The Founder

 

Once upon a Time...a boy with a Dream in his Heart

Once upon a time, a boy was destined to be the founder of a school that would serve as a seedbed of great men and women...as school that would lift young people's hopes...and make their dreams come true...That boy was Francisco M. Caliolio.

The year was 1941.  The World War II broke out, which had plunged the young Francis to Zamboanga City.  He was from Tarlac, and came to the city, with NOTHING, except that one day he is going to help the residents of this city.  To survive a day, Francis had to work.

He practically did everything, and anything to make both ends meet, for daily survival.  He worked as a laborer at the wharf, and at the same time, lived his life as a boxer, trained by his foreman (Kapatas).  In fact it was because of boxing that the young Francis finished his college.  He also worked at the Malangas Coal Mining under the Japanese administration.

Later, he worked at the Zamboanga International Copra Corporation as cashier.  It was on May 9, 1946, after the World War II, which had devastated lives and properties in Zamboanga City that made Francis decide to establish a school to help alleviate the lives of the poor Zamboangueños. The war left the ravaged city helpless and hopeless.  The Zamboangueños did not know how to start a new with their lives, and move on after the war had shattered their dreams and aspirations.

Sir Francis' wife, Araceli Dizon Ferrer-Caliolio, opened the first parlor in this city and savings which started the humble Nipa hut school, and used the Remington brand typewriter for the Stenography class.   His first graduated became his first hired teacher.  The Remington typewriter kicked off the creation of the school.

The school was first situated on the old Bailen Street, now La Purisima Street.  This was later, relocated at the Luy Kim Guan Building at Madrid Street, now N.S. Valderosa Street.

As an employer, and president, Sir Francis was so understanding and patiend in dealing with this staff.  He considered everyone as part of his FAMILY.   He was inspired by the Loyalty Poem authored by Albert Hubbard, which had served as his guiding principle, and for his employees and students.

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