HISTORY
The humble beginnings of Immaculate Conception Cathedral School (ICCS) trace back to 1964, when Rev. Fr. Francis Kutscher’s vision for a dream school began to take shape. Initially established as the Immaculate Conception Parish School, it catered to 83 pupils under the leadership of Fr. Kutscher as the first school director and Miss Martina Reyes as the first principal and teacher. The school’s vision was summarized in its first logo, which symbolized the three Marian virtues—Charity, Purity, and Humility. These foundational steps laid the groundwork for ICCS’s enduring commitment to providing quality Catholic education.
The rapid growth of ICPS was like a small seed flourishing into a towering tree. By 1974, this progress was evident with the construction of a four-story building connected to the main structure. The leadership transitions from Rev. Fr. Alfred Reyes, SVD in 1972, to Rev. Fr. George Hardwart, SVD in 1975, and Rev. Fr. Liberato Fernandez, SVD in 1978, continued to advance the school’s mission of nurturing young minds to become not only knowledgeable but also men and women of value.
In 1966, the construction of an additional building signified another milestone for ICPS, solidifying its commitment to quality Catholic education. This vision became even more tangible under the guidance of religious sisters who served as school principals, including Sr. Salutacion Dolotina, S.SPS, Sr. Esperanza Cabanos, S.SPS, and Sr. Emilia Viado, S.SPS. The graduation of the first Grade 7 batch in 1972 marked a new chapter of hope for the school in shaping the future of its students.
By 1981, the school’s ardent desire to establish a high school became a reality through the efforts of Rev. Fr. Kutscher, Rev. Fr. Liberato Fernandez, and Sr. Laurentine Baraquerro, S.SPS. Sr. Elenita Frez, S.SPS, oversaw the graduation of the first high school batch, and government recognition for offering a complete secondary curriculum followed two years later. These achievements highlighted the collaborative efforts of the school community in turning a simple dream into reality.
In subsequent years, the school’s administration transitioned to diocesan priests. Under the leadership of Msgr. Reynald Celso as the first Diocesan School Director and Fr. Clem Ignacio as Assistant Director, the school envisioned organizational restructuring and increased enrollment. With the appointments of Mrs. Bienvenida Roxas as High School Principal, Ms. Rossy Pineda as Grade School Acting Principal, and Sr. Lydia B. Dionisio, FDNSC, as Assistant Directress, academic policies were realigned to meet the demands of progress in education.
The school continued to evolve with remarkable developments, including the opening of a nursery level in 1995 under Mrs. Remedios Ayunon and the completion of the audio-visual building in the high school department. In 1999, the cornerstone for a proposed five-story building was laid. These projects reinforced ICCS’s commitment to quality Catholic education, allowing it to withstand challenges while delivering meaningful contributions to the community.
The early 2000s marked significant changes for ICCS, including the appointment of Msgr. Daniel Sta. Maria as the new School Director and Dr. Ferdinand G. Garcia as the High School Principal. In 2003, His Excellency Most Rev. Bishop F. Honesto Ongtioco, D.D., became the Bishop of Cubao, and the school was officially renamed from ICPS to ICCS (Immaculate Conception Cathedral School). By 2005, the government had recognized its Special Education program. In 2008, a gymnasium was constructed, and the school’s Vision-Mission-Goals (VMG) were reformulated in 2009, further solidifying ICCS’s reputation as a progressive Catholic institution.
Under the leadership of Msgr. Alfonso Bugaoan as School Director and Rev. Fr. Raymond Joseph L. Arre as Assistant Director, the concept of a unified educational system within the Diocese of Cubao (DOCES) began to materialize.
ICCS embraced new opportunities in 2016 by opening its gates to Senior High School with an Academic Track, providing free education to many students from public schools. Its commitment to academic excellence was affirmed with the attainment of PAASCU Level 1 accreditation in 2018 under the leadership of Dr. Ferdinand G. Garcia. This achievement was followed by Level 2 accreditation in 2023, led by Ma. Teresa Sandoval, DEM, who was appointed as school principal in 2022. Guided by its patroness, the Immaculate Conception, the school successfully navigated challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
On December 11, 2024, the gymnasium was renamed the Bishop Ongtioco Activity and Athletic (BOAA) Center. Bishop Honesto Ongtioco, D.D., was succeeded by Bishop Elias L. Ayuban Jr.,CMF, D.D. as Bishop of Cubao and Chairman of the DOCES Board of Trustees in the same year.
Today, under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Raymond Joseph L. Arre as school director, ICCS has grown from a modest mission school into a thriving academic institution in the Diocese of Cubao. While the school has changed physically and demographically over six decades, it remains steadfast in its mission to seek Jesus through Mary: Ad Jesum per Mariam.
The infrastructure improvements and achievements of ICCS are a testament to its development and the dedication of its community. Inspired by its rich history and enduring faith, ICCS continues its journey toward excellence and service, fostering a shared direction for all its members.
