Caceres opens Archdiocesan College

Colegio de San Rafael Archangel (CSRA) opens enrollment for a bachelor’s degree in Special Education, its first course offering in its first academic year. Formerly Pili Parochial School (PPS), CSRA is the first college under the Archdiocese of Caceres.

In its first 25 years, from 1994 to 2019, PPS, known as the first Catholic Elementary school in Pili, Camarines Sur, offered Kinder to Grade 6. The late Msgr. Noriel Priela, during his term as Parish Priest of the St. Raphael the Archangel Parish was the first school director.

Fr. Wilmer Joseph Tria, the current parish priest, is the last school director of PPS, with Fr. Enrico Julian Paglinawan as Principal. Due to the school’s change of status, Fr. Tria has been appointed President, and Fr. Paglinawan is the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The Board of Trustees is headed by the Chairman, Caceres Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon, D.D. Board members are Caceres clerics Fr. Domingo Florida; Fr. Eugene Lubigan; Fr. Dario Echipare and Fr. Tria. Fr. Florida is also the Corporate Secretary while Fr. Lubigan is the Treasurer.

In School Year (SY) 2019 - 20, the school had 118 pupils from Kinder to Grade 6, and SPED, the lowest in history. With the support of Caceres Archbishop Emeritus Rolando J. Tria Tirona, O.C.D., DD, the school’s organizational structure, pedagogy and operations were revitalized. Beginning 2020, enrollment steadily rose despite the pandemic. PPS opened Grade 7 and 8 beginning SY 2020 - 21; Grades 9 and 10, and Senior High School (SHS) beginning SY 2021 - 22.

On its last year as PPS, the school operated SPED, Preschool, Elementary, Junior High School (JHS) and SHS Departments with 700 students. Its SHS Tracks are General Academic; Accountancy and Business Management; Humanities and Social Sciences; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; Arts and Design; and Technical-Vocational-Livelihood.

This year, PPS’ 30th year, the Board approved the proposal to transform PPS into a College. With this development, many of those who decided not to pursue college due to financial difficulties, would be able to study for free at CSRA as it offers scholarships to deserving students. In partnership with business establishments, CSRA also facilitates job placements for students who wish to work during the day and study in the evening.

Classes for SPED, Preschool, Elementary and JHS have begun on July 1. Senior High School classes start on July 8. The first semester of the College Department will open on August 5.

According to Fr. Tria, aside from being Catholic, the CSRA will be “be transformative, inclusive and developmental.”

CSRA is located at San Antonio, Pili, Camarines Sur. For more details, follow its FB page: Colegio de San Rafael Arcangel.

The Board of Trustees of Colegio de San Rafael Archangel, holds its first meeting on June 18 with Caceres Archbishop Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, D.D., Chairman.