Colegio San Agustin Mati opens SY 2013

Education is one of the apostolates of the Order of Saint Augustine to hone the young with the core Augustinian values of Love and the Order of Love, Interiority, Humility, Devotion to Study and the Pursuit of Wisdom, Freedom, Community, Common Good, Humble and Generous Service, Friendship, and Prayer.

Hence, last June 17, 2013, we marked the opening of classes of the new school in Mati City, Davao Oriental named Colegio San Agustin – Mati, under the supervision of the Province of Santo Niňo de Cebu – Philippines.

The said memorable occasion started with a Eucharistic celebration at 8:00 in the morning presided by Bishop Patricio H. Alo, D.D., Bishop  of Mati, followed by the blessing of the school building, a short program featuring messages by distinguished guests, and serving of a fraternal agape. The bishop expressed profound gratitude for the presence and apostolate of the Augustinian community that will help boost the apostolate of Catholic Education as well as respond to socio-pastoral needs in the diocese.

There were sixteen (16) diocesan priests from the diocese of Mati including the chancellor Rev. Fr. Beinvenido Bersosa, Rev. Fr. Celso Singson – parish priest of San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish Cathedral; two (2) priests from the Order of Augustinian Discalced,  two (2) Priests from the Society of Don Bosco, three (2) priests from the Society of Divine Vocations and nineteen (19) priests from the Order of Saint Augustine including the Prior Provincial Rev. Fr. Eusebio B. Berdon, OSA and the Council and also the School presidents of the Augustinian Schools in the Philippines such as Rev. Fr. Frederick Commendador, OSA – University of San Agustin – Iloilo City; Rev. Fr. Andrew P. Batayola, OSA – Colegio San Agustin – Biňan, Laguna; and Rev.Fr. Pederito Aparece, OSA – Colegio San Agustin – Bacolod.

The said occasion was also graced by some local government officials, especially Gov. Corazon Nuňez Malanyaon – Governor, Davao Oriental and Vice Mayor Glenda Rabat Gayta – City of Mati representing the donor family of her deceased father, the late Benito G. Rabat, also former Mati mayor.  Furthermore, religious sisters, students & their parents, and friends attended the celebration.

The friars assigned in Colegio San Agustin – Mati are: Rev. Fr. Victor Gonzaga, OSA – acting School Director and currently assigned as School Director of Colegio del Santo Niňo de Cebu – Cebu City; Rev. Fr. Isabelo A. Carloman Jr., OSA – assistant School Director and Community Prior; Rev. Fr. Romeo T. Coronel, OSA – School Treasurer; and Fray Efren R. Obja-an, OSA – School General Services (now replaced by Fray Elmer J. Lendo, OSA – new member of Mati Community).

As a humble start of the school’s operation, we only offer Playgroup from ages 3 – 4 and Nursery from ages 4 – 5.  As of now we have ninety six (96) officially enrolled students from both Playgroup and Nursery.  We are aiming to open higher levels every year until offering college courses. May the Almighty God, the inner Teacher bless our educational endeavor throughout the School year and the years ahead. In Deum!   (Fr. Romeo T. Coronel, OSA).