Holy Family Academy: A Century of Faith, Excellence, and Service in Angeles City
Nestled in the heart of Angeles City, Pampanga, Holy Family Academy (HFA) stands as a beacon of Catholic education, blending tradition with modernity. Established on August 20, 1906, by Fr. Pablo Gamboa, HFA began as the city’s first parochial school, offering primary education with the support of lay teachers and community contributions .
A Legacy Rooted in Faith
In 1910, the Augustinian Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation took over the administration, renaming it Colegio de la Sagrada Familia. By 1922, the Missionary Benedictine Sisters assumed leadership, reestablishing the institution as Holy Family Academy. Their guiding principle, “Ora et Labora” (Prayer and Work), became the school’s enduring motto .
Growth and Expansion
Responding to the growing needs of the community, HFA reopened its high school department in 1961, initially for girls. By 1987, the school embraced co-education, welcoming both boys and girls from kindergarten through high school. To accommodate increasing enrollment, a new high school campus was established in Barangay Cutcut, featuring modern facilities like the Pedro Calungsod Building, audio-visual centers, and a covered court .
Academic Excellence and Accreditation
HFA’s commitment to quality education is evident in its dual accreditation by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) for both its grade school and high school departments . As a non-stock, non-profit institution under the Archdiocese of San Fernando, the academy is also affiliated with the Association of Archdiocesan and Parochial Schools of Pampanga (AAPSP), the Association of Benedictine Schools (ABS), and the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) .
Embracing Modern Challenges
In 2014, HFA adopted the K-12 curriculum, and by 2016, it inaugurated a dedicated Senior High School building to cater to Grades 11 and 12 students . During the COVID-19 pandemic, the academy swiftly transitioned to online learning platforms, ensuring uninterrupted education for its students .
Notable Alumni
HFA takes pride in its alumni who have made significant contributions to society. Carlos “Caloy” Tayag, a Benedictine deacon and activist, is honored at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani for his resistance during the martial law era . Another distinguished alumnus, Bishop Victor Ocampo, served as the Bishop of Gumaca until his passing in 2023 .
A Community Pillar
Beyond academics, HFA fosters a sense of community and service. Its students, known as “Familians,” are encouraged to engage in various outreach programs, embodying the school’s mission to form committed Christians dedicated to service and excellence .