Filinvest donates future San Beda Taytay site

Filinvest Land, Inc. has donated 10 hectares of land in Taytay, Rizal to San Beda College where the school will relocate its pre-school to high school levels and as an extension of its college campus in Mendiola.

Both the local and provincial governments welcome the entry of a well-established Catholic private school to the area. This move is seen to improve the quality of education made available to their constituencies as well as places in Taytay in the educational map of Rizal.

San Beda College was founded in Mendiola a century ago when Fr. Juan Sabater, OSB, established the first San Beda College, named after the great English Benedictine saint and scholar, Venerable Bede. In 1901, the school was located in Arlegui, Quiapo with Fr. Silvestre Jofre as its first Rector.

After 100 years, San Beda College has evolved into what it is today: offering a Graduate School of Business, College of Law, College of Arts and Science. Starting the school year 2002-2003, the school will also open its College of Medicine and offer a Mater of Arts in Liturgy program.

Recognizing the importance of having a major educational institution as part of an integrated township development, Filinvest Land, Inc. Chairman, Andrew Gotianun Sr., set aside 10 hectares within Filinvest East County, for this purpose. FEC is present made up of the following residential communities: Mission Hills, Antipolo City and Highland Pointe, Taytay, Rizal.

Choosing an educational institution to invite into the Township was not a difficult one. Being a Bedan alumnus recognizing the value of a Catholic education that emphasizes prayer, work, and peace in molding future leaders and responsible citizens. Thus, San Beda was a natural choice.

To formalize the agreement, a solemn, heartwarming celebration was held last April 25, 2002 starting at the San Beda Chapel where the Benedictine Monks welcome guests in the traditional "Vespers", prayers and singing of hymns. The gathering then proceeded to the Sabater Garden (named after the founder of the first San Beda College) where the Montserrat Male Singers rendered a mini concert.

Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding were the Rev. Fr. Tarcisio Ma. H. Narciso, OSB, Abbot Chancellor, San Beda College, Rev. Fr. Anscar J. Chupungco, OSB, Rector of San Beda College, and Joseph M. Yap, President of Filinvest Land, Inc.

San Beda College pre-school, grade school and high school levels will be ready for school year 2004-2005.

"The education of a private Catholic school of high standards such as San Beda College is an important component of community development," says Joseph Yap, President of Filinvest Land, Inc.

To formalize the agreement, a solemn, heartwarming celebration was held on April 25, 2002 starting at the San Beda College Chapel where renowned Bedans participated in the traditional "Vespers," prayers and singing of hymns. The party then proceeded to the Sabater Garden (named after the founder of the first San Beda College) where the Montserrat Male Singers rendered a mini concert.

Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding were the Rev. Fr. Tarcisio Ma. H. Narciso, OSB, Abbot Chancellor, San Beda College; Rev. Fr. Anscar J. Chupungco, OSB, Rector of San Beda College; and Joseph Yap, President of Filinvest Land, Inc.

San Beda College elementary and high school will be ready for school year 2004-2005.