By a decree of June 8, 1585, his Majesty ordered the establishment
of a college to be attempted in Manila, in which the sons of the
Spanish inhabitants might be instructed in virtue and letters under the
direction of the Jesuit fathers. But, although the governor Dasmariñas
enacted an edict for that purpose, it was not fulfilled until the
year 1601 when the college of San José was instituted in some houses
next to the house of the Jesuits. There were thirteen collegiates
when it was first opened, but in a short time their number reached
twenty. Among the first was a nephew of Governor Tello, a son of
Dr. Morga, senior auditor, and other sons of influential citizens. At
the beginning the collegiates contributed a certain sum for their
own support, but soon there were greater means. One of the most
considerable was the endowment left in his will by the illustrious
gentleman, Don Esteban Rodriguez de Figueroa, governor of Mindanao,
who was recognized as patron of the college. In 1605, Father Pedro
Montes became rector, he founded the chair of scholastic theology,
and promoted those of philosophy and Latin, selecting to take charge
of them the most pronounced men of talent of his Society. During the
reign of Felipe IV, the latter obtained from his Holiness, Gregory XV,
authority to concede solemn degrees in philosophy and theology. The
latter's bull and the royal decree of concession were celebrated in
Manila by a public procession, and when they were presented to the
most illustrious Serrano, then archbishop, he offered obedience and
observance on his part. February 18, 1707, his Majesty continued for
six years the assignment that had been made to the college of 400
pesos, and 400 fanegas of rice. May 3, 1722, the title of "Royal"
was conceded to the college. November 15, 1747, the enjoyment of
an encomienda in the villages of Sulát and Tavig, in the province
of Samar, was also continued for ten years. February 3, 1748, his
Majesty confirmed in favor of this college the lands of the estates
of Mariquina and San Pedro Yunasán. At present it possesses that
estate and the estate of San Juan de Lian, which are administered by
the rector. With their products the college takes care of the support
of twenty-two collegiates, the house and food of the vice-rector and
masters, and the annual pay given to them and to the rector. They
also admit capistas who pay fifty pesos per year, and receive public
teaching therein in philosophy, rhetoric, and Latin. From the expulsion
of the Jesuits until the year 1777 this institution was closed.