Brief History of St. Paul University Dumaguete

Setting forth on their remarkable journey one October day in 1904, the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres breathed life into a legacy that would resonate across generations in the heartland of Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines. Upon the invitation of the Most Reverend Frederick Zadok Rooker of the Diocese of Iloilo, to which Dumaguete then belonged, seven SPC Sisters landed on the shores of Dumaguete knowing neither language nor culture.

Guided by Christ-Centeredness that radiated like a guiding star, the Sisters embarked on this voyage armed not with maps, but with the profound language of the heart—a chorus known as "Caritas Christi Urget Nos." In this melody of selfless devotion and love, they discovered the power to serve, teach, and heal—a power woven intricately into the tapestry of Christ's teachings.

Their Commission, a calling that transcended the boundaries of familiarity, propelled them beyond the horizon of comfort. As they landed on the uncharted shores of Dumaguete, their presence became a brushstroke on the canvas of the unknown. Fearless and resolute, the SPC Sisters, from their humble beginning of a story in Levesville grew in strength and number and like the falling of the grain of wheat into the ground, continued to bear fruit through Education, Health, and Pastoral Ministry.

Now more than 100 years of service to humanity, the Community flourished with every challenge they encountered. Like twigs in a hurricane, they swayed but did not break, weathering trials and hardships. Started as the Instituto de San Pablo, an exclusive school for girls - the first Catholic school in the province, the school has gone a long way--ever responsive to the needs of the Dumagueteños, in particular and the Filipinos in general. It has grown and expanded producing holistic, integral graduates who have become authentic and responsible leaders in society and in their respective workplaces.

Their Charism, a unique ember smoldering within each Sister's heart, blazed into an enduring legacy. It propelled them from a solitary school to a constellation of institutions spanning the nation. This transformative Charism permeated the lives they touched, a rhapsody of empowerment that generated waves rippling through communities.

At the heart of their existence lay Charity—a symphony of selflessness echoing across decades. With healing hands, caring hearts, and educating minds, the Sisters embodied the true essence of love. For over a century, they embraced the last, the least, and the lost, weaving threads of compassion that stitched together lives in need.

Standing tall and unwavering in their commitment, the Sisters continue to shape their story. They carry the torch of values etched deep into their souls—a torch passed down from the original seven pioneers who ventured into uncharted territories. Their story, a radiant constellation of Christ-Centeredness, Commission, Community, Charism, and Charity, serves as a lighthouse, guiding others through the fog of uncertainty. As they nurture time-honored traditions, they ensure that their legacy isn't merely a chapter in history, but a melody that continues to play in the hearts they touch.

Today, St. Paul University Dumaguete remains faithful to its initial commitment and still continues the charism by providing quality Paulinian education through Paulinian Blended Learning especially during the onslaught of the pandemic. Paulinian Blended Learning is a distance learning modality with the use of Paulsync and Paulflex. Paulsync refers to Paulinian Synchronous modality where students are actively engaged in online classes at the same time. While Paulflex is Paulinian flexibility learning where students are using Paulinian Thumb (digital format learning packets) and Paulinian Packet (printed learning packets). These modes are utilized to cater to the varied needs of Paulinian learners.

With these learning continuity plan, quality Paulinian education is assured to continue amidst the challenges of the volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) world.

CORE VALUES

A PAULINIAN is a CHRIST-CENTERED person, who impelled by the LOVE OF CHRIST (CHARITY), uses his/her GIFTS (CHARISM), for the SERVICE OF THE CHURCH and SOCIETY (COMMUNITY), unto where he/she is sent for a mission (COMMISSION).

Thus, a Christ-centered Paulinian is:

Mindful, self-directed learner and role model, consciously expressing his/her Faith; Courageous, resourceful explorer and problem solver, demonstrating his/her creativity and charism; Credible, responsive communicator and team player, building harmonious community through active collaboration; Conscientious, adept performer and achiever, competently pursuing his/her mission in life, and Caring, committed advocate for peace and universal well-being, impelled by compassion and charity for all.

CATCH PHRASE:

“Christ-centered Paulinians with passion for Excellence and Service.”

TAG LINE:

“SPUD: Your running edge!” (1 Corinthians 9:24-26)

VII. REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT

Embodying the missionary zeal of the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres, St. Paul University Dumaguete remains dedicated to the transformative mission of education. With a strong commitment to evangelization through Paulinian education, the university wholeheartedly embraces the charism inspired by its Congregation's Founder, Fr. Louis Chauvet. Moreover, the institution steadfastly upholds all relevant educational laws, ensuring a comprehensive and compliant educational experience.

St. Paul University Dumaguete operates within the framework of regulatory bodies to ensure the quality of education, promote academic standards, and safeguard the welfare of students.

As a university, it adheres to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), its set policies, standards, and guidelines for the establishment and operation of universities and colleges.

SPUD’s Basic Education is under the regulation of the Department of Education (DepEd), as the primary government agency responsible for regulating and overseeing basic education in the Philippines. Our institution observes its formulated policies, standards, and guidelines for curriculum development, teacher qualifications, school facilities, and student welfare.

These include compliance with additional regulations and requirements set by local regulatory authorities such as permits, licenses, and inspections from local government units (LGUs) or regional offices of the DepEd, ensuring adherence to health and safety standards, zoning regulations, and compliance with local laws.

Ensuring that our teachers meet the professional ideals set for educators, we abide by the standard set by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). (List of Faculty and their PRC IDs)

The Basic Education Department upholds the Child Protection Policies to safeguard the welfare and rights of students. These policies address issues such as child abuse prevention, reporting mechanisms, and protocols for dealing with child protection concerns as stated in the handbook and in pursuant of DepEd Order No. 40 Series of 2012.

The University also benefits from the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) Program, administered by the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC). This program collaborates with the Department of Education (DepEd) to offer vital financial aid, scholarships, and subsidies to eligible students and teachers within private basic education institutions.

STRATEGIC CHALLENGES

With the current trends in education, the department identified some concerns which seemingly impact the teaching-learning processes and operation in the school as crafted in the Key Result Areas (KRA).

KRA 1:

The learners and teachers manifest an undeniable need for spiritual formation, which implies an awareness and greater appreciation of the Paulinian Formation. This need is being addressed by the Paulinian Roots, Identity, Spirituality and Mission (PRISM) Formation. PRISM, an acronym for Paulinian Roots, Identity, Spirituality, and Mission, serves as the fundamental essence of the university's being. This transformative initiative was spearheaded by the SPC Education Ministry and is deeply ingrained as a pivotal Key Result Area within St. Paul University Dumaguete's framework.

At its core, PRISM is designed to cultivate values not only among students but throughout the entire community. This endeavor involves a profound introspection, encouraging us to revisit and embrace our authentic identity as Paulinians. It prompts us to reflect on our origins and rediscover the essence of who we are. Through this program, we collectively embark on a journey of self-discovery and reconnection, fostering a stronger sense of purpose and belonging.

KRA 2:

The implementation of Outcomes-Based Education (OBE), pioneered by the SPCEM and subsequently extended to the SPC schools, marks a significant advancement in our educational approach. This curriculum is designed to visibly showcase each learner's anticipated accomplishments upon concluding their educational journey.

The transition to OBE posed an initial challenge, particularly in formulating Curriculum Maps and Learning Plans using the OBE Format. However, proactive measures were taken to adeptly manage this paradigm shift through vigilant oversight and supportive mentorship. To ensure the seamless execution of OBE, we introduced the Consultation Activities for Learning and Leveling (CALL). This component, accessible asynchronously, provides a dedicated space for independent learning, allowing students to engage in productive consultations with teachers and foster collaborative interactions with peers.

KRA 3:

The imperative for iNnovation has been ignited to uphold and sustain the exceptional standard of education synonymous with a skilled and enlightened Paulinian, poised to serve both the Church and society. In response, a series of initiatives have been undertaken to ensure our educational excellence remains unwavering.

Comprehensive training and enrichment sessions encompassing emerging technologies, pedagogical advancements, and the intricacies of blended learning were thoughtfully orchestrated for administrators and faculty members. A tailored mentoring program was artfully designed to provide invaluable support to new educators as they navigate their roles within the institution.

To fortify the research capabilities of our students and broaden their knowledge horizons, subscriptions to eLibrary platforms such as Ebsco and Odilo were seamlessly integrated. In the realm of virtual learning, we harnessed the power of diverse Learning Management Systems including Quipper, Orange App, and Mteams. The re-introduction of Robotics into our curriculum signifies an ongoing commitment to nurturing critical thinking skills among our learners, a journey that continues into the current academic year.

Addressing a prevalent challenge faced by educational institutions nationwide, we have implemented Prime English—an empirically-backed Reading Program. This strategic intervention addresses the imperative need to enhance the literacy skills of our students, positioning them as highly productive and globally competitive individuals, poised to make meaningful contributions to our interconnected world.

KRA 4:

The Unified and Sustainable Management (USM) framework embodies a spirit of harmony and collective effort directed towards a shared objective. Under this framework, the department has orchestrated a series of strategies aimed at optimizing resources and cultivating sustainable practices.

These strategies encompass vigilant oversight of classrooms, ensuring optimal utilization and upkeep of essential facilities such as chairs, tables, HDMI equipment, TVs, HEPA filters, alcohol dispensers, and temperature scanners. A conscientious approach to resource consumption is upheld, reflected in practices such as the use of scratch paper for internal documents, the regulated operation of air conditioning units from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, and the responsible closure of faucets and lights when not in use.

Moreover, the department demonstrates a commitment to effective financial management through the strategic handling of accounts receivables. This involves the implementation of permits during examination periods and the consistent communication of reminders to students and parents regarding outstanding accounts. Through these concerted efforts, the USM framework ensures a cohesive and sustainable approach to management, fostering a culture of prudent resource utilization and responsible financial practices.

The four Key Result Areas give us the direction to focus on our improvements and address challenges so that a very satisfactory efficacy can be achieved. (KRA 2019-2020; 2020-2021; 2021-2022; 2022-2023).

The call for each one is to hop in this journeying together and as co-sojourners toward one direction, one vision, and one mission, we proclaim Jesus Christ as the Good New in all that we do. We continue to commit with zeal and pursue what we have been commissioned – a non-mediocrity in achieving the mission.