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<img src="https://cdn.kahimyang.com/resources-23/san-beda-college.avif" alt="El Colegio de San Beda" loading="lazy" />
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(El Colegio de San Beda, San Beda University)
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<h4>
Founding and Early Years
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The Benedictine monks arrived in Manila on September 12, 1895, led by Abbot Jose Deas y Villar. They initially focused on missionary and parish work in Surigao, but the need for a school to counteract American Protestant influence led to the establishment of El Colegio de San Beda. Despite numerous challenges, including a lack of trained personnel and finances, the school opened its doors on June 17, 1901 in Arlegui in Manila.
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The first rector, Fr. Silvestre Jofre, played a crucial role in the early development of the school. The institution initially offered basic education and the first two years of a college Bachelor of Arts degree quickly gained a reputation for academic excellence and moral integrity.
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The arrival of Benedictine monks on September 12, 1895: The Historical Journey of San Beda University