By: Ms. Regina Tarubal De Guzman 

In line with SJCBI’s aim to deliver transformative Catholic education – the Rev. Fr. Felicisimo Herrera Administration Building is now ready for occupancy by the administration, teachers, and learners. 

Asked about the building’s construction and blessing, Rev. Fr. Gerry Perez commented: “In our collective desire to deliver transformative Catholic education, we need to improve our facilities and construct new buildings that provide an environment where wisdom is shared and personal encounters with the Lord happen. Our teachers must be given the necessary training and tools to deliver quality, relevant, and empowering education. This is an essential part of our dream to make SJCBI a university by 2030, God willing.”  Abp. Ricardo Baccay, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Tuguegarao Archdiocesan School System, inaugurated and blessed the building on February 14, 2022.

Currently, the building houses the Office of the College President, Vice-President for Admin and Principal of Basic Education, Office of the Registrar and Finance, Library, Computer Laboratory, and classrooms intended for the growing number of students which to date is totalling 3,997.

The school spent about 15 million pesos for the construction which were sourced out from the funds of the college, including the donations from its Alumni and other benefactors.

The construction started on  October 8, 2020 and was completed on February 13, 2022. However, there was a three-month delay due to the pandemic. 

Further, the building was named after Rev. Fr.  Felicisimo Herrera to perpetuate his memory as an educator. It can be recalled that he founded two schools – San Vicente  Institute of Solana and Our Lady of Victories Academy of Amulung. Likewise, “It is in grateful recognition to the Herrera family for donating a portion of the lot where SJCBI now stands,” Rev. Fr. Perez added. 

Joining the rite of blessing were: the Members of the Board of Trustees of the Tuguegarao Archdiocesan School System (TASS): Fr. Adalbert Barut, TASS Superintendent; Msgr. Samuel Baculi, President of the Lyceum of Tuao; and Fr. Jake Ordillos, Board Secretary. Also present were:  the priests of the Archdiocese; Vice-Mayor Rowel Gazmen and some Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Members; barangay captain Myrna Claraval; Barangay Officials of San Jose; Benefactors; Alumni; Faculty and Support Staff; Student Leaders; Parents / Guardians; and the Herrera family.