Our History
UST Angelicum College, founded in 1972, envisions itself as the preferred school for alternative and transformative Catholic Dominican education — the pioneer in non-graded, modular, and self-paced learning in the Philippines.
The Angelicum System
As the pioneer in non-graded and modular pedagogy, UST Angelicum College sees itself as a valuable partner in educating the young people of today — holistic and learner-centered; assessed but non-graded; and self-paced yet disciplined. Through a continuous review of its practices and in response to changing times, the Angelicum System is articulated through its 4Ps: Purpose, Program, Practice, and Product.
Purpose
Its Purpose is learner-centered — everything begins with the nature and needs of each individual child.
Learner-CenteredProgram
Its Program is non-graded, allowing learners to progress by mastery rather than by fixed grade levels.
Non-GradedPractice
Its Practice is self-paced, carrying seven distinct attributes woven through the learning experience.
Self-PacedProduct
Its Product are learners envisioned to embody the Thomasian Angelican S.E.A.L.
Thomasian Angelican S.E.A.L.A Journey of Faith & Innovation
Founding Vision
Only months after Fr. Rogelio B. Alarcon, O.P. was appointed the first Provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines Incorporated (DPPI), he convinced fellow educators and the Province to establish a non-graded school — named “Angelicum,” after one of the Dominicans’ houses of studies in Rome. Its philosophy was defined simply yet profoundly: “to do what is best for each learner.”
Opening Day
Angelicum School opened with six classrooms and a small library within the Dominican seminary. Under nine creative, responsible, and experienced teachers, it welcomed 315 young boys — pioneers of a bold paradigm shift and the first non-graded school in the Philippines.
By its second year, enrollment had doubled, and the first floor of the St. Dominic Building was completed to house the expanding academic family.
Expansion & Milestones
Angelicum welcomed girls for the first time to “normalize the environment,” enrolling 220 learners from Nursery to YS 5 levels. That same year, the St. Martin Building was completed, providing additional space for the growing academic community.
Compassion in Education
Angelicum extended its mission of inclusive education with St. Antoninus School for children in need of special attention — later renamed the Special Education Department (SPED), and suspended in 1996.
The school also expanded beyond Quezon City, establishing branches in Tehran, Iran and Jaro, Iloilo. Due to religious war, Angelicum Tehran closed in 1979, while Angelicum Jaro continued serving the Visayas.
Leadership & Recognition
Rev. Fr. Norberto Castillo, O.P. assumed the role of Director. Under his leadership, learner numbers continued to rise and the school gained wider acclaim, strengthening its reputation as a pioneer in alternative Dominican education.
Honoring Fr. Ed Lumboy
The school library was officially named the Fr. Ed Lumboy Memorial Resource Center in honor of Rev. Fr. Ed Lumboy, O.P., a resident priest who tragically passed away in a vehicular accident — preserving the memory of those who shaped Angelicum’s mission.
Holistic Development
Rev. Fr. Hilario Singian, O.P. succeeded Fr. Castillo as Director. During his term, the St. Vincent Covered Court was completed — a dedicated space for physical education, sports, and school-wide gatherings, balancing academics with physical and community life.
Infrastructure Expansion
Rev. Fr. Juan Ponce, O.P. succeeded Fr. Singian and served for four years. During his administration, the St. Thomas Building was constructed, providing additional classrooms and facilities to sustain the pioneering non-graded system.
Leadership Transition
Rev. Fr. Honorato Castigador, O.P. succeeded Fr. Ponce as Director — continuing the mission of Dominican education and guiding the school through its formative years of growth and innovation.
Becoming Angelicum College
The Collegiate Department opened in 1995, and by May 1996 the school was officially renamed Angelicum College. That August, the Home Study Program (HSP) received formal recognition, embodying Angelicum’s commitment to flexible, learner-centered education.
The swimming pool was inaugurated and the football field improved, enriching student life through academics, sports, and recreation.
Innovation & Participative Leadership
Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P. was elected 9th Rector. He air-conditioned the St. Dominic Building classrooms, renovated the St. Martin offices, and spearheaded the automation of school processes.
He introduced participative management — involving heads and staff in the Comprehensive Advancement Plan (CAP) — and launched the Business and TESDA Programs in the College Department.
Academic Excellence & Research Revival
Rev. Fr. Ferdinand L. Bautista, O.P., Ph.D. was elected Rector and President, and re-elected in 2012. A strong advocate of academic excellence, he intensified the quality of learning modules and reinforced curriculum and instruction for mastery learning.
He revived EPIKEIA: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Alternative Education and Formation, reaffirming Angelicum’s commitment to scholarship and innovation.
Accreditation Achievement
The Basic Education Department was accredited Level II by the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines (FAAP), upon the recommendation of PAASCU — affirming Angelicum’s commitment to academic quality and continuous improvement.
Senior High School Recognition
Angelicum became a DepEd-recognized Education Service Contracting (ESC) Provider, then was granted recognition to operate a Senior High School (SHS) Program with two tracks — Academic and Technical-Vocational and Livelihood — meeting the demands of the K to 12 reform.
Advancing Facilities & Instruction
The opening of classes moved to August, aligning with national calendar reforms. Learning modules were professionally edited and copyrighted, and supplementary materials enriched instruction.
Construction began on the Blessed Jordan of Saxony Building to serve Senior High School and College students.
Integration with the University of Santo Tomas
The most significant milestone: the Memorandum of Agreement for integration with the Royal Pontifical University of Santo Tomas (UST) was signed — anchored on the 10th Provincial Chapter’s call “to integrate all the Dominican institutions within two venerable and historical educational traditions.”
The school was renamed UST Angelicum College (Inc.), with Rev. Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P. as Rector and Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Bautista, O.P. as Pro-Vice-Rector — intensifying collaboration in leadership, religious education, community services, finance, marketing, and research.
Curriculum Innovation & Accreditation
UST Angelicum College adopted the flipped classroom approach, blended learning, and continuous curriculum enhancements for 21st-century education.
On December 16, 2021, it achieved Level III Accreditation from PAASCU, followed in January 2022 by Level III Certification from FAAP — affirming its dedication to excellence and holistic learner formation.
Triple A Vision & Global Linkages
UST Angelicum welcomed back Rev. Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P., Ph.D. as Pro-Vice Rector. His Triple A vision — Academic Advantage @ Angelicum — ushered in a Safe, Smart, and Sustainable college ahead of its golden jubilee.
This year pioneered international linkages, foreign program exchanges, and visiting-lecturer initiatives, strengthening Angelicum’s global presence.
A New Chapter of Leadership
The Thomasian-Angelican community welcomed Rev. Fr. John Stephen P. Besa, O.P., LPT, MA as the 13th Rector and President. The Solemn Commissioning and Installation was held at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of La Naval de Manila — affirming Angelicum’s Dominican identity and mission of transformative Catholic education.
Sustained Excellence & Accreditation
The Basic Education Program (Kindergarten to Grade 10) retained its Level III PAASCU re-accreditation, valid until May 2030 — a powerful testament to the sustained excellence of the unique “Angelicum System.”
The Senior High School Program successfully completed its Preliminary Visit, ready to advance to formal accreditation.
The Next Chapter Begins With You
For over five decades, UST Angelicum College has formed holistic, learner-centered Thomasian Angelicans. Discover who we are and become part of a living legacy of faith, innovation, and excellence.
