Our History
Over 80 Years of Nurturing Minds and Spirits
A Legacy of Faith and Learning: The History of T.R. Yangco Catholic Educational Institute
From the ashes of World War II, a beacon of hope for education was lit in San Antonio, Zambales. The war had interrupted the schooling of a generation eager to learn, and with no local secondary school, families had to send their children to distant towns. In a time of profound economic and emotional reconstruction, a group of visionary community leaders recognized that the education of the youth could not wait.
Humble Beginnings (1945 – 1958)
Driven by a shared purpose, a dedicated group established the first secondary school in San Antonio. The institution was named in honor of San Antonio’s famed philanthropist, Teodoro Rafael Yangco. The new T.R. Yangco High School (TYHS) began in a simple nipa hut, a humble structure that could not contain the immense enthusiasm of its first students.
After years of dedicated work, the school celebrated its first graduating class in April 1948. The early leadership included School Principal Mr. Zacarias Pascasio and School Director Mr. Antonio Apostol.
A New Chapter of Faith (1958 – 2008)
A pivotal moment arrived in 1958 when the Catholic Diocese of Iba took over the school's administration. The institution was renamed Teodoro Rafael Yangco Educational Institute (TRYEI). The transition to a Catholic institution was guided by new leaders like Fr. Vincent O'Brian.
In 1960, the Congregation of Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (CFIC/SFIC) were invited to serve as co-administrators. Mo. Constancia Villanueva, CFIC, became the principal for the graduating class of 1962. Over the next several decades, a succession of dedicated directors and SFIC principals, including Rev. Fr. Peter Kenny, Rev. Fr. O'Malley, Rev. Fr. Silverio Deltour, and Rev. Fr. Frank Minas, guided the school through significant growth.
As a growing Catholic institution, TRYEI faced challenges but was always supported by the community. The Parents, Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA) and even personnel from the U.S. San Miguel Base through “Operation Schoolhouse” helped the school thrive. On March 8, 2002, under the directorship of Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Jose Montes, the school officially became the Teodoro Rafael Yangco Catholic Educational Institute (TRYCEI). The SFIC sisters continued their service until 2007 with Sr. Rosal Toquilar, SFIC, as principal under School Director Rev. Fr. Josefino Corpuz.
A New Home and New Leadership (2008 – Present)
In 2008, the Dominican Sisters of St. Joseph were invited to become co-administrators, beginning their service with the graduating class of 2009 under Principal Sr. Susana B. Bundoc, O.P.. This era saw the realization of a long-held dream: a permanent, modern campus. On September 8, 2011, a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the new site in Barangay San Juan, led by then-School Director Rev. Fr. Raymann G. Catindig.
The school continued to expand, launching its Senior High School program for the K-12 curriculum and embracing technological advancements. The Dominican Sisters of St. Joseph faithfully served the school until 2019, with their final principal for that period being Sr. Mary Rose G. Alejo, O.P..
A new milestone was marked during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic, as TRYCEI welcomed its first lay principal, Mr. Jayson O. Delgado, MA CDDS, whose leadership began with the graduating batch of 2021.
Today, under the guidance of the DIEFI Superintendent, Most Rev. Bartolome G. Santos Jr., DD, and School Principal Mr. Jayson O. Delgado, MA CDDS, T.R. Yangco Catholic Educational Institute, Inc. continues its journey. From a single nipa hut built on faith and determination, it has grown into a dynamic institution committed to providing an effective, Christ-centered education, equipping learners with the values and skills needed to become competent, globally-aware Filipino citizens.