Universidad de Sta. Isabel de Naga

Opening of the Escuela-Colegio de Sta. Isabel Proposals of Rev. Francisco Gainza In February 1863, during Rev. Francisco Gainza's consecration to the episcopated by Abp. Gregorio Meliton, Archdiocese of Manila, he planned reformations for the Diocese of Caceres with Fr. Gregorio Velasco, C.M. in the Las Islas Filipinas: the establishment of a colegio-beaterio ran by the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul and the redirection of the Seminario Conciliar. Velasco described Gainza's endeavors as a "daring pursuit" (era una empreza atrevida). Principled after the catechetical teachings of the Daughters of Charity, the integration of the poor studentry with the day and/or residential studentry into one curriculum was segregated in a multidepartmental structure: the Colegio de Niñas Internas y Externas and Escuela Municipal para Las Niñas Pobres. Convent expansions Throughout the turn of the century, the nascent academe of Colegio de Sta. Isabel rapidly developed. By 1877, the Colegio celebrated the graduation of its first eleven students. The Colegio campus seated Angeles' interim government until the American regime came and changed everything for the 20th century. and was renamed Universidad de Sta. Isabel. It is still sometimes colloquially referred to as 'Colegio' across Metro Naga. ==Campuses==

The main campus of the Universidad de Sta. Isabel is located at Elias Angeles St., Bagumbayan Sur, Naga City. The main campus manages three academic departments, the Basic Education Department, Higher Education Department, Graduate School. An annex campus is located at Panganiban Drive, Naga City and a satellite campus in Pili, Camarines Sur. == Integrated Basic Education Department (BED) ==

The Basic Education Department, or BED, in accordance with the K-12 Basic Education Program, refers to USI's basic education institution consisting of the Elementary Department, from Grades 1 to 6; the Junior High School Department, from Grades 7 to 10; the Senior High School Department, from Grades 11 to 12. School services Guidance Center Health Center Library Canteen and Food Service Center Facilities Auditorium The USI Auditorium is the campus' main proscenium theater, an enclosed two-story structure equipped with sound-proofing, air-conditioning, and a seating capacity of 800 seats. It can be used for "assemblies, programs, convocations, seminars, stage plays, conventions and other school functions." St. Elizabeth of Hungary Chapel The St. Elizabeth of Hungary Chapel is one of the campus' principal chapels. Its exterior appears to be as a medium-sized circular structure roofed by a tall cone. The chapel has semi-circular auditorium seating arrangement in front of an altar upon a large crucifix spanning to the ceiling. Religious activities such as sponsored masses are held at this chapel. Blessed Frassati Activity and Sports Center The Blessed Frassati Activity and Sports Center, most commonly referred to as the "USI Frassati Gymnasium," is a two-story indoor venue structure functioning as both a student's gymnasium and an activity center for campus-related events. Its static seating is arranged on the balcony, while the first floor consists of the main activity and sports floor. The gymnasium also holds the offices for the USI Sports Development Office, USI GSS, and the USI Symphonic Band and Marching Lady Falcons. The first floor is mostly composed of the main hall partitioned by its three paved ballcourts and enclosed by wall matting, with an adjustable truss stage deployed in the upper-center below the gym's large, wall-hung USI logo; this is the area where "ball games, PE classes, student assembles, and physical fitness exercises" are held. The second floor contains the balcony stands, arranged in a horseshoe-type seating except for the bottom. This floor may be separated left-right relative to the stage: both sides contain eight-tiered concrete stands, the tech booth on the left, and the outdoor gymnasium in the middle, where the Vincentian Performing Arts Company and the taekwondo club often practice. University Supplies Store Paranymphus Ozanam Hall Mini-Theater (Audio-Visual Room) == Higher education ==

• College of Health Education • College of Business Education • College of Arts And Sciences, Teacher Education, Social Work and Music Education • Graduate school == USI as National Historical Landmark ==

In recognition of the important role, the academe played in Philippine history, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has declared the Universidad de Sta. Isabel (USI) as a National Historical Landmark by virtue of Republic Act No. 10086. In view of this declaration, Universidad de Sta. Isabel is now also known as the Heritage and Historical University of Bicol. At the unveiling ceremony of the historical marker, NCHP Chairman Dr. Rene R. Esclante said that "USI is important in the history of the Philippines as this is the oldest school in the country," and "the first normal school for women built during the Spanish era, where traces of the old structures and even the courses offered still exists as to this time." == Notable people ==

Alumni • Leni Robredo (14th Vice President of the Philippines) attended the Basic Education Department. ==References==