Holy Trinity University
Encyclopedia
Holy Trinity University (HTU) is a private
Private school
Private schools, also known as independent schools or nonstate schools, are not administered by local, state or national governments; thus, they retain the right to select their students and are funded in whole or in part by charging their students' tuition, rather than relying on mandatory...

 sectarian university in Puerto Princesa City
Puerto Princesa City
The City of Puerto Princesa is a city located on the western provincial island of Palawan, one of 80 provinces which make up the Philippines...

 in the province of Palawan
Palawan
Palawan is an island province of the Philippines located in the MIMAROPA region or Region 4. Its capital is Puerto Princesa City, and it is the largest province in the country in terms of total area of jurisdiction. The islands of Palawan stretch from Mindoro in the northeast to Borneo in the...

, run by the Dominican Sisters of Saint Catherine of Siena.
Holy Trinity University is a dynamic center of Catholic education in Palawan, Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...

.

History

Holy Trinity College is the pioneer institution of higher learning in Palawan, established in 1940 as the Holy Trinity Academy. The first administrators were Rev. Mother Cruz Rich, O.P., Rev. Mother Paulina Cruz, O.P. and Rev. Mother Trinidad Acosta, O.P., who worked in close cooperation with the Augustinian Recollect priests under the leadership of Msgr. Leandro Nieto, ORSA, then Prefect Apostolic of Palawan.
HTC rose to become a junior college on September 10, 1950 with Sister Amparo Bautista, O.P. as the first directress. In the same year, the following courses were opened: Elementary Teacher’s Certificate (ETC), Vocational Stenography and Typing.
In October 1953, the school’s name was changed to Holy Trinity College and an Associate in Arts (1953–1954) course was offered. In January 1955, Fr. Anesio Villanueva, ORSA, succeeded Sr. Amparo Bautista, O.P., as the director. New courses were opened such as Secretarial course (1955–1956), Dressmaking and Liberal Arts (1957). Fr. Villanueva was replaced in 1958 by Mother Rosa Santiago, O.P. During her time as directress two new courses were offered: Associate in Commercial Science and Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (1959). It was during her term that improvements in the school’s physical structure were done.
In 1963, Sister Victoria San Juan, O.P. became the superior-directress. She worked for the opening of the Pre-Nursing course in 1965. Through her tireless efforts and firm dedication to improve the college, the three-storey St. Dominic building was built and inaugurated. In the same year, the Graduate School of the college was established. She relinquished the directorship to Sr. Purificacion Tizaon, OP.
During the 1970s, at the height of student activism in the country, HTC faced a great challenge. Such response to changing times was led by then directress and Dean Sister Lucia Hacbang, O.P., who amended policies for the greater benefit of the students.

Sister Leonor Pagorogon, O.P., became the directress in 1973. In the same year, the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering was offered. In 1975, Sister Estrella Tangan, O.P., temporarily took over while Sister Leonor was finishing her master's studies in Manila. In June 1976, Sister Leonor was back from her M.A. studies and assumed the position of directress and dean of the Graduate School. Through her dedicated efforts, HTC became the first FAPE (Fund for Assistance to Private Education) Unit Center in Palawan. She then became the first president of HTC. From 1979-1981, Sister Bernadette Izon, O.P., served as acting president of the College while Sister Leonor went on leave to finish her doctoral degree. Sister Leonor was back in June 1981 with new vigor and fresh ideas for further improving the college.

In 1983-1984, the HTC-PNAC Consortium was established to enhance the quality and delivery of services and maximize the use of human and material resources. During this period, three new courses were opened: Bachelor of Science in Criminology, Master Electrician Course, Electronics Service for Television and Electronic Service for Radio.

The next school year, 1984–1985, a two-year Vocational General Radio Communication Operator course was opened and Computer subjects were offered. It was also during this school year that the first phase of the St. Catherine building was built and inaugurated. In the following year, 1985-1986 the college opened its Automotive and Electrical Engineering courses.

In June 1987, Sr. Teresita Medalle, O.P., started serving HTC as President. The following year, the four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing was opened.

The Holy Trinity College implements an intensive development program, which uses the Catholic Schools–Systems Development concept in the operation of the school. The school operation is done in the context of a Christian school community inspired by the Dominican “Passion for Truth and Compassion for Humanity.” The Holy Trinity College is committed to the formation of its personnel and students to become integrated human persons, Christ-centered learners and Apostolic proclaimers through the acquisition of competence and skills, a strong sense of values, a deep social consciousness and involvement and trusting faith in God.

During the school year 1990-1991, HTC celebrated its Golden Jubilee of service to the community underscoring the theme “Thanksgiving, Celebrating and Visioning.” HTC looked back to 50 years of education service which has been made possible because of the Lord’s guidance and providence, and the goodwill and generosity of men and women who have dedicated their energies, their time and treasure for the promotion of the goals of the institution. HTC looks forward new dimensions of services, charting new horizons and breaking possible frontiers of education and evangelization.

A strong research tradition is developed by the Institute of Research and Development (IRD) which includes the Palawan Environmental Research Center (PERC). To further enhance the research outputs of faculty, professional chairs and research grants are offered. These researches are published in the HTC Graduate School journal and the faculty research journal.

In 1994 the doctoral program in education (Ph.D.) and the M.A. program in Public Administration were offered. Religious education was offered as a major in Education. In 1995 three new courses were offered: B.S. in Physical Therapy, Bachelor in Computer Science and B.S. Biology. The Mother Francisca Community Extension Services Program was formally organized to include all the existing extension services programs of the college. These are the Human Resource Development Program (HRDP), the extension services programs of the colleges and offices.

Today, the College of Education, Liberal Arts and Business Administration are accredited by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools Colleges and Universities (PAASCU). The other colleges are undergoing preparation for accreditation.

Far more significant than being the pioneer institution of higher learning in the province though is HTC’s being the center of Catholic education, a distinction which sets it apart from most other educational institutions in the province which inspires the school community in their work and become an effective means of promoting true human development and authentic social progress and liberation, “enabling the youth, while developing their own personality, to grow at the same time in that new life which has been given them in baptism." A special function it shares with other Catholic schools is the “orienting of the whole of human culture to the message of salvation that the knowledge which the pupils acquire of the world, of life and of men is illuminated by faith,” thus preparing its students “to contribute effectively to the welfare of the world of men and to work for the extension of the kingdom of God, so that by living an exemplary and apostolic life they may be, as it were, a saving leaven in the community” (Vatican II “Declaration on Christian Education”).

In the span of 62 years, HTC has been through Palawan’s historical and critical moments. At such points, HTC served as an active catalyst of events, responding with faith and helping shape the community it envisions with Palawan’s leadership. To manifest unity with the parish community, the school community actively participates in relevant social concerns and helps espouse important causes and issues, each time demonstrating how liberating a forceful, true Christian education is in society.

Throughout the years, HTC has become a symbol of missionary sacrifice and services, upon which the school was founded, in an island consecrated to God through the first Christian missionaries in the 17th century. Indeed, it is a “landmark,” a fierce bearer of Truth, a signal to the dawn of God’s kingdom and a presence of the Spirit that calls all men to divine communion under one flock, one fold, and one body, with Mary our dear Mother and Guiding Star.

This is Holy Trinity College today: a dynamic center of Catholic Education in Palawan, continuously molding and shaping Christian leaders of tomorrow and committed to the building of a progressive Christian community in the Province.

College of Business and Accountancy

  • Bachelor of Science in Accountancy
  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
  • ETEEAP for Management

College of Tourism & Hospitality Management

  • Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management
  • Bachelor of Science in Tourism

College of Nursing & Health Sciences

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy

College of Engineering

  • Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science in Geodetic Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

College of Education, Arts and Sciences

  • Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
  • Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (major in Filipino, major in English, major in Math)
  • Bachelor of Science in Religious Education
  • Bachelor of Arts (major in Economics, major in English, major in Political Science)
  • Bachelor of Science in Biology

College of Information & Communication Technology

  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

Master of Engineering (in consortium with University of San Carlos)

  • Master in Civil Engineering
  • Master in Computer Engineering
  • Master in Electronics and Communication Engineering
  • Master in Engineering Management
  • Master in Mechanical Engineering
  • Master in Chemical Engineering

Seal of the institution

The school seal consists of the following signs and symbols: Veritas, which means truth, is the motto of the Dominican order signified by the star which represents Christ the light of the world and the "Truth that Sets Men free." A Trinitarian should always be the bearer and defender of truth. Laudare, Benedicere, Praedicare is an aphorism of the Order of Preachers which expresses the idyllic lifestyle of the Dominican order.
  • Laudare means to praise God. Being a Dominican School, HTU aims to develop the love for prayer and for the celebration of the Holy Mass which are the best means of praising God.

  • Benedicere means to bless. This pertains to the mission of HTU to form students who will bring other people closer to God through their exemplary Christian lives and bring God's blessing to those they will be in contact with.

  • Praedicare means to preach. This refers to the apostolic mission of a Dominican. This is carried out by a Trinitarian through an assiduous study of Christ's life and teachings and sharing the word with others. He/She preaches to others the "good news" through his/her thoughts, words, and deeds.

  • The cross superimposed within the semi-oval shape denotes the sacrificial aspects of the Dominican lifestyle. An Trinitarian accepts Christ and His cross and believes in its saving power.

  • The star refers symbolically to Saint Dominic. The star was seen to hover and brighten above the head of the founder by his godparent.

  • The semi-oval shape at the center is divided by the cross into four parts signifying the four major means of living a holy life. These are prayer, study, exemplary life and spreading God's Word. This signifies the four major means through which a Dominican could sanctify himself and others: pronouncements of the vows, assiduous study, prayer, and apostolate.

Official colors

The official colors of the Dominican Order are black and white. Black signifies death to sin and reminds one that he/she is a sinner. White means purity of intention and aspiration for things spiritual.

Student Organizations

  • Trinitas
  • Jr. Trinitas
  • Dance Troupe
  • Drum & Lyre Band
  • Glee Club
  • Teatro
  • Dominican Network (DOMNET Youth Group)
  • Campus Youth Club
  • Red Cross Youth
  • Peer Facilitators Club
  • Debating Team
  • Math Club
  • Science Club
  • Chess Club
  • Basketball Club
  • Volleyball Club
  • Badminton Club

Sister Schools

University of Santo Tomas
University of Santo Tomas
The Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, The Catholic University of the Philippines , is a private Roman Catholic university run by the Order of Preachers in Manila. Founded on April 28, 1611 by archbishop of Manila Miguel de Benavides, it has the oldest extant university charter in the...

, España, Manila

Aquinas University
Aquinas University
Aquinas University of Legazpi is a school in Legazpi City, Philippines run and owned by the Dominican fathers. It was founded by Don Buenaventura de Erquiaga in 1948 as Legazpi Junior Colleges; the name subsequently changed to Legazpi College, and it became a university in 1968.-Foundation:Legazpi...

, Legaspi City, Albay

Colegio de San Juan de Letran
Colegio de San Juan de Letran
The Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Letran College, or simply Letran is a private Roman Catholic institution of learning located in Intramuros, Manila, in the Philippines. The college was founded in 1620. Colegio de San Juan de Letran has the distinction of being the oldest college in the...

, Intramuros, Manila

Colegio de San Juan de Letran- Calamba, Calamba, Laguna

Colegio de San Juan de Letran- Bataan, Abucay, Bataan

Siena College, Quezon City, Metro Manila

Siena College, Taytay, Taytay Rizal

Angelicum College
Angelicum College
Angelicum , formerly known as Angelicum School Quezon City, a Filipino Dominican institution is known in the Philippine academe for its successful formation of the Non-graded System of education in 1972. Founded by Rev. Fr. Rogelio B. Alarcón who became its first Rector...

, Quezon City, Metro Manila

Angelicum School Iloilo
Angelicum School Iloilo
Angelicum School Iloilo is a private, Catholic school run by the Dominican Province of the Philippines. The school pioneered in a non-graded, open-classroom education system in the Philippines. It is one of the three Angelicum Schools established by Fr. Rogelio B. Alarcon, O.P. in the 1970s...

, Iloilo City, Iloilo

Dominican College, San Juan City, Metro Manila

Saint Catherine's College, Carcar City, Cebu

Siena School of Naga, Naga City, Cebu

Holy Rosary School of Pardo, Pardo, Cebu City, Cebu

San Pedro College
San Pedro College
San Pedro College is a nursing school in Mindanao located in the heart of Davao City, Philippines, founded in 1956 by the Dominican Sisters of the Trinity from Quebec, Canada...

, Davao City

Sta. Catalina College of Legarda, Sampaloc, Manila

Dominican College of Tarlac
Dominican College of Tarlac
Dominican College of Tarlac, a Catholic School, proud institution of learning, founded by the late Fr. Mariano Sablay, Parish Priests of San Nicolas de Tolentino of Capas, Tarlac in 1946.St...

, Capas, Tarlac

Camiling Catholic School, Camiling, Tarlac

External links

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