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ST. AUGUSTINE HIGH SCHOOL OF OTEIZA, INC.

SAHSOI

HISTORY

St. Augustine High School of Oteiza Inc.

The Foundation and Growth

Saint Augustine High School of Oteiza, Inc. (SAHSOI) is a Catholic educational institution located in Oteiza, San Agustin, Surigao del Sur. The school was founded in 1961 through the initiative of Rev. Fr. Joannes Maria Hoff, MSC, who began conducting first- and second-year classes in the parish convent basement. Through the spirit of bayanihan, the local community helped build additional classrooms by 1964, allowing the school to expand and eventually open complete secondary levels by 1968.

Over the decades, SAHSOI has continued to serve the youth of San Agustin and nearby areas, providing both academic instruction and Christian formation guided by Augustinian values. The institution upholds a mission of offering values-based, Catholic education that prepares learners for the 21st century, with Senior High School tracks such as STEM, ABM, and HUMSS.

Current Administration

School Director
Rev. Fr. Glenn C. Infiesto
DCT
School Principal
Mr. Alan A. Gascon

School Timeline

1961 Humble Beginnings

Saint Augustine High School of Oteiza (SAHSOI) was founded in 1961 through the initiative of Rev. Fr. Joannes Maria Hoff, MSC, who was then the parish priest. The first and second-year classes were held in the convent basement, with Mr. Eufemio V. Darunday Sr. as the first principal.

Key Milestones:

  • School established in the parish convent basement
  • First and second year levels opened
  • Rev. Fr. Hoff as first director
  • Mr. Darunday Sr. as first principal

1964 First Classroom Building

Under Rev. Fr. Santiago Notenboom, the first dedicated classroom was constructed near the highway. Mr. Darunday worked with the Lianga Bay Logging Company (LBCI) to barter sand and gravel for lumber. This project inspired a bayanihan movement among parents and students.

Community Highlights:

  • Construction through bartered materials
  • Bayanihan spirit united community members
  • Building named in honor of Saint Augustine

1968 First Graduates & Expansion

Facing a directive from the bishop of Surigao to shut down the school, Rev. Fr. John Roña spearheaded a campaign alongside parents and staff to increase enrollment and sustain operations. As a result, third and fourth-year levels were opened, and the school held its first graduation.

Milestones:

  • Successful community resistance to closure
  • Opening of third and fourth year levels
  • First batch of graduates marched proudly
  • Laboratory materials acquired via donations

1969 Strengthening Foundations

Fr. Roña appointed Mr. Pelocronio C. Corvera Jr. as principal to uplift the academic standards and improve faculty competence in preparation for the challenges posed by new public schools in the area.

Academic Focus:

  • New leadership to uplift school quality
  • Faculty competence development
  • Focus on academic competitiveness

1970–1971 Standardization & Support

Under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Remberto Selga, the school increased teachers’ salaries and tuition to meet educational standards, reinforcing the stability and sustainability of the school’s operations.

Key Improvements:

  • Salary increase for faculty members
  • Standardization of tuition fees
  • Stronger administrative structure

1977 Times of Difficulty

As the national economy struggled, SAHSOI faced similar challenges. Teacher resignations and leadership transitions became frequent, yet the school persevered with the help of dedicated administrators and clergy.

Leadership Changes:

  • Principal resignation and teacher turnover
  • Succession of school directors: Fr. Wilibaldo Sanchez, Fr. Efren Rivas Jr., Fr. Francisco Navarro, and Fr. Donald Aloy
  • Principals included Sr. Emerita Dominguez and Mr. Elpedio Lamela

1980s–1990s Quiet Progress

Despite limited documentation, the school continued its mission, providing Catholic education to Oteiza youth. Generations of students benefited from the persistence of staff and community support during low-profile but steady years.

Ongoing Impact:

  • Continuous student enrollment
  • Commitment to Catholic formation
  • Quiet rebuilding during slow economic times

2000s–Present Resilience & Legacy

While facing modernization challenges, SAHSOI continues to serve its community with a strong sense of identity, guided by Augustinian values. Leadership transitions continued, but the school’s mission remained firm—forming morally grounded and educated individuals.

Present Focus:

  • Resilience despite economic hardships
  • Leadership continuity with strong community roots
  • Preserving legacy while looking forward
  • Emphasis on values-based education




St. Augustine High School offers a range of relevant and high-quality programs, staying true to its commitment to excellence as a leading educational institution.

CONTACT INFO

(085)3428572 [email protected] San Agustin,Surigao del Sur, Ph

OPENING HOURS

Mon - Fri : 8:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday : 8:00am - 12:00nn
Sunday : Close

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