Our History

Challenges in 1901

In the second half of 1901 it became clear that the problems which the missionaries were going to face in the near future were the following:

• The opposition to the (re)establishment of parochial schools and the emergencies of a religious public school system;
• Municipal interference with marriage procedure;
• Municipal claims a church-owned cemeteries and even church buildings and rectories.

Parish Education Before 1901

Up to 1899 the school for boys and that for girls had been a parish institute as was the case almost everywhere. For the education of the girls, the Jesuits had brought in a community of ‘Beaterio’ Sister (now RVM) to Butuan, but they returned to Manila after the imprisonment of the missionaries. With all the national and local tensions, the schools had been at the standstill for nearly two years. When Fr. Urios arrived in Surigao on his way to Butuan in February, 1901, he, Fr. Parache and Fr. Heras had a conference in Surigao to assess the situation in the district and inform the Manila superior of their opinion

Struggles and Reopening of Schools

They were, of course, not the only ones to see the importance of re-opening the schools. It was also one of the main concerns of the American administration of the archipelago. Like in many places of the Philippines, also in Butuan and Cabadbaran, the interests of the Church and State authorities were to lead to very unpleasant opposition and clashes. It is true that by the law, parents were granted the freedom to enroll their children in schools of their own choice.

While we know that Fr. Matias Roure re-opened the catholic school in 1903, an undated manifest signed “Los Catolicos de Cabadbaran” can be found in the Sant Cugat Archives. The manifest witnessed the indignation of Catholic parents to the education of their children. It was addressed to Governor Garcia of Surigao, ‘We, the Catholics of Cabadbaran, inform you that since the establishment of the Catholic school here, we are being deprived of our total freedom which the law of the United States grants us in matters of religion, as the Colonel of the Filipino milicia stationed here had told us.

Beginnings of Catholic Schools

These are the predecessors of our Catholic schools today! We clearly see the beginnings of the public school system. And here in Cabadbaran, it is clear that while a resident priest was assigned here only in 1913, before that there was a school, a convent and a church. This earned Cabadbaran the title ‘este famoso pueblo!’. If they dared to open the school while still a ‘visita’ of Butuan parish, they would not stop supporting it in face of overwhelming odds. They would even more be unstoppable once a resident priest was assigned and they were given the privilege of being a full-pledge parish in 1913. It is needless to go into details how things transpired from thereon. It is enough that we would have a look at what the new priests (Dutch Missionaries of the Sacred Heart) would do one they took over in 1935 from the Spanish Jesuits.

Establishment of Candelaria Institute

The Candelaria Institute (original name: Cabadbaran Parochial School) was establish by the Bishop of Surigao in the Parish of Cabadbaran in June 1935. It existed for many years as an Elementary School with emphasis on Religious Instructions and other academic subjects.

Catholic School History and Parish Ties

History of Cabadbaran Parish even tells us that Fr. Matias had reopened the Catholic school in 1903. During the years 1901 and 1902 there were three (3) priests working in Agusan with residence at Butuan: Fr. Saturnino Urios, Fr. Bernardino Llobera and Fr. Matias Roure. From 1901 till 1916, the priest at Butuan was Fr. Urios. Cabadbaran Parish celebrated its 75th Anniversary last November 7, 1913 when the first baptism of two children: Quiteria Miseona and Irene Mabaso, was entered in our oldest baptismal book. These two children were baptized by. Fr. Jose España, S.J., and the first parish priest of Cabadbaran.

These tidbits of information imply that the school already existed long before the creation of the parish. The parish priest usually runs the school. The school is the educational arm of the parish and us evangelization efforts.

Legal Establishment and Leadership

The incorporation paper of the Cabadbaran Parochial School was signed on February 2, 1938, forming a non-stock corporation to establish, open and conduct classes in the Elementary course as prescribed by the Bureau of Privates Education including a Kindergarten course. The school was under the direct control, supervision and management of Rev. Cornelius van de Loo, MSC. The copy of the Articles of Incorporation was registered on February 14, 1938 and on March 22, 1948; there was reconstruction of records of the corporation paper. The duration of this non-stock corporation was 25 years with the following trustees for the first ten (10) years:

• Rev. Martin Fransen, MSC
• Rev. Rudolf van Es, MSC
• Rev. John Ruijter, MSC
• Rev. Vicente Celeste, MSC
• Rev. Cornelius van de Loo, MSC

Secondary and Technical Education Expansion

Candelaria Institute Secondary School was established under Republic Act No. 74. Classes officially opened in June 1946 under permit. She was given with Recognition on May 1, 1950 with Government Recognition No. 54 Series of 1950 for complete Academic Secondary Course (Day).

The school site of one hectare is the sole property of the parish of Cabadbaran Catholic Rectory. Other parts of the site are used for the church building and the convent.

In 1946, it was a lone-story building, an extension of the priest convent. Presently, it is a three-story building housing the classrooms, science laboratories and library halls, rooms, offices, canteen and stock rooms.

TVET Programs

In 2008, the technical department was created in order to provide skills training to individuals and the community whose desire is to acquire skills needed for employment and cope with the demands of the present time. The board of trustees was determined to pursue and approve the opening of the following courses upon the approval of TESDA:

• Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC II
• Computer Hardware Servicing NC II
• Visual Graphic Design NC III
• Gas Metal Arc Welding NC I and II
• Driving NC II

In 2019, the school applied to TESDA for the Bread and Pastry Production NC II, Bookkeeping NC III, and SMAW I course as assessment centers.

College Department

The College Department was established in 2011 and received government recognition in 2014. It offers only one program, the Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) major in Social Studies and English. It has the lowest tuition fee among the schools, allowing students to enroll at very low costs. Enrollment has always been slow due to the presence of established universities and colleges in the city and neighboring cities and towns. Most of our students come from the city's barangays and neighboring towns and are graduates of public schools. Some of them are working students who rely solely on government financial assistance.