By Melissa Basmayor/PNA
NAGA CITY — Universidad de Sta. Isabel, a 150-year-old university in this city, is now a national historical landmark.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) officially granted the recognition on Jan. 30 during the unveiling of the marker attended by university officials.
Nathalie Ranin, administrative officer for Public Relations and Linkages of Universidad de Sta. Isabel, on Monday said the recognition was in pursuant to Resolution No. 3 issued on Feb. 26, 2018 by the NHCP.
“Today, the university envisions itself to be an audacious Christ centered educational and health care institution committed to empowering communities of persons into inner-directed Vincentian leaders, compassionate healers who are advocates of persons in poverty situations and of God’s Creation,” Ranin said.
Established in 1868 by Bishop Francisco Gainza, O.P., Bishop of Nueva Caceres, the institution then known as the Escuela – Colegio Diocesano de Sta. Isabel was the first normal school for girls in the Philippines and the Far East.
On January 11, 1872 a Royal Decree elevated the Colegio de Sta. Isabel to Escuela Normal de Maestras.
In 2001, Colegio de Sta. Isabel was granted University Status and renamed Universidad de Sta. Isabel.
Last year, the university celebrated its 150th year.
“For more than 150 years, USI sustained the mission set by its founder Bishop Francisco Gainza, O.P., which is to produce teachers in the different municipalities, and serve their respective hometowns,” Ranin said.
Among those in attendance at the unveiling of marker were University President Sr. Lourdes Albis, D.C., and NHCP chairman Rene Escalante.
