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Do you want to be a Pilarist? Or for Pilarist already, Do you want to know more about our school?

Before we have this thrill to enjoy our stay in Pilar College, we should know some information or add-up information to know Pilar College’s brief history and the rich culture of its past, it’s vision and mission, and many more. After reading this, smile, and get ready for a blast as we will know PCZC more! :D

HISTORY

Pilar College of Zamboanga City

Pilar College, is owned and managed by the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM) founded by Venerable Ignacia del Espiritu Santo. It was founded in 1894 as a Cartilla School dedicated to the education of children and youth of Zamboanga and its surrounding municipalities with the Beaterio Sisters, S. Ma. Antera Cruz, RVM, and another Sister. From a Cartilla school with advanced Spanish lessons, the Primary and Elementary Courses opened in 1914 and was granted Government Recognition in 1918. From among the first graduates, Primary and Intermediate grade-teachers were chosen. Among these chosen teachers was Mother Josefina Regino who joined the RVM Congregation in 1926 In 1920, the school was transferred to the site of the “Hospital Señora del Pilar” in Cawa-Cawa presently named R.T. Lim Boulevard. The girls’ High School was opened with Mo. Candelaria Tarcela as the first Principal and the school was named “Pilar Institution” and was granted Government Recognition in 1928. Permit to open the Junior Normal College was granted in 1940 with a two-year Secretarial Course. After the liberation in 1945, the Sisters, through the initiative of Mother Carmen Perez, RVM, resumed classes for the elementary and high school levels in a one-floor sawali and nipa building in La Purisima Street. For lack of classrooms, three-shift classes were scheduled: morning for the elementary; afternoon for the high school; and evening for the college.

In 1947, Government Recognition was granted to the Education Course. On June 21, 1948 Bishop Luis del Rosario, S.J., D.D. blessed and laid the cornerstone of a semi-concrete, two-storey building facing the sea. The wooden elementary building was put up in 1951; the school auditorium in 1957; and the Music building in 1959. The one-room chapel was replaced by a beautiful two-wing concrete structure. The Home Economics building and the Sisters’ convent were completed and blessed in 1964. A semi-concrete one-storey Science building was completed in 1967. From 1949-1971, college graduates in Teacher Education were produced.

The competition of the nearby Zamboanga Normal School and the opening of private colleges in municipalities resulted in the gradual phase out of the college courses in 1972. The Music Education continued together with the High School and Elementary Departments. Religion Training Program was opened in 1975, a bi-monthly, in-service training program designed to prepare teachers to handle Christian Living classes. The PAASCU granted accreditation to the High School in 1990 and to the Grade School on January 25, 1996. S. Ma. Yolanda C. Reyes, RVM, the Directress from 1996 to 2003, directed the reopening of the College Department. In 2000-2001, Bachelor of Science in Education (BSED, BEED), Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management (BSHRM) and Bachelor of Science in Tourism (BST) were offered. In 2001-2002, new programs were opened, namely, Bachelor of Science in Commerce (BSC); 2-Year Associate in Computer Technology (ACT); Information Technology Education (ITE) with three major areas of specialization: BS in Information Management (BSIM); BS in Computer Science (BSCS); and BS in Information Technology (BSIT). Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) was opened in 2003 - 2004. The Directress, S. Ma. Andrea L. Yee RVM, started the construction of Mother Ignacia gymnasium in the later part of 2003 and was completed and blessed on October 18, 2004. The quadrangle was renovated in school year 2008 – 2009 for basketball, volleyball and sepak takraw courts with bleachers on the sides. A new stage was also constructed beside the statue of Our Lady of the Pillar, along with the expansion of the HRM Laboratory, with S. Ma. Bernadette Suico, RVM as the Directress.

Pilar College Vision and Mission

Pilar College Vision

We, the Pilar College community, envision an integral human and Christian formation, for the transformation of society.

Pilar College Mission

True to our Marian-Ignacian identity, we commit ourselves to:

1. form leaders who witness to faith, excellence and service;

2. grow in discernment and interior freedom;

3. promote culture of appreciation, support, and harmony with God's creation;

4. strengthen our Filipino culture;

5. respect and understand all Christian, Muslims and Lumads.

RVM Philosophy of Education

Philosophy and Objectives

Pilar College adheres to the RVM Philosophy of Education aimed at leading all to fullness of life in Jesus Christ.

 We believe that …

             God is Father who, in abundant love and total graciousness created humanity and all creation to share His love.

             When humanity chose to live apart from God, in his tender mercy the Father sent His Son Jesus to show humanity the way back to Him to pursue the path of justice, truth and love.

             God chose Mary to be the Mother of Jesus, the Son of God and the Mother of the Church. Mary, being the first disciple, journey with us to fullness of life in Jesus Christ.

We believe that …

             By example set by Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo, the RVM

            Education proclaims that is the heart that knows God, who is the

            source of all wisdom

            (cf. Prov. 2:6; 9:10; Job 28:20.23; Eccl 2:26; Ps 51:6; James 3: 17-18)

             Education is a life-long process whereby human persons grow and

            develop their potentials in the pursuit of their God-given mission of

            transforming all things in Jesus Christ.

 Learning is growth for every person to become a witness to faith, excellence and service in varied socio-cultural setting; thus, participate in the transforming experience of life in Jesus Christ.

The School Administrators are servant leaders committed to witness to the Good News and to journey with the academic community in their search for truth, beauty and goodness.

 As a Catholic School, Pilar College works for the development of the whole person who recognizes one’s Christian role of exemplifying ethical and corporate responsibility in a humane society through constant encounter with Jesus Christ and others.

 As a Filipino School, Pilar College is dedicated to the task of producing well rounded citizens who can preserve and witness to relevant and wholesome Filipino culture, value and attitudes.

 As a RVM School, Pilar College is committed to the Christian formation of Ignacian Marian leaders who are imbued with Ignacian Spirituality and live simply to serve God and creation.

The Seal

The School Seal

   "AM" stands for Ave Maria, in praise of our Blessed Mother, the Patroness of the RVM Congregation. The rays signify the light and wisdom, which emanate from the virgin, the Mother of the Light of the world. The sampaguita beneath the book being the national flower is symbolic of the RVM being a Filipino Congregation. The stars represent our Lady's many virtues.

           At the center of the seal is an open book bearing the Latin inscription "Initium Sapientiate Timor Domini" which in English means "The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of

           Wisdom". It signifies filial fear, love, awe and profound revenue for the Divine Source of wisdom, grace and life.

School Hymn

The Pilarists will bring the faith Wherever they may go;

The Pilarists will strive to do Whatever's good and true

The Pilarists will scatter sunshine In places cold and dark

The Pilarists will truly love And be as happy as a lark

We crown our Alma Mater

With flowers white and fragrant

We'll cherish her forever

and pray God's blessing grant.

  Throughout the glamorous 118 years of Faith, Excellence and Service, the PC community experienced also circumstances which showed the unity of each other as we stood on all odds. As what they say, “Against all odds, the Pilarist will bring the Faith”. Our institution is also known in different countries in the world even though we’re known neither through the negative issues nor in its excellence itself. Pilar College is one of the best schools in Zamboanga City in its III level in PAASCU (Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities). This proves us that being an Ignacian-Marian is the best legacy that you will bring in our entire lives because of its quality education and service that showed us every academic year.

Pilar College also conduct activities which recreates every student from their hectic schedules and requirements. Even though Pilar focuses on academics most especially, they didn’t forget their students to relax and enjoy during their stay in this community. 

School is more fun if you will enroll in PCZC because,
IT’S MORE FUN IN PILAR COLLEGE!