Witnessing to the Word since 1960 — the oldest educational institution in Occidental Mindoro, nurturing generations of learners since 1945.
From a small post-war academy to a premier Catholic college — the story of DWCSJ spans over eight decades of faith, resilience, and academic excellence.
In 1945, visionary Atty. Gabriel Fabella and his partners founded Southern Mindoro Academy in Barrio Siete Central — the economic heart of Occidental Mindoro, then home to the first sugar mill in the Philippines. Classes opened on August 8, 1945 with 30 freshmen and 8 sophomores. In 1946, as people relocated to San Jose Pandurucan, the school moved to its current location on land acquired from the Soldevilla family.
In 1960, due to financial difficulties, SMA was acquired by the Society of the Divine Word (SVD). Fr. Carlos Brendel, SVD, purchased the school with instrumental assistance from Mr. Mena R. Quinto. Under SVD leadership, the school evolved into a full Catholic educational institution — eventually taking the name Divine Word College of San Jose — with a commitment to Christian values and holistic formation.
Over the following decades, DWCSJ steadily expanded its academic offerings: Diploma in Junior Secretarial (1978), BS in Accountancy (1993), Associate in Computer Science and Two-year Computer Secretarial (1997), and BS in Computer Science (2001). The school also established independent graduate programs in Master of Business Administration and MA in Education during the 1990s, and launched pre-elementary education in 1995.
Starting 2000–2001, DWCSJ expanded further with AB Communication, BSHRM, and BS Tourism. BS Nursing was added in 2005–2006, followed by BS Accounting Technology and BS Information Technology in 2009–2010. Today, DWCSJ stands as a premier Catholic institution in Occidental Mindoro, recognized for academic quality, Christian formation, and a vibrant campus community.
Guided by faith and driven by excellence — the pillars that define the DWCSJ community.
The Divine Word College of San Jose, a premier Catholic institution in Occidental Mindoro rooted in the Holy Triune God, is dedicated to the holistic development of the person.
To provide Christian quality education that promotes cultural sensitivity and global competence, forming students who are intellectually competent, socially responsible, and spiritually mature.
To attain Level One accreditation for basic education and college programs, ensuring quality standards are met across all academic departments.
Our community is shaped by three foundational values:
Since the SVD's acquisition in 1960, faithful leaders have guided DWCSJ with wisdom, dedication, and a servant's heart.