face classes resumed for SY 2022‐2023.

References

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