Brief History
Her Early Beginnings
In the early months of the year 1983 three enterprising Boholanos, the Dean of Graduate School of the then Colegio de San Jose Recoletos, Dr. Lourdes H. Torrefranca, the Parish Priest of the Parish of St. Isidore the Farmer, Rev. Fr. Camilo V. Auza, and the Secretary of the Sangguniang Bayan of Tubigon, Mr. Cesar C. Mascarinas, met at the convent of the parish. They analyzed the educational situation in the northern part of the province of Bohol and figured out the possibility of founding a college that would help specifically the financially disadvantaged students obtain a college education. Since they agreed that the town of Tubigon would be ideal for the site of such an institution, Dr. Torrefranca opined that a native of the town should lead the founding group of the college and she had in mind someone just right for the job. She suggested to Mr. Mascarinas to request the Mayor of Tubigon, Hon. Eufrasio M. Mascarinas, to invite Rev. Fr. Josemaria S. Luengo, one of the talked-about historian and educator of the town who was ministering in a parish in New York, USA, to come home and lead the project of founding a college in his hometown, through a resolution of the Sangguniang Bayan of Tubigon. The mayor obliged and the municipal council passed Resolution No. 78, Series of 1983.
The Founders
When the native of Batasan Island in Tubigon received the invitation, Fr. Luengo immediately phoned his friend Dr. Torrefranca to scout for and invite people in the world of the academe with hearts for the poor for an organization meeting, as he packed his personal belongings for home. She sought out her friend, Dr. Rose Paraguya Alfafara, another sought-after Tubignon for her wares – eyeglasses – but especially for her support of many students for the priesthood. From her circle of friends, she added the very crème for the enterprise – educationally minded women and men not only from Tubigon, but also from Clarin, Loon, over Talibon. Tagbilaran City and even from Cebu City. The Rev. Fr. Luengo, presided the first meeting and was elected president of the newly-formed corporation. Thus, Mater Dei College (MDC) was born.
Originally, there were eight (8) incorporators of MDC who affixed their signatures in the Articles of Incorporation submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by Dr. Mariano M. Lerin PhD on January 23, 1984 in Manila. On June 14, 1984, Mater Dei College, Inc. was legally approved by SEC. Fr. Josemaria S. Luengo, Ph.D. was not able to affix his signature in the Articles of Incorporation because he was in the US. He is considered as an incorporator because he led the group.
These are the names of the Incorporators:
Cesar C. Mascariñas, M.A.
Lourdes H. Torrefranca, Ph.D.
Rev. Fr. Josemaria S. Luengo, Ph.D.
Msgr. Camilo V. Auza, H.P.
Rose P. Alfafara, O.D.
Mariano M. Lerin, Ph.D., CPA
Rev. Fr. Florante S. Camacho, SVD
Benjamin L. Mejorada, Ph.D.
Atty. Mario D. Ortiz
With the desire to contribute to the fulfilment of the corporation’s vision, mission, and goals, three generous people were eventually added as founding members of the corporation. They are as follows:
- Engr. Saturnino B. Salera
- Isidora S. Pastor, Ed.D
- Most Rev. Felix S. Zafra, D.D.
After a series of meetings, the rites and laying of the foundation stone for the construction of Mater Dei College building led by Msgr. Auza was finally done in February 1984. The first wing of the M structure of the building was constructed by obtaining credit lines from various sources. Although the funds were very low, the first modest Mater Dei College building stood proudly.
Another four generous people were added to the corporation:
- Msgr Floro B. Arcamo
- Engr. Pedrito F. Paraguya
- Msgr. John M Pernia
- Archbishop Jesus B.Tuquib, D.D.
In 2005, another member, Rev. Fr. Joel S. Genabia, was added to the corporation.
In 2017, three more members were added: Mr. Artemio M. Gulilat, CPA, Mrs. Jenith D. Zoilo, CPA, and Dr. Angelica T. Lanoy. In 2019, Dr. Maria Nympa S. Reserva was added. In 2020, Mrs. Josefina J. Pangan joined the corporation, and was followed by Atty. Ronald C. Escauso in 2021.