Our History
From a parish convent basement in 1961 to a complete basic education school for San Agustin.
Saint Augustine High School of Oteiza, Inc. (SAHSOI) is a Catholic educational institution in Oteiza, San Agustin, Surigao del Sur. It was founded in 1961 through the initiative of Rev. Fr. Joannes Maria Hoff, MSC, then the parish priest, who began holding first- and second-year classes in the basement of the parish convent, with Mr. Eufemio V. Darunday Sr. as the first principal.
In 1964, under Rev. Fr. Santiago Notenboom, the first dedicated classroom building was constructed near the highway. Mr. Darunday worked with the Lianga Bay Logging Company to barter sand and gravel for lumber, and the project inspired a bayanihan movement among parents and students. The building was named in honor of Saint Augustine.
When the Bishop of Surigao directed the school to close, Rev. Fr. John Roña led a campaign with parents and staff to raise enrollment and keep it open. Third- and fourth-year levels were opened and, in 1968, the school held its first graduation. Laboratory materials were acquired through donations. The following year Fr. Roña appointed Mr. Pelocronio C. Corvera Jr. as principal to raise academic standards and faculty competence as new public schools opened in the area.
Under Rev. Fr. Remberto Selga (1970–1971) teachers' salaries and tuition were standardized to meet educational standards, strengthening the school's operations. The late 1970s were a time of difficulty for the national economy and for the school, with frequent resignations and leadership transitions; directors included Fr. Wilibaldo Sanchez, Fr. Efren Rivas Jr., Fr. Francisco Navarro and Fr. Donald Aloy, and principals included Sr. Emerita Dominguez and Mr. Elpedio Lamela. Through the 1980s and 1990s the school quietly continued its mission of Catholic education for the youth of Oteiza.
Today SAHSOI continues to serve San Agustin and nearby towns with Preschool, Elementary, Junior High School and Senior High School programs, guided by Augustinian values and committed to forming morally grounded, well-educated young people.
School timeline
- 1961 · Humble beginnings Rev. Fr. Joannes Maria Hoff, MSC, opens first- and second-year classes in the parish convent basement; Mr. Eufemio V. Darunday Sr. is the first principal.
- 1964 · First classroom building Under Rev. Fr. Santiago Notenboom, parents and students build the first classrooms near the highway through bayanihan; the building is named after Saint Augustine.
- 1968 · First graduates Rev. Fr. John Roña and the community keep the school open, add the third and fourth years, and hold the first graduation.
- 1969 · Strengthening foundations Mr. Pelocronio C. Corvera Jr. is appointed principal to raise academic standards and faculty competence.
- 1970–1971 · Standardization Rev. Fr. Remberto Selga standardizes teachers' salaries and tuition to meet educational standards.
- 1977 · Times of difficulty The school perseveres through economic hardship and leadership transitions with the help of dedicated administrators and clergy.
- 1980s–1990s · Quiet progress Generations of students benefit from steady Catholic education and community support.
- 2000s–today · Resilience and legacy SAHSOI serves San Agustin with Preschool to Senior High School, guided by Augustinian values.
