Guadalupe Catholic School

History

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, which was declared as Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe on September 8, 2002 and proclaimed as a National Shrine on May 31, 2010, is located in the metropolitan district of Makati highlighted by a modern commercial complex, big public market, office establishments and a sprawling residential sector.

In the early eighties, secondary educational establishments in the parish and the outlying areas are very limited despite its large and heavily populated territorial district. To date, it is the only parochial school in the City of Makati. Right within the territorial limits of the parish, four public elementary schools can be found and one private school that offers (then) elementary education. There were then very few schools that offer secondary education. Thus, many students preferred to enroll in the nearby districts of Sta. Ana or Paco in Manila, or in Pateros, Mandaluyong, Pasay and Cubao.

Recognizing the relevant need for a parochial school, the parish priest, Msgr. Severino Anatalio in consultation with the school directors and friends in MAPSA studied the feasibility of establishing a high school. Thus, in July 1983, a project proposal was submitted by Msgr. Anatalio to Bishop Leonardo Legaspi who was then the chairman of MAPSA. Bishop Legaspi presented the proposal to the Archbishop of Manila, Jaime Cardinal Sin, who finally granted the Approval to the operation of Guadalupe Catholic School.

GCS saw its beginning in school year 1984-85 when it opened its doors to students at the freshmen high school level only. Also in the same school year the parish pre-school which started informally in 1982, became a component of Guadalupe Catholic School. For twenty years, GCS offered pre-school and high school education.

However, during the celebration of the 20 th Founding Anniversary of the school in 2004-2005, it started accepting Grade 1 pupils. In March 2010, it had its first batch of grade school graduates.

The following school directors:

Msgr. Severino G. Anatalio, Msgr. Vicente R. Dacuycuy, Jr., Msgr. Albert G. Salonga, Jr., Msgr. Daniel B. Sta. Maria, Msgr. Salvador R. Jose, Msgr. Mario D. Enriquez, and Fr. Maxell Lowell C. Aranilla and school principals: Ms. Zenaida C. Cabrera, Ms. Ma. Remedios M. Angcay, Mrs. Antonita F. Dechavez, Fr. Isidro T. Marinay, Fr. Alfonso Valeza, Mrs. Leonora T. Brazil and Fr. Maxell Lowell C. Aranilla have contributed to the success of the school for the past twenty-seven years.