Did you know the Roosevelt Memorial Church in Manila wasn’t always a church? It has a fascinating past deeply intertwined with the history of education in the Philippines. Before its current iteration as a place of worship the Roosevelt Memorial Church served a very different purpose.
Many years ago this site housed Marikina Academy. This was one of the oldest academic institutions in the Marikina area. Founded in 1933 by former Mayor Wenceslao Dela Paz it provided education for generations of students. Sadly the academy closed after Dela Paz’s death in 1944.
The post-war period brought about a need for more schools. A group of dedicated educators saw an opportunity. They resurrected the site transforming it into Roosevelt Memorial High School RMHS. This wasn’t just a simple renaming. RMHS expanded. It extended its reach opening branches in different locations. It grew beyond its initial boundaries. It eventually evolved to offer tertiary and post-graduate programs. This significant expansion led to its rebranding as Roosevelt College Inc RCI.
RCI’s focus shifted toward systems and management programs. The institution continued to grow and evolve. It became a major center for learning and development. This period marked the shift from its primary role as a high school to a larger college system.
A pivotal moment arrived in 2016. The Far Eastern University FEU acquired Roosevelt College Inc. This merger was a monumental event. This joined RCI with a prestigious university in Manila. The acquisition was not small. It represented a significant investment of up to 1.25 billion Philippine pesos.
The integration into the FEU system eventually led to the rebranding in 2019 as FEU Roosevelt. Today the institution flourishes offering basic education high school and tertiary programs across its various campuses. While this location no longer serves as an educational institution the legacy of Roosevelt College continues in its spirit and the enduring connection to the FEU network. This unique place of worship stands as a testament to the area’s rich history. It continues to serve as a beacon within the community. The Roosevelt Memorial Church in Manila thus represents more than just a religious center. It reflects the dynamic shifts in education and urban development of this area. It stands as a silent guardian of a remarkable history.