The History of General de Jesus College
After World War II, the youth of San Isidro had nowhere to continue their secondary education. It was this need that inspired a group of devoted citizens: Paz Policarpio-Mendez, Soledad Medina, Francisco Narciso, Teofilo Abello, and Ricardo Odulio—to establish General de Jesus Academy.
The school was named after General Simeon de Jesus, a local hero and distinguished graduate of the Philippine Constabulary Academy (now the Philippine Military Academy), who was executed by the Japanese in Fort Santiago. His courage and integrity set the tone for the values the academy would uphold.
In June 1946, General de Jesus Academy opened in a rented house that had once belonged to the Moreno family. The school began modestly, with seven teachers and 255 students from first to fourth year.
For the next three decades, the academy focused on secondary education. But in 1978, responding to parents who could not send their children to Manila or Cabanatuan for college, the school launched its collegiate department, offering Liberal Arts as its first program.
General de Jesus College offers a wide range of programs, including Education, Business Administration, Accountancy, Hotel and Restaurant Management, Information Technology, and Computer Technology. The Pre-school and Elementary departments were also added in 1992, expanding the College’s service to the community.
In 1997, after 50 years of dedication to education, the academy was officially converted into a college when the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved the change in status. From humble beginnings, it has grown into a progressive institution recognized as one of the best in the province.
The College’s excellence has been repeatedly recognized. In 1992, it ranked 144th nationally and 24th regionally in the DECS Top 300 Performing Colleges and Universities for the Professional Board Examination for Teachers, placing second in Nueva Ecija.
Its high school department was named the Most Effective Private High School in the Division of Nueva Ecija in 1996, and the College has received five-year accreditation from the Association of Christian Schools, Colleges, and Universities – Accrediting Council, Inc. (ACSCU-ACI)
Today, General de Jesus College is a non-sectarian institution governed by a nine-member board. The current Chairman is Mr. Angelo S. Mendez, and the President/School Head is Jeffrey P. Franco, CPA, PhDBA, continuing the vision of the founders: to provide quality education and inspire generations of learners.
