Espina: The Recoletos landmark

The Recoletos landmark was unveiled at the USJ-R main campus on April 29, 2023. Indeed, it was “history in the making.” The moment solidifies the historic presence of the Augustinian Recollect in Cebu, whose religious and educational mission is embedded in the teaching of St. Augustine.

The Colegio de San Jose-Recoletos (CSJ-R) was established in 1947 and has evolved as the seat of the Augustinian brand of education, “Tatak Recoleto.” Then president Fr. Blas Montenegro, OAR, imparted the Josenian goal of “Quality Christian Community-Oriented Education” to a “New World; to a New Youth.”

Adelante! Seventy-five solid years of service and solid commitment, the Lord has gifted me with the Maryknoller, Thomasian, Dominican and Josenian values.

I started teaching in CSJ-R in 1964 handling English in high school and college. After a series of Paascu (Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities) accreditation, CSJ-R attained its university status in 1984. The rest is history.

To be continued…