Sciencia et Virtus Veritas et Vita. This Latin phrase encapsulates the spirit of Concordia College Manila. It means Knowledge and Virtue Truth and Life. Concordia College stands as a beacon of Catholic education. It is run by the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul.
Doña Margarita Roxas de Ayala founded Concordia College in 1868. She converted her villa into a school. It was located on the La Concordia Estate in Paco Manila. Doña Margarita requested nuns from Spain. She needed them to administer the school. Eight nuns arrived on May 3 1868. They operated the free school Escuela Pia.
Sixty students enrolled initially. They learned religion and good manners. Reading writing and simple arithmetic were taught. Culture arts sewing and embroidery were included. Cooking needlecraft and household work completed the curriculum. Spanish was the medium of instruction.
In 1868 the school adopted a new name. It became Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion de la Concordia. That same year it became the Central House of the Daughters of Charity in the Philippines.
The name Concordia means in accord with. It also means in accordance to the above. This reflects the school’s mission. Concordia College aims to provide holistic education. It fosters intellectual moral spiritual and social development.
The college’s logo is rich in symbolism. A white Easter Lily stands for purity. The letter M and a crown represent Mary. She is the patroness of the school. The crown signifies her queenship of heaven. Twelve stars symbolize the twelve apostles. They represent the disciples as a whole. The colors blue and white represent Mary. Blue stands for loyalty. White stands for purity. Green stands for perpetual growth. It symbolizes the school’s resilience.
Concordia College is a Vincentian school. It follows the teachings of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac. The school emphasizes service to the poor compassion and social justice. Students are encouraged to live out these virtues. They strive to be socially responsible citizens.
Several notable alumni have walked these halls. Sister Asuncion Ventura-Horcoma Bautista founded the Asilo de Looban orphanage. Maria Paz Mendoza-Guazon was the first Filipino woman doctor. She was an educator writer and feminist. Saturnina Soledad and Olympia Rizal studied here. They were the sisters of Jose Rizal. He is the Philippine national hero.
Concordia College Manila has a rich history. It embraces Catholic and Vincentian values. It continues to educate compassionate and competent individuals. The college prepares them to serve their communities. The U-shaped building stands as a testament to this legacy. The monument in front honors its history. The gates welcome those who seek knowledge virtue truth and life.