“HISTORY OF SMCC”

History? Do people still want to know what happened in past events? Are they still
interested to learn the history? Maybe, some doesn’t want to listen or learn history.
But I am also certain that there are few others who want to know the events of the
past.

So, without further ado. Let’s talk about the history of Saint Michael College of Caraga and how it’s
started.

In 1948, NASIPIT was still a part of the Parish of Buenavista. As the town progressed, population also increased and
business gained momentum with the start of the logging industry of the Nasipit Lumber Company (NALCO). Fr.
Martin and his co-adjurer Fr. Atanacio de Castro saw the need of putting-up a secondary school. Fr. De Castro was
made in charge of the school. In a matter of three years time, recognition was granted.

It started its operation on July 1, 1948 on a permit to operate. Fr. Francisco Van Dyke
was the first Director. And Fr. Anthony Krol was the last Dutch priest who served as the
School Director. The school was named Saint Michael’s Institute and the institution site
is beside the rectory with an area of 1,630 sq.m. And from the nipa-wooden structure,
it was converted into a concrete two-storey building with 16 classrooms.

When the Filipinization Law was implemented in 1975 a layman (now deceased) Mr.
Gregorio Orias, became the first layman School Director until he retired in 1977. He was
followed by Mr. Antonio L. Suarez, the first layman Director/Principal of the school.
Then, in 1994, Msgr. Cesar L. Gatela took over the School’s Directorship until 1999. In
his term, he opened the Pre-School Department and he bought 19 computers
integrating the Computer Technology subject to all levels of the High School
Department. In 1999, after the sudden death of Msgr. Gatela, Msgr. Juan de Dios Pueblos, appointed Msgr.
Bienvenido A. Betaizar as the School Director who was later on promoted as School President. On June 2000, Msgr.
Betaizar opened the Grade School Department with Mrs. Minda R. Cocon as the first Principal offering Grades I-IV
and the College Department with Technical Courses. Also, Mr. Dennis P. Mausisa was appointed as College
Administrator at the same time the Head of the Planning and Development Center. The school improved at that
time because the administration has insisted in improving the school not only on the repairs of the building but on
its instructional standards, facilities, laboratories, and services.

February 16 of the same year, the name Saint Michael’s Institute was replaced with Saint
Michael College of Caraga, the name was suggested by Mrs. Vanica P. del Rosario.

In 2002, Mr. Mausisa, unveiled the SMCC’s Vision 2020 with flagship program
“Magbayanihan Tayo”. SMCC’ Vision 2020, is a long range master plan of SMCC with seven
key areas: Personnel, Instruction and Development, Community Involvement, and
Research and Accreditation. In June 2005, a four storey concrete building was built. The elementary department
was transferred to the main campus where the new building is situated. The new building housed the offices, Pre-
school, 6 high school classes, College Library, Mini Hotel, AVR and Faculty Room. SMCC College Department also
became the Over-all Champion in the 2006 Provincial and Citywide Skills Competition of the Technical Education
and Skills Development Authority, held at Otis Mall, Butuan City.

And now, SMCC is containing its committed service to offer quality education not just in Nasipit Community but
also its neighboring towns and cities. They’re also aimed to become a university in 2035. And as a proud student of
this institution, I am one of those people who looked forward for the school’s improvement and success!