Address
Brgy. Dahican,
Mati, Philippines
Facebook Page: Colegio San Agustin – Mati
About the School
The establishment of Colegio San Agustin – Mati (CSA-Mati) and the San Agustin-Mati Community marks a significant milestone in the Augustinian mission in Mindanao, Philippines. This historical account traces the development of both the school and the religious community that administers it, highlighting their growth, contributions, and spiritual impact.
Founding of the San Agustin-Mati Community
The San Agustin-Mati Community, the second Augustinian community in Mindanao, was officially established as a regular house of the Order on December 13, 2010, following the approval of the Prior General and Council in Rome. Due to administrative delays, the Provincial Council of the Augustinian Province of Santo Niño de Cebu officially recognized the community during its meeting on February 8, 2011, setting March 1, 2011, as its official foundation date. The community’s inauguration, however, took place on May 26, 2011, coinciding with the blessing of the cornerstone for the friars’ residence. This event marked the beginning of the construction of facilities for the future Colegio San Agustin – Mati.
The establishment of the community was made possible through the support of the local bishop, Most Reverend Patricio Alo, DD, who played a pivotal role in inviting the Augustinians to Mati City, Davao Oriental. His unwavering support and encouragement were instrumental in the Order’s decision to establish a presence in the region. The pioneering members of the community included Fray Efren Obja-an, OSA, as the first local prior and treasurer; Fr. Alfonso Sedurifa, OSA, as sub-prior, sacristan, and director of vocations; and Rev. Ronald Siaga, OSA, as procurator and archivist-librarian.
The community’s location was made possible by the generosity of the Rabat-Gayta family, who donated ten hectares of land, and the University of San Agustin, which acquired the remaining ten hectares. This twenty-hectare property in Dahican, Mati City, became the foundation for the Augustinian mission in mainland Mindanao.
The Birth of Colegio San Agustin – Mati
The primary apostolate of the San Agustin-Mati Community is the administration of Colegio San Agustin – Mati, which offers basic education to students from Mati City and nearby towns in Davao Oriental. The school’s academic building was dedicated on June 17, 2013, marking a significant step in its development. Over the years, CSA-Mati has grown into a respected educational institution, providing quality education rooted in Augustinian values.
The school celebrated its first moving-up and commencement exercises on May 26 and 27, 2022, respectively. These events marked a significant achievement for the institution, as they were held physically for the first time despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The ceremonies included four pre-school students, 18 grade six students, 15 grade ten students, and 10 grade twelve students, symbolizing the school’s growth and commitment to nurturing young minds.
Expansion and Spiritual Contributions
The San Agustin-Mati Community has been actively involved in both educational and pastoral ministries. In addition to managing the school, the community has played a vital role in the spiritual life of the Diocese of Mati. The friars regularly celebrate Masses in various parishes and Basic Ecclesial Communities, sometimes presiding over two or three Masses on Sundays. They have also been instrumental in promoting devotion to the Santo Niño, organizing initiatives to spread this devotion throughout the diocese.
On April 20, 2023, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the construction of a new chapel at CSA-Mati. This chapel, intended to house the Santo Niño image donated by the Basilica del Santo Niño de Cebu, will serve as a place of worship for the school community and devotees. Fr. Antonio Nombrefia, OSA, School Director and Spiritual Director of the Cofradia-Mati Chapter, emphasized the chapel’s importance in fostering faith and devotion among the faithful.
Leadership and Future Directions
The community continues to thrive under the leadership of dedicated Augustinian friars. On August 12, 2024, Fr. Leo Mario F. Singco, OSA, was formally installed as Prior of the San Agustin-Mati Community by the Prior Provincial, Fr. Andrew P. Batayola, OSA. Joining him in the community are Fr. Elmer E. Ebol, OSA, Fr. Jan Mark Placido, OSA, and Fray Nemie Boy R. Cataluña, OSA. Together, they are entrusted with the educational and spiritual mission of CSA-Mati.
As of the 2023 Annual Assembly, the community reported a significant increase in student enrollment, from 147 during the pandemic to 216 in the current academic year. This growth reflects the school’s commitment to providing quality education and its growing reputation in the region.
The San Agustin-Mati Community and Colegio San Agustin – Mati stand as testaments to the Augustinian Order’s enduring mission of education, evangelization, and community service. From its humble beginnings in 2011 to its current role as a beacon of faith and learning in Davao Oriental, the community and school continue to uphold the values of unity, truth, and devotion to the Santo Niño. As they move forward, they remain committed to nurturing young minds, fostering spiritual growth, and contributing to the broader mission of the Church in Mindanao and beyond.
