History
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Pioneering PeriodFoursquare Bible College, Romblon Campus Inc. was conceived in the very heart of God before the foundation of the world. in the year 1971, a dedicated man from Odiongan, Romblon by the name of Pastor Domingo Familara received a vision from God seeing many students coming out of a school, Odiongan Foursquare Bible College (now, Foursquare Bible College, Romblon Campus Inc.). Having that vision, he consistently prayed that it would come to pass.
As the fervor of that vision burns in his heart, he approached Rev. Phillip Starr, the General Supervisor of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in the Philippines (now Church of the Foursquare Gospel in the Philippines), about the vision and he got a positive response. Both of them prayed and saw God's hand in bringing about that vision into reality. In 1976, Rev. Garry Loop, a missionary in Hong Kong, took his vacation in Manila. He was invited by Rev. Domingo Familara to visit churches in Romblon-Mindoro District, where he is serving as the District Supervisor. As the tour the vast area, Rev. Loop was burdened by the fact that there are few workers tending for the flock. This paved the way for Rev. Familara to share his vision of opening a Bible School in Odiongan which would provide adequate and sound biblical training for those who are called to a full-time Christian ministry. The directorship was offered to Rev. Loop, who at first is reluctant because he was not prepared for this kind of ministry. However, after a dialogue with his wife, Johnell, and through fervent prayers and seeking God's will, Rev. Garry Loop accepted the challenge to direct the Bible School in Odiongan. The plan has been made to open a Bible School in Odiongan and through the recommendation of the General Supervisor, Rev. Phillip Starr, and the Director of the Department of Advanced Christian Education, Rev. Dr. Felipe Ferrez, Odiongan Foursquare Bible College was chartered by the National Board of the Church of the Foursquare Gospel in the Philippines in 1977. Arrangement was made with the Rev. Jose Danganan, the Senior Pastor of Odiongan Foursquare Gospel Church, to use the Sunday School Annex of the church as the venue of Bible School classes. To house the incoming students, the whole house of Dr. and Mrs. Ben Irao was used as dormitory for both men and women but because the enrollment rose every year, it was transferred to the residences of Atty. and Mrs. Sydicious F. Panoy and Mr. and Mrs. Erasto Elizaga. As the school population increases, it became apparent that a further expansion program would be alunched. Dr. and Mrs. Ben Irao donated their lot in Poctoy, Odiongan, Romblon to be the venue for the new school facility. The lot that the Irao's donated need to be leveled because it is situated in the foot of the hill. Through the inspiration of Rev. Familara, some of the brethren from Foursquare Churches in Odiongan, Tulay, Pato-o, Amatong, Limon, Clabasag (now, Libertad), Panique, San Andres, Linawan, Anahao, and Looc sacrificially gave their strength and resources in preparing the school ground. The building construction started during the administration of Rev. Loop. As the ministry continued in growth, the Loops made a furlough in 1978. Rev. James Carl Kingsbury took the responsibility of directing the College. It was a great task for Revs. Kingsbury and Familara to finish the school building and in June 1979, the school building was finished with three classrooms, one office, and dormitory facilities for men and women.This is made possible through the help faithful brethren in the United States and local churches within the Romblon-Mindoro District.Due to the distinct call of God to every minister, Rev. Kingsbury returned to the United States after a year and the directorship was resumed by the Loops. The pioneer teachers who served together with the Loops during this period are Rev. Jose Danganan, Rev. Luningning Magnaye-Manuel, Mrs. Anita Acha, Rev. Macy Leano-Lansangan, Mrs. Librada Ferriol-Rio, Mrs. Eunice Madriaga, Ptr. Samson Mores, Ptr. Lito Rufon, and Prof. Ludy Faulan. Ptr. and Mrs. Virgilio Fajarito, Rev. Celso Selodio, Rev. Florida Selodio, Rev. Marilyn Joyel, Rev. Rolado Forcado, Rev. Norberto Doromal, and Mrs. Anita Alcantara joined the staff later on. Period of NationalizationIn the history of the evangelical movement in the Philippines, the Church of the Foursquare Gospel in the Philippines in one of such denominations who took the lead in nationalizing its leadership. Although Filipinos played important roles in the inception of the College, its administration is being filled by American missionaries.
In 1982, Rev. Roberto Maglicyang took over the directorship of the College. During his time, the college experienced exponential growth. Students from the islands of Palawan, Panay, Masbate, Mindoro, and Luzon come to the college to study theology and take ministerial training. Bachelor of Theology program was first offered during his directorship. Rev. Maglicyang served as the College as its director for thirteen years until he was called to serve as the Supervisor of the Romblon-Aklan District. During his administration, an extension to the school building was constructed that houses a library room and additional offices through the aid made by the Church Assistance Program of the Church of the Foursquare Gospel in the Philippines. Additional teachers were sent by the Lord do the labor in the College are Ptr. Eldon Talamisan, REv. Lolia Gadon, Rev. Erma Fabito, Mrs. Blessie Famini-Fortu, Ptr. Larry Pasig, Mrs. Flor Supetran, Ms. Joy Butal, Mrs. Lina Felia-Dalisay, and Rev. Job Baliguat. Period of ExpansionRev. Lolia Gadon took over the leadership of the College in 1995. The College grew in size and influence as relevant programs and activities were made that sought to answer the needs of the church and community not only within the district and Foursquare family but also to various christian denominations. Further development of the school facilities were made especially the construction the Almond-Flanagan Multi-Purpose Hall, Ganan Memorial Library, and a basketball court. These are made possible through the help of Drs. Greenbrier and Araceli Almond, the Ganan Family, the Irao's, Atty. Bernie Fondevilla, and local churches within the Romblon-Aklan District.
Sensing the Lord's leading for another facet of theological education, the College started to open extension classes in Boracay Island (Aklan), Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Batangas, and different municipality in Romblon province. Many of its recent graduates come from these extension centers while strengthening its programs and activities in the main campus. Scholarship programs are also available. Scholarships such as the Atty. Nemesio and Maria Ganan Scholarship, Dr. Wilson Lee Scholarship, United Foursquare Women Scholarship, and grants from concerned believers are available for deserving students. With relevance and keeping pace with time in mind, the College applied for registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2012 and was approved in July 05, 2013. Consequently, papers was processed with the Department of Education (DepED), Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) were made. Currently, the College is made up of three departments: Pre-School Department, Bible School Department, and Graduate School Department. |