Colegio San Agustin, Makati
Encyclopedia
Colegio San Agustin – Makati (abbreviated as CSA or CSA-Makati) is a private, co-educational
Catholic
school
conducted by the Order of Saint Augustine
. It is located on Palm Avenue, Dasmariñas Village
, Makati City
, Philippines
. While it is not the oldest Augustinian school in the Philippines named Colegio San Agustin (that distinction belongs to Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod
), it is the most prominent of the three schools bearing the same name. Like its namesake schools, the students of CSA-Makati are called Augustinians (Filipino
: Agustino).
The school is one of the most diverse in the Philippines in terms of nationality, with 11% of the student population coming from over 40 countries.
Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus of the Philippines
. On September 1, 1968, then-Auxiliary Bishop Bienvenido Lopez of the Archdiocese of Manila
blessed the cornerstone of what would be the first CSA building. Construction would last for ten months until July 7, 1969, when the school opened its doors to its first batch of students, numbering 652, for the grade school and high school. Its first two buildings, the Administration Building and the present-day Grade School Building, were blessed by Cardinal Rufino Jiao Santos on August 28, 1969. Two priests and 24 female teachers ran the fledgling school.
According to Corazon S. Reyes, one of the first and longest-serving teachers in CSA (but not one of the original 24), the students who attended the high school when it first opened were largely of Spanish
or mestizo
descent. She also said that many of her students then, like their batch-mates, did not know how to speak or spoke little Filipino
.
Rapid expansion of the student population caused the school's expansion. The bullring-shaped Pre-School Building was completed in 1972, followed by the Chapel, Phase I of the present-day covered courts, Phase II of the Grade School Building and the Grade School Canteen in 1973, and the Sports Complex in 1974. In 1976, the school accepted a donation of 2 hectares of land from the Ayala Corporation
, in addition to the 8 hectares purchased from the same.
As the student population continued to grow, further expansion was needed, starting with the completion of the High School Building in 1977. Other expansions and additions include those of the Theatre in 1980, the High School Annex and Phase II of the covered courts in 1985, the Grade School Building's southeast wing in 1986, the Polysport complex, Cafeteria and Lounging Shed (now St. Monica Hall) in 1987, the renovated Administration Building (since renamed Urdaneta Hall) and Pre-School Buildings in 1992, the renovation of the High School Science laboratories in 1997, and the Grade School Annex in 1998. Air conditioning
was introduced in the 1990s for administrative offices and function rooms and in 2003 for classrooms in all departments. The latest renovation was when the Theatre was demolished and rebuilt in 2005 and 2006. This was followed by the renovation of the Grade School Chemistry laboratory in 2006 and early 2007. The Gymnasium is finished and was name Sto. Tomas of Villanueva with its inauguration and blessing done on July 7, 2010.
Student possession of mobile phone
s was banned since the late 1990s but has been relaxed for high school students since the early 2000s. The school's English
Campaign, which started between 2000 and 2002, was later intensified, and the use of English in CSA today is highly encouraged in the community. Because of its accreditation by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities
(PAASCU), the transition from the Filipino-language SS (short for Heograpiya, Kasaysayan at Sibika, Filipino for geography
, history
and civics
) and Araling Panlipunan (English
: Social Studies
) to the English-language Social Studies was made, first in the High School, then in the Grade School.
Colegio San Agustin is named in honor of the fourth-century saint
, St. Augustine of Hippo
. The Spanish Augustinians were the first Christian religious order to enter the Philippines and begin its conversion to Catholicism. Augustine was a key figure in the doctrinal
development of Western Christianity
and is often referred to as one of the greatest "Doctors of the Church" by the Roman Catholic Church
. Two of his surviving works, namely The Confessions
(his autobiography
) and The City of God, are regarded as Western classics and are read by Christians around the world. Augustine is often considered to be one of the theological fountainheads of Reformation
, because of his teaching on salvation
and grace
; Martin Luther
himself was an Augustinian friar. Augustine was not a Biblical fundamentalist.
The newly inaugurated and renovated sports complex consists of state-of-the art badminton and tennis courts and multipurpose areas, a main basketball court with NBA and FIBA standards including an electronic scoreboard, hardwood flooring, retractable backboards and wall cushions for players; a second basketball court which has 6 baskets and can double as volleyball courts, a fitness room with ultra modern equipment, a running track oval which is located above the second basketball court, a cafeteria, a mini-Olympic swimming pool, a "kiddie" pool with spa, plus rooms for dance, ballet, taekwondo, flute, guitar, piano, violin, voice and other music lessons. Other areas are being eyed for rock climbing. Under the tennis courts is an underground parking lot. The inauguration took place on July 7, 2010.
s, they can also be modified to become volleyball
courts. Physical education
classes are usually held in the covered courts, and there are stages for presentations. The offices of the Athletics Department are in the Polysport Complex.
and one for baseball
and softball
. The soccer field is also used by the Aerospace Cadets of the Philippines
. Beside the soccer field is the grandstand.
Coeducation
Mixed-sex education, also known as coeducation or co-education, is the integrated education of male and female persons in the same institution. It is the opposite of single-sex education...
Catholic
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
school
School
A school is an institution designed for the teaching of students under the direction of teachers. Most countries have systems of formal education, which is commonly compulsory. In these systems, students progress through a series of schools...
conducted by the Order of Saint Augustine
Order of Saint Augustine
The Order of St. Augustine —historically Ordo Eremitarum Sancti Augustini", O.E.S.A.), generally called Augustinians is a Catholic Religious Order, which, although more ancient, was formally created in the thirteenth century and combined of several previous Augustinian eremetical Orders into one...
. It is located on Palm Avenue, Dasmariñas Village
Dasmariñas Village
Dasmariñas Village or simply Dasma, is a private subdivision and gated community in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines. It occupies 187.21 hectares and is bounded by Epifanio de los Santos Avenue to the north, McKinley Road to the northeast, Pili Avenue/Forbes Park South to the east, Maricaban...
, Makati City
Makati City
The City of Makati is one of the 17 cities that make up Metro Manila, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. Makati is the financial center of the Philippines and one of the major financial, commercial and economic hubs in Asia...
, 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...
. While it is not the oldest Augustinian school in the Philippines named Colegio San Agustin (that distinction belongs to Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod
Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod
Colegio San Agustin – Bacolod is a private, Catholic, co-educational institution of learning owned and administered by the Augustinians of the Province of Santo Niño de Cebu in the Philippines. It is located in Bacolod City, the capital of Negros Occidental province...
), it is the most prominent of the three schools bearing the same name. Like its namesake schools, the students of CSA-Makati are called Augustinians (Filipino
Filipino language
This move has drawn much criticism from other regional groups.In 1987, a new constitution introduced many provisions for the language.Article XIV, Section 6, omits any mention of Tagalog as the basis for Filipino, and states that:...
: Agustino).
The school is one of the most diverse in the Philippines in terms of nationality, with 11% of the student population coming from over 40 countries.
History
Colegio San Agustin in name was established in 1968 by the Order of Saint Augustine'sOrder of Saint Augustine
The Order of St. Augustine —historically Ordo Eremitarum Sancti Augustini", O.E.S.A.), generally called Augustinians is a Catholic Religious Order, which, although more ancient, was formally created in the thirteenth century and combined of several previous Augustinian eremetical Orders into one...
Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus of the Philippines
Augustinian Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus of the Philippines
The Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus of the Philippines of the religious Order of St. Augustine was officially formed on March 7, 1575.-Historical background:...
. On September 1, 1968, then-Auxiliary Bishop Bienvenido Lopez of the Archdiocese of Manila
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila or Archdiocese of Manila is a particular Church or Diocese of the Catholic Church in the Philippines. It is also considered as the primatial see of the country, currently headed by the Archbishop of Manila and it enjoys primacy over the other dioceses in...
blessed the cornerstone of what would be the first CSA building. Construction would last for ten months until July 7, 1969, when the school opened its doors to its first batch of students, numbering 652, for the grade school and high school. Its first two buildings, the Administration Building and the present-day Grade School Building, were blessed by Cardinal Rufino Jiao Santos on August 28, 1969. Two priests and 24 female teachers ran the fledgling school.
According to Corazon S. Reyes, one of the first and longest-serving teachers in CSA (but not one of the original 24), the students who attended the high school when it first opened were largely of Spanish
Spanish people
The Spanish are citizens of the Kingdom of Spain. Within Spain, there are also a number of vigorous nationalisms and regionalisms, reflecting the country's complex history....
or mestizo
Mestizo
Mestizo is a term traditionally used in Latin America, Philippines and Spain for people of mixed European and Native American heritage or descent...
descent. She also said that many of her students then, like their batch-mates, did not know how to speak or spoke little Filipino
Filipino language
This move has drawn much criticism from other regional groups.In 1987, a new constitution introduced many provisions for the language.Article XIV, Section 6, omits any mention of Tagalog as the basis for Filipino, and states that:...
.
Rapid expansion of the student population caused the school's expansion. The bullring-shaped Pre-School Building was completed in 1972, followed by the Chapel, Phase I of the present-day covered courts, Phase II of the Grade School Building and the Grade School Canteen in 1973, and the Sports Complex in 1974. In 1976, the school accepted a donation of 2 hectares of land from the Ayala Corporation
Ayala Corporation
Ayala Corporation is a holding company for the diversified interests of the Ayala Group. Founded in the Philippines by the Spanish and German Ayala, Roxas, and Zobel families during colonial rule, it is the country's oldest and largest conglomerate...
, in addition to the 8 hectares purchased from the same.
As the student population continued to grow, further expansion was needed, starting with the completion of the High School Building in 1977. Other expansions and additions include those of the Theatre in 1980, the High School Annex and Phase II of the covered courts in 1985, the Grade School Building's southeast wing in 1986, the Polysport complex, Cafeteria and Lounging Shed (now St. Monica Hall) in 1987, the renovated Administration Building (since renamed Urdaneta Hall) and Pre-School Buildings in 1992, the renovation of the High School Science laboratories in 1997, and the Grade School Annex in 1998. Air conditioning
Air conditioning
An air conditioner is a home appliance, system, or mechanism designed to dehumidify and extract heat from an area. The cooling is done using a simple refrigeration cycle...
was introduced in the 1990s for administrative offices and function rooms and in 2003 for classrooms in all departments. The latest renovation was when the Theatre was demolished and rebuilt in 2005 and 2006. This was followed by the renovation of the Grade School Chemistry laboratory in 2006 and early 2007. The Gymnasium is finished and was name Sto. Tomas of Villanueva with its inauguration and blessing done on July 7, 2010.
Student possession of mobile phone
Mobile phone
A mobile phone is a device which can make and receive telephone calls over a radio link whilst moving around a wide geographic area. It does so by connecting to a cellular network provided by a mobile network operator...
s was banned since the late 1990s but has been relaxed for high school students since the early 2000s. The school's English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
Campaign, which started between 2000 and 2002, was later intensified, and the use of English in CSA today is highly encouraged in the community. Because of its accreditation by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities
Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities
The Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities is a private, voluntary, non-profit and non-stock corporation which was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of the Philippines on December 2, 1957...
(PAASCU), the transition from the Filipino-language SS (short for Heograpiya, Kasaysayan at Sibika, Filipino for geography
Geography
Geography is the science that studies the lands, features, inhabitants, and phenomena of Earth. A literal translation would be "to describe or write about the Earth". The first person to use the word "geography" was Eratosthenes...
, history
History
History is the discovery, collection, organization, and presentation of information about past events. History can also mean the period of time after writing was invented. Scholars who write about history are called historians...
and civics
Civics
Civics is the study of rights and duties of citizenship. In other words, it is the study of government with attention to the role of citizens ― as opposed to external factors ― in the operation and oversight of government....
) and Araling Panlipunan (English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
: Social Studies
Social studies
Social studies is the "integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence," as defined by the American National Council for the Social Studies...
) to the English-language Social Studies was made, first in the High School, then in the Grade School.
Patron saint
Saint
A saint is a holy person. In various religions, saints are people who are believed to have exceptional holiness.In Christian usage, "saint" refers to any believer who is "in Christ", and in whom Christ dwells, whether in heaven or in earth...
, St. Augustine of Hippo
Augustine of Hippo
Augustine of Hippo , also known as Augustine, St. Augustine, St. Austin, St. Augoustinos, Blessed Augustine, or St. Augustine the Blessed, was Bishop of Hippo Regius . He was a Latin-speaking philosopher and theologian who lived in the Roman Africa Province...
. The Spanish Augustinians were the first Christian religious order to enter the Philippines and begin its conversion to Catholicism. Augustine was a key figure in the doctrinal
Doctrine
Doctrine is a codification of beliefs or a body of teachings or instructions, taught principles or positions, as the body of teachings in a branch of knowledge or belief system...
development of Western Christianity
Western Christianity
Western Christianity is a term used to include the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church and groups historically derivative thereof, including the churches of the Anglican and Protestant traditions, which share common attributes that can be traced back to their medieval heritage...
and is often referred to as one of the greatest "Doctors of the Church" by the Roman Catholic Church
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
. Two of his surviving works, namely The Confessions
Confessions (St. Augustine)
Confessions is the name of an autobiographical work, consisting of 13 books, by St. Augustine of Hippo, written between AD 397 and AD 398. Modern English translations of it are sometimes published under the title The Confessions of St...
(his autobiography
Autobiography
An autobiography is a book about the life of a person, written by that person.-Origin of the term:...
) and The City of God, are regarded as Western classics and are read by Christians around the world. Augustine is often considered to be one of the theological fountainheads of Reformation
Protestant Reformation
The Protestant Reformation was a 16th-century split within Western Christianity initiated by Martin Luther, John Calvin and other early Protestants. The efforts of the self-described "reformers", who objected to the doctrines, rituals and ecclesiastical structure of the Roman Catholic Church, led...
, because of his teaching on salvation
Salvation
Within religion salvation is the phenomenon of being saved from the undesirable condition of bondage or suffering experienced by the psyche or soul that has arisen as a result of unskillful or immoral actions generically referred to as sins. Salvation may also be called "deliverance" or...
and grace
Prevenient grace
Prevenient grace is a Christian theological concept rooted in Augustinian theology. It is embraced primarily by Arminian Christians who are influenced by the theology of Jacob Arminius or John Wesley. Wesley typically referred to it in 18th century language as prevenient grace...
; Martin Luther
Martin Luther
Martin Luther was a German priest, professor of theology and iconic figure of the Protestant Reformation. He strongly disputed the claim that freedom from God's punishment for sin could be purchased with money. He confronted indulgence salesman Johann Tetzel with his Ninety-Five Theses in 1517...
himself was an Augustinian friar. Augustine was not a Biblical fundamentalist.
Athletic facilities
CSA has three main athletic facilities: the Cassisiacum Sports Complex, the CSA Polysport Complex and the fields.St. Thomas of Villanova Hall (Sports Complex)
.The newly inaugurated and renovated sports complex consists of state-of-the art badminton and tennis courts and multipurpose areas, a main basketball court with NBA and FIBA standards including an electronic scoreboard, hardwood flooring, retractable backboards and wall cushions for players; a second basketball court which has 6 baskets and can double as volleyball courts, a fitness room with ultra modern equipment, a running track oval which is located above the second basketball court, a cafeteria, a mini-Olympic swimming pool, a "kiddie" pool with spa, plus rooms for dance, ballet, taekwondo, flute, guitar, piano, violin, voice and other music lessons. Other areas are being eyed for rock climbing. Under the tennis courts is an underground parking lot. The inauguration took place on July 7, 2010.
CSA Polysport Complex
The CSA Polysport Complex is dominated by the six covered courts, two for each department. While they primarily serve as basketball courtBasketball court
In basketball, the basketball court is the playing surface, consisting of a rectangular floor with tiles at either end. In professional or organized basketball, especially when played indoors, it is usually made out of a wood, often maple, and highly polished...
s, they can also be modified to become volleyball
Volleyball
Volleyball is a team sport in which two teams of six players are separated by a net. Each team tries to score points by grounding a ball on the other team's court under organized rules.The complete rules are extensive...
courts. Physical education
Physical education
Physical education or gymnastics is a course taken during primary and secondary education that encourages psychomotor learning in a play or movement exploration setting....
classes are usually held in the covered courts, and there are stages for presentations. The offices of the Athletics Department are in the Polysport Complex.
Fields
There are two fields in CSA: one for soccerFootball (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
and one for baseball
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
and softball
Softball
Softball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of 10 to 14 players. It is a direct descendant of baseball although there are some key differences: softballs are larger than baseballs, and the pitches are thrown underhand rather than overhand...
. The soccer field is also used by the Aerospace Cadets of the Philippines
Aerospace Cadets of the Philippines
The Aerospace Cadets of the Philippines or ACP program is a co-educational youth program oriented in aerospace technology, whose aim is to promote national enthusiasm in aviation among the youth and to train them to meet the requirements for leadership and civic service through aerospace education...
. Beside the soccer field is the grandstand.