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St. Augustine Academy of Pampanga

St. Augustine Academy of Pampanga
Former names	Saint Augustine
Motto	Ad Astra Per Fidem
Motto in English	To the stars through faith.
Type	Catholic School
Established	1946
Director	Rev. Fr. Elmer G. Dizon
Colours	Red and Green
Nickname	Augustinians
Website	saap.edu.ph

Introduction

The St. Augustine Academy of Pampanga is a Catholic school run by the archdiocese of San Fernando. It is providing pre-elementary, elementary, high school education, and two-year technical course in Computer Programming and System Design, for the young people of Floridablanca, Pampanga and its neighboring towns. Now on its 64th year of existence, it is committed to develop its students/pupils to their holistic human development formation.

The academy welcomes the challenge of education in the post-modern times by providing the students/pupils with standard curricula, quality instruction, adequate facilities, updated technologies, and programs and activities that enhance the physical, moral, social, intellectual, aesthetic, and spiritual growth of the students/pupils.

AD ASTRA PER FIDEM: To the stars through faith. The St. Augustine Academy of Pampanga lives with its culture of excellence.

History of St. Augustine Academy of Pampanga

The St. Augustine Academy of Pampanga, then Saint Augustine Academy, was established in 1946 when US Army Capt. Rev. Fr. Joseph A. Devlin, assigned at the Palacol Air Base, now Basa Air Base, proposed the establishment of a catholic school to Rev. Fr. Lucinio Valles, OSA, then the parish priest of Floridablanca.

In July 1946, the school formally opened with one hundred thirty-five students, mostly in their twenties. Classes were held at the sacristy of the church due to the absence of room facilities. Rev. Fr. Joseph A. Devlin headed the school. He was assisted by Mr. Mariano Sagad as acting principal, who was eventually replaced by Mr. Fermin L. Loredo when he resigned. The school hired three teachers namely: Ms. Nunilon Vitug, Ms. Dolores Enrile and Ms. Gregoria Dychitan.

On April 20, 1948, the government recognized SAA as a non-stock, private, catholic school. The documents of incorporation were signed by the Most Rev. Michael J. O’Doherty, the Archbishop of Manila, Msgr. Rufino J. Santos, the Auxiliary Bishop of Manila, Rev. Fr. Lucinio Valles, OSA, Ramon J. Mendiola, Mr. Dominador D. Songco, Mr. Geronimo D. Coronel and Mr. Teofilo Gutierrez.

Since its founding, the following served as the directors of the school: Rev. Fr. Joseph A. Devlin, 1946-1948; Rev. Fr. Lucinio Valles, OSA, 1948-1960; Rev. Msgr. Crispiniano Y. Gopez, 1960-1968; Rev. Msgr. Vicente R. Navarro, 1968-1974; Rev. Msgr. Felipe C. Pangilinan, 1974-1987; Rev. Msgr. Constantino R. Panlilio, 1987; Dr. Jose P. Mendiola,1987-1992; Rev Fr. Mark G. Manabat, 1992-2001; Rev Fr. Eduardo T. De Leon 2001- 2007 and Rev. Fr. Elmer G. Dizon, October 2007 to date.

From a mere sacristy as classroom, SAAP has now the following school buildings: St. Joseph Bldg. 1980, Fr. Devlin Bldg. 1984, Archbishop Bldg. 1994, Mater Dei Bldg. and Jubilee Bldg. 1997, Blessed Trinity Bldg. 1998, DSF Bldg and Home Economics Bldg. 1999, Our Lady of Remedies Bldg. 2001. The Devlin Bldg. was reconstructed for the extensive Library and houses the School Clinic, Registrar’s Office, Internet Room, Conference Room as well as the Prayer Room.

Currently, SAAP has more than one hundred staff and around two thousand plus students and pupils.

In S.Y. 2002- 2003, SAAP welcomed Information Technology with its updated and sufficient computers, internet access, digital audio-visual technology, and computerized library system.

In S.Y. 2004-2005, a four storey building was constructed and named after John Paul II. The building is currently used by the grade school department, and for the additional school facilities:

a. Two Computer Laboratories b. Audio-Visual Room c. Speech Laboratory

In S.Y. 2005-2006, the new Main Gate was constructed and all the buildings were repainted to make the school more appealing. In addition to this, Rev. Fr. Eduardo T. De Leon initiated the use of the school service for students/pupils by purchasing additional school vehicles.

In S.Y. 2006-2007, the St. Joseph Building was renovated and a gymnasium was built to answer the growing needs of our students/pupils as well as the staff.

In S.Y. 2007-2008, a new sound system was installed for the gymnasium and the Emeriti Corner was built to give due recognition to our loyal and dedicated retired teachers.

In S.Y. 2008-2009, renovations of offices of the High School Principal, High School Assistant Principals, the Tagaste office, HRD office, Alumni office and the Coordinator for PAASCU office were done. The Multi Purpose Hall located at the fourth floor of the Trinity building was converted into two classrooms. A new faculty room which is located on the second floor of the same building was built. For faculty and staff development, the MA Program was also started. The school provides financial assistance for those who availed the program. Also, another school vehicle was purchased for staffs’ use.

In 2009-2010, the school canteen is built and relocated at the side of the St. Ambrose Gym.

This school year 2010-2011, multi-media projectors and white screens were installed inside the pre-school/grade school classrooms and first to second year classrooms. Within the school year, additional multi-media projectors and wide screens will be installed for the third and fourth year classrooms.