St. Scholastica’s College Manila marks another historical event with the unveiling of an Important Cultural Property marker in front of the St. Scholastica building, solidifying the significance of the five main structures of St. Scholastica's College Manila. Prominent guests from the National Museum, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, and the Manila City Government were also present during this momentous occasion. (Photo courtesy: National Museum of the Philippines)

“Ora et Labora.” (Prayer and Work) – these guiding principles were instilled in me when I first stepped foot into St. Scholastica’s College in Manila three decades ago. 

Now, as a proud alumna, I am honored to share another significant moment in the history of St. Scholastica’s College (SSC): the recognition of its five buildings – the St. Scholastica’s Building, St. Cecilia’s Hall, St. Hildegard Hall, St. Benedict Building, and the School Chapel – as Important Cultural Properties by the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP).

The National Museum recently bestowed this recognition upon these five structures, each designed in different periods by architects including Andres Luna de San Pedro, George Asp, and Cesar Concio, Sr.

Present at the event were National Museum Deputy Director-General for Administration Ma. Rosenne M. Flores-Avila, Manila Vice Mayor John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto, and National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairperson Dr. Emmanuel Franco Calairo, representing NMP.

The marker was received on behalf of the school by the PrioressGeneral of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing, Mo. Maoro Sye, OSB, college president Sr. Christine Pinto, OSB, and Mo. Mary Thomas Prado, OSB, of the Manila Priory.

‘Herstory’ through generations 

From its humble beginnings to its current status as a pillar of excellence, the story of St. Scholastica's College is a testament to the transformative power of education and the enduring legacy of its founders, the Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing.

The founding years

The roots of St. Scholastica's College can be traced back to the late 19th century when a group of Benedictine Sisters arrived in the Philippines from Germany. These pioneering women sought to establish a school that would provide quality education grounded in the Benedictine values of ora et labora. 

In 1906, their vision came to fruition with the founding of St. Scholastica's Academy in San Marcelino, Manila. 

The academy, named after St. Scholastica (the sister of St. Benedict), quickly gained renown for its holistic approach to education, combining academic rigor with spiritual formation. For history buffs, here’s the detailed version:

1884

Fr. Andreas Amrhein, OSB founded the Missionary Benedictine Congregation of monks. He founded the Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing to help in the mission work in the following year, 1885.

1906

The first five German Sisters: M. Ferdinanda Hoelzer, Sr. Petronilla Keller, Sr. Crescentia Veser, Sr. Winfrieda Mueller, and Novice Alexia Ruedenauer arrived on Philippine soil on September 14, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross.

The first school in a windowless wagon-shed along Moriones Street, Tondo opened for the first three grades on December 3. The first enrolment was 8 children (2 boys and 6 girls) from well-to-do families and 50 boys and girls in the “Free School.”

1907

The Sisters transferred from Moriones Street to their new home in San Marcelino Street. The lot was donated by the Most Rev. Jeremias Harty, then Archbishop of Manila.

1909

Government recognition was granted to the new school with the official title: ST. SCHOLASTICA’S COLLEGE. The Conservatory of Music was opened by Sr. Baptista Battig, OSB which pioneered music education in the Philippines.

1914

Construction of the new building started on a bigger church lot in Singalong offered by Archbishop Harty. At early dawn on the day before Christmas, the Sisters, together with some student boarders, moved to the new address 1532 Pennsylvania Avenue.

1919

The first 3 AB students graduated.

1925

The Educational Survey Commission and the Board of Education Survey named St. Scholastica’s College one of the two schools maintaining the “highest standards with reference to the physical plant, equipment, teaching personnel, and methods of instruction.”

1942

St. Scholastica’s College was sealed as “property of the Japanese Imperial Forces.” Part of the school was converted into a hospital and the school became a sanctuary for people who suffered from the terrors of war.

1945

On February 13, an incendiary bomb set St. Cecilia’s Conservatory of Music on fire. The other buildings were also razed to the ground. All the buildings were gone except the small wooden structures: the free school, the old home economics building, and kindergarten.

1947

After a period of reconstruction and renewal, the school re-opened its doors to the students.  The pursued goal was ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: EDUCATION OF FINISHED WOMEN OF CHARACTER.

1957

The school was granted its first accreditation by The Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU) and was made a chartered member of the association.

1975

St. Scholastica’s College declared its commitment to social justice and peace, drew up a statement on the components of a socially-oriented school and adopted the theme: EDUCATION FOR JUSTICE.

1985

An Introductory Course in WOMEN’S STUDIES was incorporated in all academic programs. The Institute of Women’s Studies (IWS) was established and an ecofeminism model farm was put up in Mendez, Cavite.

2006

St. Scholastica’s College turned 100 years old.

2007

The National Historical Institute (NHI) approved the unveiling of the historical marker commemorating the school’s 100-year history.

2008

St. Scholastica’s College articulated its thrust for the next decade: Education of Transformative Women Leaders. The Ten Directions of SSC and The Ten Hallmarks of Benedictine Education (Benedictine Values) were formulated.

2009

The Corporators decided that St. Scholastica’s College will remain a Women’s college.

2010

A College graduate topped (Rank 1) the Licensure Examinations in Guidance and Counseling

2011

The new five-story St. Cecilia’s Building was blessed and inaugurated. It houses the School of Music, the College Library (Print and Non-Print Sections), the Music Library, the Corazon Aquino Recital Hall, the HRM Laboratories, and two function halls.

2012

The Friedenshaus Hotel School was blessed on July 26.

2013

The School of Music was named a Center of Excellence in Music Education by the Commission on Higher Education. Two College graduates ranked 5th and 8th in the Licensure Examination for Teachers.

The impact of St. Scholastica's College extends far beyond the walls of its campus. Throughout its history, the college has produced generations of leaders, scholars, and changemakers who have made significant contributions to society. From groundbreaking research in science and technology to advocacy for social justice and human rights, the legacy of St. Scholastica's lives on through the achievements of its alumni.

Important Cultural Property 

The Cultural Properties Preservation and Protection Act, the National Museum Act of 1998, and the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, mandate the National Museum of the Philippines to declare ICPs or National Cultural Treasures.

The Important Cultural Property status is given to establishments that have “exceptional cultural, artistic, and historical significance to the Philippines.” (PIA-NCR)