On June 8, 2024, the Holy Cross College (HCC) community proudly named each of its buildings in honor of visionary leaders who, through their dedication and hard work, have transformed the institution into what it is today. Each building now bears the name of a leader who has significantly shaped HCC’s history.
This event was the culmination of a long-term effort initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has finally come to fruition with the dedication of our school buildings. This effort was spearheaded by Mr. Benjie B. Nolasco and supported by Mr. Mark Joshua C. Lansangan, Mr. Jorge G. Lumbang, Ms. Jaramie G. Manalaysay, Mr. Arden C. Cabugos, Mr. Jerwin C. Recitas, Mr. Jeffrey T. Lasangan, and Ms. Rose Anne M. Balagtas, under the guidance of Dr. Leticia D. Flores. The dedication of our school buildings was even approved through a board resolution.
The day commenced with a solemn Eucharistic celebration officiated by Rev. Fr. Eric Ollague, OFA, held at the Audio-Visual Room. During his homily, he emphasized, “Napakahalaga ng pangalan, napakahalaga ng identity, Amen. Lahat tayo ay may pangalan upang tayo ay ma-identify. Sa araw na ito, papangalanan ninyo ang mga building at ang pagpapangalan ay binibigyan ng simbolo ng mga nagtaguyod ng institusyon.”
The event also fostered a sense of unity and pride, beginning with a dignified Entrance of Colors and a moving rendition of the National Anthem and the Holy Cross College Anthem. President Mr. Elmer H. Nucum delivered a heartfelt welcome address, followed by AVP presentations recognizing the six dedicatees whose names would forever grace our school buildings.
Cultural performances by our students added to the festive atmosphere. Expressions of appreciation poured in from administrators, students, and dedicated family members, reflecting deep gratitude for the contributions of these leaders. The highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of markers, each bearing the name of a dedicatee, signifying their enduring impact on Holy Cross College. Ms. Antonia H. Dizon, Msgr. Fernando C. Lansangan, Atty. Alfredo A. Narciso, Atty. Feliciano G. Dizon, Sr., Mrs. Jocelyn N. Balatbat, and Archbishop Emeritus Paciano B. Aniceto were honored for their profound influence on education and community development.
The day concluded with a social lunch at the SHS-AVR, providing attendees an opportunity to reflect and share memories. The Naming of Buildings Ceremony not only celebrated these individuals’ legacies but also reinforced Holy Cross College’s commitment to nurturing excellence and honoring those who have shaped its history. As attendees walked outside HCC, they were reminded of the legacies that extend beyond stone.
Msgr. Fernando Capati Lansangan Building
The administration building is now named after Msgr. Fernando Capati Lansangan, affectionately known as Apung Bipo. Admired by generations of students for his commitment to education, Apung Bipo founded Holy Cross Academy in Santa Ana in 1945 and Holy Cross Academy in Santa Rosa in 1946. Dr. Raquel T. Sta. Ines expressed gratitude on behalf of the Choceco and Lansangan families, stating, “We are very happy and proud that this administration building will be named after him. Thank you very much.”
Atty. Alfredo Amarante Narciso Building
The elementary building honors Atty. Alfredo A. Narciso, known as Apung Edo, the first president and executive director of Holy Cross College. His support for education and dedication to the institution’s expansion have left a lasting legacy. Ms. Nadine Narciso Dizon, one of his grandchildren, shared memories of her grandfather’s pride in his native Kapampangan language, reflecting on how the institution has grown from a simple structure into the college it is today. “Lolo would have been greatly pleased to see the dreams of the pioneers of this institution realized,” she added. “How fitting that his name would be on the elementary school building, where the seeds of faith-based spiritual and moral values, community service, and excellence begin to grow.”
Atty. Feliciano Gamboa Dizon, Sr. Building
The college building is dedicated to Atty. Feliciano G. Dizon Sr., a distinguished lawyer and passionate supporter of education. During the dedication ceremony, Ms. Delilah Herrera, representing her uncle, Atty. Dizon Sr., spoke of his inspiring and caring nature. “On behalf of our family, we are deeply honored that Holy Cross College is recognizing the contributions of Atty. Feliciano Gamboa Dizon Sr.,” she shared. “He held so much hope for the students of Holy Cross. We are proud to see the institution he cherished continue to grow and its students flourish.”
Jocelyn Pabalan Narciso Balatbat Building
The Learning Resource Center Building is now named after Jocelyn Pabalan Narciso Balatbat, known as Iding, in recognition of her as a champion of culture and the arts. Her philanthropic endeavors and commitment to the community reflect the values that Holy Cross College instills. Her daughter, Jocelyn Balatbat De Guzman, shared that Mrs. Balatbat valued education deeply. “Growing up, our mom always pointed out that her dream was to see all seven of us finish our degrees. She was even willing to help our household staff pursue their education.”
Antonia Henson Dizon Building
The Junior High School Building is named after Antonia H. Dizon, known as Apung Nena, for her lifelong commitment to education. As a principal and teacher, she encouraged numerous students to pursue greatness and contribute to society. Ms. Chloe Angelli C. Tayag, her youngest grandchild and a student at Holy Cross College, shared, “My Lola was the first principal of Holy Cross Academy and treated teaching as a lifelong vocation. She was a devout Catholic, a disciplinarian, and meticulous in her work. She helped develop talented and successful professionals in various fields.”
Archbishop Paciano Basilio Aniceto Building
The Senior High School Building is named after Archbishop Paciano Basilio Aniceto, known as Apung Ceto. This building honors his extraordinary journey from student to renowned figure in Pampanga. Mr. Simus Aniceto, a relative of Apung Ceto, said, “As a student, I would be inspired to strive for excellence, knowing that these great contributors of talents and goodwill in our Kapampangan culture and society once studied in the same institution where I am today.”
The story of Holy Cross College’s remarkable and transformative journey is truly inspirational. What once was a single classroom beside the Santa Ana Parish Church, formerly known as Holy Cross Academy, has now become a college campus with six buildings that house classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and administrative offices.
With nearly 6,000 students, Holy Cross College (HCC) has earned the reputation of being “the school with a heart.” HCC has established itself as the premier provider of quality education in Eastern Pampanga, embodying the core values of Fides, Caritas, and Libertas, and serving as a catalyst for community development.
Indeed, Holy Cross College is a beacon of quality education, a testament to growth, and the pursuit of excellence. From modest beginnings, a legacy was built—a legacy that is more than just stone. As Holy Cross College continues to grow and thrive, its unwavering dedication to providing quality education and transforming the lives of the youth remains constant.