On May 1, 1872, the sisters of charity opened, with the permission
of the vice-royal patron, the college of San José, in Iloílo, for
the instruction and education of girls. In doing this, they acceded
to the wishes expressed by some good Spaniards and some principal
citizens, and supplied a want in that capital. This college continued
in existence until 1877, when it was closed on account of the lack
of funds, as it had no funds but those derived from the fees of the
pupils, who were very few toward the end.
Fray Mariano Cortero, bishop of Jaro, availed himself of the
opportunity to call the sisters to his city, and placed the school
in their charge. A house was leased, and beside it a frame building
was constructed for school purposes, able to accommodate about 200
girls. Up to 1881, no boarding pupils were accepted, on account
of the lack of room; but later, at the request of some families,
some girls were admitted, the number of whom gradually increased to
50--too large a number for so small a house. This led to the necessity
of enlarging the building, which was done by raising the school roof,
and making an upper story, by which means a large and spacious room
was scoured as a dormitory for the girls, besides a beautiful chapel.
Instruction is divided into three classes--superior, secondary,
and primary. In the lowest class, reading and Christian doctrine
are taught. In the secondary class, Christian doctrine, reading,
writing, sacred history, and arithmetic are taught. In the superior
class, the reading of printed and written matter is taught, as well
as the writing of Spanish and English characters, geography, sacred
and profane history, and arithmetic, as well as piano for those who
wish. They are also instructed in the work of their sex--sewing,
embroidering, artificial flowers, etc.