Saint Pedro Poveda College

The Saint Pedro Poveda College (Poveda, SPPC, formerly known as the Poveda Learning Centre and Institucion Teresiana) is a private preparatory school for girls run by the Teresian Association of Lay Missionaries which was founded in Spain. It is located in the heart of Metro Manila's Ortigas Business District. The Alumnae and present students of this school include daughters and granddaughters of Filipino Presidents, industrialists, politicians, and prominent figures in Philippine society. It conducts classes in three languages: English, Spanish, and Filipino. Founded in 1960 as Institucion Teresiana, the school was inaugurated by Maria del Carmen Franco de Martinez-Bordiu, the Marquesa de Villaverde and only daughter of Generalismo Francisco Franco of Spain.

History and academics

Formerly Poveda Learning Centre, the heritage of Saint Pedro Poveda stems back to 1960 when Institucion Teresiana School was opened. The school first offered kindergarten and primary classes, and began offering preschool, elementary and high school education by 1969.

Pedro Poveda's philosophy and principles of education are integrated in the school's Personalized Education Program (PEP).

On December 3, 1974, during the birth centennial celebration of Saint Pedro Poveda, Institucion Teresiana changed its name to Poveda Learning Center as a fitting tribute to him. That same year, UNESCO honored Pedro Poveda as "Humanist and Educator".

Two degree programs in the field of education and business administration are being offered, effective 2005-2006. With the expansion into tertiary education, the name of the school has been changed to Saint Pedro Poveda College.^[1]

History of Pedro Poveda

Pedro Poveda was born in Linares, Spain on December 3, 1874. After he was ordained priest in Guadix in 1897, he exercised his first apostolic ministry among the poor cave dwellers. He organized a livelihood program for adults and established a school for children. He gave himself to advancement of the poor and marginalized people.

In 1906, he was assigned as Canon in Marian Sanctuary of Covadonga. While in Covadonga, he became aware of the importance of education, so he dedicated himself to solving the problems that confronted Christian education at that time.

When the Civil War broke out, he was identified as an enemy by those who wished to dechristianize the schools and, on July 28, 1936, he was shot to death. Pedro Poveda was beatified by Pope John Paul II at St. Peter's Basilica on October 10, 1993.

Notable alumnae

• Maria Imelda Marcos (Imee Marcos), congresswoman; daughter of the late former President Ferdinand Marcos and Imelda Marcos
• Kris Aquino, actress, TV show host; daughter of the late former President Cory Aquino and the late Sen. Benigno Aquino (undergrad)
• Marides Fernando, mayor, City of Marikina, and wife of Metro Manila Governor Bayani Fernando
• Joy Belmonte, chair of the Archeology Department of the University of the Philippines; daughter of Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte and the late publisher, Betty Go-Belmonte
• KC Concepcion, actress, model; daughter of megastar Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion, stepdaughter of Senator Francis Pangilinan
• Cecile Licad, international concert pianist; Leventritt Medal Awardee
• Andion Fernandez, opera singer
• Karylle Tatlonghari, singer, actress, TV host
• Giselle Sanchez, comedian
• Lia Cruz, TV show host, UAAP courtside reporter
• Lou Albano, writer/associate editor FHM Philippines
• Mylene Dizon, actress
• Jocas De Leon, fashion designer, daughter of Joey de Leon and host of Fashionistas QTV
• Noelle Wenceslao, first ever woman who reached the top of Mount Everest.
• Raya Mananquil, Filipina supermodel.
• Derek Clutario, master of them all

Buildings

• Segovia Building: For preschool students (Kinders 1-3) and grades 1-3. It is named after Josefa Segovia. It includes the multipurpose room, college classrooms (library/study area) Leap Center and music rooms for extracurricular musical classes.

• Victoria Building: Named after Blessed Victoria Diez, grades 4-7 occupy this building, including the elementary school principal's office, the Guidance Center, Social Action Office, library, and the audio-visual room.

• Poveda Building: The first building to be built. High school students occupy this building; it includes the president's office, a chapel, the little theater and the Covadonga.

• Canteen/Cafeteria: A fully air-conditioned three-story building. The first two floors are used for food facilities/eating areas, the third has been connected to the gymnasium/ auditorium

• Gymnasium/Auditorium: The newest building on the campus. It has three levels: the first has a exhibit area and the main lobby; the second has an open area; the third, a fully seated auditorium with a basketball court that converts to a full stage; it is fully air-conditioned.

References

1. ^ Saint Pedro Poveda College Online

External links

• Official website