It was more providential that the town of Valencia, Negros Oriental became a mission center under the unselfish dedication of the Augustinian Recollect missionaries. The year 1904 saw the opening of the parochial school originally meant for children. The daring investment of time and talent of the Augustinian Recollect Fathers in Christian education soon earned the trust of the populace. The then Mayor and Parish Pastoral Council President, Rodolfo Gonzales, Sr., represented the Valencianons in their appeal to the higher authorities of the Order of Augustinian Recollects that a Catholic institution be established in their town. It was on August 3, 1963 that San Pedro Academy was given permit by the Bureau of Education to operate a Secondary Education Curriculum through the initiative of its first Director, Rev. Fr. Pedro Ko, OAR. On her first year of operation, only the First and Second Year Curricula were offered, with only one hundred seventeen students supervised by the pioneering educators, namely, Mr. Narciso F. Samson, Mrs. Herania G. Samson, Ms. Rosario D. Desiar, and Mr. Alberto Hofileña. A year after, the Third Year Curriculum started. Enrolment increased to one hundred fifty students. Complete secondary course was in full swing during the school year 1965-1966, with two hundred-four enrollees. In 1968-1969, San Pedro Academy opened a secondary evening school and offered college courses like Liberal Arts, Collegiate Secretarial Course, and Commerce. However, the collegiate level did not last long because of the continuous increase of the number of secondary school students. In 1987-1988, the management of the school was turned over to the Congregation of the Augustinian Recollect Sisters until the end of the school year 1999-2000.
After the administration of the Augustinian Recollect Sisters, the OAR Fathers took over the administration the school. When Rev. Fr. Reynaldo E. Jaranilla, OAR became the Director, he renovated the school to address the posing danger of the dilapidated building and incorporates in the curriculum the technological advancement of information technology. During the time of Rev. Fr. Ronel P. Gealon, OAR, through the approval of the School Board, opened the Kindergarten School was opened which until now operates.
San Pedro Academy, as it turned 50 years in 2013, strongly carries the baton of being a dedicated school to the Valencianons and its nearby places which continues to render service of being a true Catholic Institution. It holds true and faithful to the ideals and vision of the Order under the Secretariat of Educational Apostolate through Caritas et Scientia. The school proves its relevance, effectiveness, and efficiency in imparting quality Christian Education to the people of Valencia and its different stakeholder. She continues to develop plans and value-innovative programs to cater to the growing needs of the society. Her constant collaboration with the government agencies proves her total commitment to enhance the educational excellence of SPA. She holds to instill in the students the Augustinian Recollect charism in the Educational apostolate.
When Rev. Fr. Sixto M. Bitangjol, OAR was elected as the Directed of San Pedro Academy, the “Rambones Festival” was launched, and the Athletic Symbol was created known as “Petrinian Cockerels.” The launching of the Golden Anniversary was materialized together with the different activities of the golden anniversary. Various activities were realized to give significance as SPA celebrates its golden moments as an institution in Valencia.
From the day it was established until the present, SPA has become a humble and unspoken agent in the uplift of the quantity of life of the people, of the town, and of the parish. She has produced countless distinguished alumni who become successful in their own fields and disciplines and have proven themselves to be value-laden, God-fearing and principled members of the Church and society.
Vuela San Pedro! Soar High Recoletos!