History

Holy Family Academy is located at General Mariano Alvarez (GMA), Cavite. The parents of
GMA asked Rev. Fr. Nonilon B. Tibayan, who was serving as the parish priest, to build a parochial
school for their children. After several consultations, Fr. Noni as he was called by people founded
Holy Family Academy. He also served as the school director and principal. The school opened in
June 1992. The course offered was only Kindergarten. Most of the students during that time
were sons and daughters of church workers. The first teacher was Maria Paz Vacio, assisted by
Miss Milagrosa Molato. The following year, the primary course was offered that Fr. Noni hired
Miss Josephine Butin and Miss Estelita Latoja. Classes were held at the seminar hall of the parish.
Fr. Noni was inspired by the parents who clamored the parochial school which can help the
families in the inculcation of Christian values.
The school building was later constructed at 1,000 sq. m. lot owned by the parish located
at the west of the church. In 1996, the construction of the three-story building was finished. The
school building housed the Administration Office, the Accounting Office, the Guidance Room, the
Library, the Science Laboratory, the Home Economics Room, the Computer Room, and the
Canteen. In the same year, Fr. Noni opened the secondary course.
In 1997, Miss Alice Vista was hired as principal to help Fr. Noni. They employed 35 faculty
members because the enrollment increased every year. However, as years passed, the school
began to encounter some financial problems so that in the year 2003 - 2004, HFA was placed
under CADIPSA (Cavite Diocese Parochial Schools Administration) receivership. Mrs. Josefina M.
Liwanag, the principal of Father Michael Donoher Memorial School, was requested to assist in
the administration of the school. She together with Mrs. Elena Belardo tried to improve the
management of the school. Mr. Florinio Bejosano served as OIC from 2005 - 2008. In 2006, the
basketball court was constructed. The next year, a new canteen was built. The year after, the
school building was repainted. In summer 2009, the new comfort rooms were constructed near
the stage.
The Student Body Council was formed in the school year 2006 and the activity clubs were
introduced. Sr. Ma. Silvestra Orbigo, FMM gave spiritual formation to the teachers side by side
with continues input to the teachers to improve the quality of education and dedication to serve
the students of GMA.

Rev. Fr. Henrico Tagalog served as school director from 2007 - 2009 succeeded by Rev. Fr.
Ariel A. Delos Reyes from 2009 - 2015 while Rev. Fr. Honorato N. Naty was the school chaplain.
Mrs. Liwanag was asked by the late Rev. Fr. Redentor Corpuz to appoint an OIC for HFA for
he wanted the school to stand on its own but it would still be guided by the CADIPSA. In 2010,
Mrs. Joanne S. Sapon was appointed as the Head Teacher of HFA.
With the untimely death of Fr. Reddy in 2011, everyone was shocked. God is really good
that he has put someone to fill in the shoes of Fr. Reddy. Rev. Fr. Alain P. Manalo is now the
Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Imus. His dedication to helping small schools
gave courage to all teachers and staff especially in a small school like Holy Family Academy. Fr.
Alain planned for the improvement of the curriculum and instruction of all parochial schools in
the Diocese. He asked the school directors to send teachers to different seminars. Luckily seven
HFA teachers went to Cabanatuan to attend the CVIF-DLP seminar and met the Bernidos, who
championed the Dynamic Learning Program. Teachers saw the importance of writing in the
minds of the students.
For better development in curriculum and instruction, in the late quarter of 2011, it was
approved by all parochial schools that books will be centralized so that the funds that the
Superintendent's Office will get will be used for faculty development.
January 2012, when Fr. Alain together with Sir Bob, conducted the "Appreciation Visit" at
HFA. Fr. Alain talked to the parents, teachers, and students on what they want best in the school
and what will their recommendations to help the school improve.
School administrators went to Pagadian to witness how the parochial schools used DLP in
their instruction.
February 2012, Fr. Alain spearheaded the school directors to come up with one Vision -
Mission - Goal for CADIPSA. VESPA was organized. All stakeholders became part of CADIPSA
Vision-Mission-Goal. Accordingly, all schools now will have its standards when it comes to school
activities that all activities must be anchored by CADIPSA Vision-Mission-Goals.
In summer 2012, all teachers were asked to attend the seminar of UBD-DLP under the
supervision of Mrs. Debbie Y. Grafil. She trained teachers and asked them to come up with
common learning plans. June 2012, Fr. Alain started the MAED to teachers and administrators as
well as the LET review for teachers who were not Board passers. UST faculties were teaching
them. Luckily, one teacher of HFA passed the LET.
For the first time in HFA history, Parents' Orientation was headed by Fr. Alain. He
explained to parents the significance of DLP and portfolios in students' learning. Scientific shreds
of evidence were presented. Parents were enlightened on how the DLP will work on their child's
learning.

It was also in 2012 when DISAT was introduced. The grading and finance systems of the
schools were automated.
During the late quarter of 2012, Fr. Alain was really unstoppable. He wants to improve the
curriculum and instruction of parochial schools. He, together with school directors, invested so
much in teachers' training. Mrs. Grafil conducted the seminar on Standards-Based Assessment
(SBA). President Benigno Aquino signed the Republic Act 10533 or the Enhanced K to 12
Curriculum on May 15, 2013.
Summer of 2013, several seminars in Standards-Based Assessment (SBA), Central Visayan
Institute Foundation (CVIF) - Dynamic Learning Plan (DLP), UGAT, and Colloqium for teachers
were also conducted. Teachers were asked to come up with common learning activities.
Teachers were challenged by Fr. Alain to increase the school's population. Everyone
worked together to come up with a good marketing strategy. The teachers went house to house.
All teachers taught in barangay not only for promotion but also for making their summer vacation
fruitful. Fr. Norris, the school chaplain, also helped in promotion by engaging all students to be
part of the parish activities. He also told the parish workers to send their children to HFA. Fr. Ariel
gave tuition fee discounts to students who wanted to study at HFA but with a limited budget. The
entrance test was waived. With the collaborative effort of everyone, the school population
increased from 293, it is now 356.
Aside from curriculum and instruction, CADIPSA focuses also on administrators, teachers,
staff, and maintenance's formation. Several retreats are to be conducted. Even the parents have
their yearly Recollection as part of HFA formation to all her stakeholders. Parents were really
appreciative of the efforts conducted by the school, parish, and CADIPSA. They also suggested
having Parent-Child Recollection together so that they will be able to know what are in the heart
and minds of their children.
August 2014, HFA became a certified member of the Catholic Educational Association of
the Philippines (CEAP) which entitled the institution to the benefits and privileges given to the
member of the association.
JEEPGY ( Justice and Peace, Ecological Integrity, Engaged Citizenship, Poverty Alleviation,
Gender Equality, and Youth Empowerment), a new school program and leadership camp was
introduced to make the Holinians aware and concern in different issues of the society and
become better future leaders of their generation.
It was also the same year when HFA joined the GMA-ISA (General Mariano Alvarez Inter-
Secondary Sports Association). Fortunately, the Girls Basketball team, Elementary Badminton and
Table Tennis team won the champion.
October 2014, Sister Anna Haydee Librojo of Canossian Sisters was asked by Fr. Ariel to
conduct team building activities that guide teachers and administrators to come up with new and

compelling vision and mission statements. These were implemented in the school year 2015-
2016.
Before the start of the new school year, HFA continued to be blessed as more
opportunities come along on the school’s journey.
February 2015, Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC) visited the HFA to assess and
ensure the school’s compliance with the minimum standards set by the Department of
Education. After a month, PEAC granted the HFA a Certification Program for the incoming Grade
7 students after successfully met the requirements and standards.
April 2015, the Department of Education has already approved the application of HFA to
offer the Senior High School (SHS) Program for the school year 2016-2017. The school is given by
the government ample time to prepare for the coming school year and also to advertise and
market SHS Program in order to attract prospective students.
Summer 2015, selected high school faculty members attended the three-day INSET (In-
Service Training) by PEAC and now FAPE ( Fund for Assistance to Private Education) to update
teachers on the current trends of education particularly on the K to 12 standards.
June 2015, Most Rev. Reynaldo Evangelista, bishop of Cavite celebrated the opening
school mass for the entire CADIPSA school community. Rev. Fr. Alain Manalo and other priests
from the Diocese of Cavite concelebrated the June 1st mass. It was also announced the
CADIPSA's new name DICES (Diocese of Imus Catholic Educational System).
The opening of the school year 2015-2016 welcomed the coming of Rev. Fr. Eric M.
Orcullo, as the new school director and Rev. Fr. Marino Limbag as the new school chaplain.
PLC (Professional Learning Community) was introduced among DICES schools. PLC
highlights a culture that supports friendly collaboration and teacher leadership, along with their
active involvement and deep commitment to school improvement efforts.
This 2016, it is another remarkable year for HFA welcoming new programs, new logo, new
activities, new building, and new family members of the school.
The beginning of the year became very challenging yet inspiring for HFA. It was a great
privilege to host the most exciting event CADIPSAA (Cavite Diocesan Parochial School Athletic
Association) 2016 in the elementary division from January 11 to 12 at three different venues
simultaneously, HFA building and court, Brgy. Poblacion 5 Basketball Court and Webb Stadium.
The Sports for Peace was a successful two-day event which its primary purpose is realized by
promoting camaraderie and unity among the Catholic students.
January 11, Most Rev. Reynaldo G. Evangelista, together with Rev. Fr. Alain P. Manalo and
Rev. Fr. Eric Orcullo led the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the building of Holy
Family Academy. Mayor Walter D. Echevarria, town councilors, parents, and students were
invited to the site of the open field, the future new two-story classrooms.

February 2016, the coming of Saint Padre Pio's relics made the Holinians united in faith
once again. A warm welcome through mass and prayers were offered to praise St. Padre Pio.
Since the Department of Education has already granted HFA a Government Permit to
operate senior high school this upcoming school year, before the end of the school year until
summer various programs and activities were held in different nearby public schools to promote
the school's K-12 Program. This is just in time for the full implementation of the new K-12
Program. More specifically, the school has been granted permission to operate Academic Tracks
of the program. Under the Academic Track, HFA offers the GAs (General Academics), ABM
(Accountancy, Business, and Management), and HUMSS (Humanities and Social Sciences)
Strands.
The launch of the Holy Family Academy school logo took place at the opening of the
school year 2016-2017. The development of the new logo was innovated throughout extensive
input from students, staff, families, and school boards. It captures the HFA charism and reminds
us of the true meaning of the Holy Family, the school patron.
In mid-June, the new two-story building rose and was occupied by junior and senior high
school students. It was blessed by Rev. Fr. Eric Orcullo, the current school director.
During the Nutrition Month celebration in July, a fundraising activity was organized
through Zumba for a Cause, and eventually, the School Feeding Program was held in San Gabriel
III Elementary School. It provided a healthy lunch, feeding 164 Grade 1 pupils. Its journey forward
to form committed Christians continues by fundraising for charity and feeding programs.
October 2016, Parade of Saints was staged to celebrate All Saints' Day. It is an alternative
way from the secular practice of Halloween so it is named Holyween. HFA's activity was
endeavored at inculcating in children the love for Jesus Christ, the Holy Family, and the saints as
the real heroes of our world.
December 2016, a Holy Family altar was built in the vicinity of the school ground with the
help of the supportive P.T.A core group members. It was dedicated to the celebration of Family
Day. It will benefit the school for many years to come.
March 15, 2017, Most Reverend Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista D.D of Diocese of Imus
together with Rev. Fr. Eric Orcullo, the school director and Rev. Fr. Marino Limbag, the school
chaplain led the ceremonial mass and blessing of the new HFA building. School principals of
different DICES schools, PTA core group members, administrators, teachers, and students were
present to witness this auspicious event.
With the creation of the new school building, the school has a chemistry room, biology
room, and science laboratory.
Summer 2017, selected high school and senior high school teachers attended the yearly
three-day INSET (In-Service Training) for teachers by PEAC (Private Education Assistance

Committee). The training is designed to help identify and implement career advocacy activities
that will guide students in choosing career tracks and equip them with the necessary skills and
values.
In May 2017, all teachers were privileged to attend the CUP (Content Upgrading) in
different subject areas. It aims to develop the competencies of DICES (Diocese of Imus Catholic
Educational System) teachers as designers, assessors, and facilitators of learning as they deliver
the K to 12 standards-based curricula.
This school year 2017-2018, the enrolment continued to increase from 572 last school
year to its current population of 691 students. Also, it will be another exciting and remarkable
school year for HFA as it will celebrate its Silver Anniversary and 25 years of Catholic Education.
With regards to the facilities of HFA, a sport’s court – Volleyball court was built in the same year.
Alongside with this, 45 units of new computers were added in the Computer Laboratory to
improve the technological experience of the Holinians.
June 2017, a standards-based assessment tool developed by GRACE (Global Resources for
Assessment and Curriculum Evaluation) was introduced and administered to students from
Grades one to ten as pretest since it is the beginning of the unit and posttest will be given in
March. It is designed to measure the proficiency level of students in the competencies and
standards set by the Department of Education (DepEd) among these five major subject areas:
English, Mathematics, Filipino, Araling Panlipunan, and Science.
July 2017, Zumba for a Cause was continued to organize as one way to celebrate the
nutrition month together with the parents and students. The proceeds went to the Marawi War
victims, a five-month-long armed conflict in Marawi, Lanao Del Sur.
In celebration of the school’s Silver Anniversary, two holy masses started the most
anticipated event. In December 15th, a school mass was conducted by Most Rev. Reynaldo G.
Evangelista while a family mass was presided by Rev. Fr. Alain P. Manalo, superintendent of
Diocesan School on December 18th. It was also timely for Grand Alumni Homecoming that was
organized by the homecoming committee from different batches. The school alumni honored
the late Rev. Fr. Nonilon B. Tibayan, founder and pioneering school director of HFA. Alumni
graced the event starting from the pioneering batch to the most recent graduates of HFA which
made the celebration blissful and mottled. It was a simple celebration with huge success that
more are looking for a repeat homecoming, hopefully with a twofold attendance or more.
February 2018, the pilgrim relics of Marie Francoise Therese Martin or St. Therese of the Child
Jesus arrived at the HFA compound. The holy mass was presided by Fr. Eric M. Orcullo with the
theme: Salamat, St. Therese. It was followed by the blessing and distribution of roses. Public
veneration continued at HFA school ground to Holy Family Parish.

Summer 2018, Aralinks-Phoenix Publishing House Inc. presented Teachnology among the
faculty members and instructional technology integration program for innovative teaching and
effective learning through the use of television in the classroom and various software programs.
Its objective is to empower teachers to explore a wide range of possibilities in developing content
addressing 21st-century skills.
In the same year, an ecological garden was built as an addition to the school’s
environment beautification. Besides, another sport’s court was back – the Badminton court, for it
was repainted for the Physical Education activities of the students. Moreover, a Teacher’s Lounge
was built, a place where Holinian teachers can relax before or after their classes.
June 2018, it was another first in HFA history, hosted the Mass of the Holy Spirit that
attended by different DICES schools in Cavite. The mass was presided by Most Rev. Reynaldo G.
Evangelista, together with DICES superintendent Rev. Fr. Alain P. Manalo and different school
directors and chaplains. There were also different talks given to the faculty, staff, and other
school personnel for the preparation for the school year 2018-2019.
It is a tradition in which the DICES community gathers to thank God for the gifts of
creation and salvation and to seek guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit in the coming
academic year.
July 2018, a holy mass was celebrated led by Rev. Fr. Eric M. Orcullo with Rev. Fr. Alain P. Manalo,
as the school welcomed the coming of the new school director and assistant school chaplain,
Rev. Fr. Dominador C. Duroy. On the other hand, it also a way of giving thanks to Rev. Fr. Eric
Orcullo after three years of hard work and dedication for being a devoted school director and
father in the HFA community.
Soon after the academic year 2017-2018, an open canteen was built in 2019. This is an
additional space wherein students may eat together during their break time or lunchtime. On the
other hand, the Home Economics Room was renovated to improve the housework skills of the
students. A Parents’ Quarter was built, too, in order for the parents to have a waiting space for
their children and vice versa.
In January 2019, a historical event happened – Holy Family Academy got a high score of
3.02 in FAPE Recertification. At this remarkable point, HFA was recertified by FAPE and will be
recertified again for the next five years. This happening offered more ESC grantees of the school.
In the current year, the open stage of HFA was finally covered. This allowed the school to held
events even the rain was pouring.
On March 6, 2020, another religious and historical event occurred – the visit of St. John
Baptist de La Salle’s first-class relic. This momentous event strengthened the faith of the whole
Holy Family Academy community.

Undeterred by a constant evolution of knowledge and information, HFA ensures that her
students stay ahead by regularly updating the methods of instruction, upgrading the facilities and
equipment, and continuously developing the expertise of her faculty.
Since GMA is a relocation area, little by little, parents are learning that Catholic education
is a great help to mold their children. Albeit, some of HFA students are from dysfunctional
families, the school is trying to be a second parent to them. That is why HFA has this tagline, "The
school where your child finds a Home".
Throughout the school’s history, the school community has remained committed to
building a home for students. The school continues to support, challenge, and encourage her
beloved students. HFA is hopeful that in her own small way. She will be able to have students
who are God-loving and catalyst of change in society.