The schools of Notre Dame in General Santos City hold a special place in the hearts of every alumnus. These are the spaces where faith was deepened, character was shaped, and lifelong friendships were formed. More than just institutions, they are the starting point of countless personal journeys, filled with memories that continue to inspire.
Notre Dame Schools in GSC
The schools of Notre Dame in General Santos City hold a special place in the hearts of every alumnus. These are the spaces where faith was deepened, character was shaped, and lifelong friendships were formed. More than just institutions, they are the starting point of countless personal journeys, filled with memories that continue to inspire.
Notre Dame of Dadiangas University
Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU) is a Catholic institution founded in 1953 by the Marist Brothers of the Schools (FMS) in General Santos City. Initially established as Notre Dame of Dadiangas, it began by offering basic education and progressively expanded to include tertiary programs. In 2006, it was granted university status, becoming Notre Dame of Dadiangas University. As a member of the Notre Dame Educational Association and grounded in Marist values, NDDU is committed to holistic education that integrates faith, academic excellence, and service. It continues to form individuals who lead with integrity, compassion, and a deep sense of social responsibility.
Notre Dame Siena College of General Santos City
Notre Dame–Siena College of General Santos City (ND‑SCGSC) is a Catholic institution administered by the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena. Its roots trace back to 1953, with the establishment of Catholic education in the area by the Marist Brothers. In 1958, the Dominican Sisters took over the girls’ department, marking the beginning of what would become ND‑SCGSC. Officially incorporated as Notre Dame of General Santos City, Inc. in 2000, the institution underwent a significant transformation in 2008 with the merging of two Notre Dame campuses. It was then renamed Notre Dame–Siena College of General Santos City. Guided by the Dominican motto, “Passion for Truth and Compassion for Humanity,” the college continues its mission of providing quality, values-based education rooted in academic excellence, evangelization, and servant leadership.
Notre Dame Our Mother
Notre Dame, our mother
Tender, strong and true
Proudly in the heavens
Gleams thy Gold and Blue
Glory’s mantle cloaks thee
Golden is thy fame
And our hearts forever
Praise thee, Notre Dame
And our hearts forever
Love thee Notre Dame
Notre Dame Hymn
We stand today for our Notre Dame
Loyal and true we’ll always remain
And as the years go passing by
We’ll keep high our banner in the sky
We’ll work for God and our Philippines
Proud of our flag and all that it means
We’ll always love thy glorious name
For our country and Notre Dame
Hail, hail to our Notre Dame
Open your hearts and praise be her name
And as the clouds come rolling by
We know that our smile can keep us high
We’ll fight our best to win over all
Trying to lead in big things and small
Win or lose will hold thy name
With honor to Notre Dame
OUR ALMA MATER: HISTORY OF OUR SCHOOL AND HOW OUR SCHOOL GOT ITS NAME
by Prima Guipo Hower
When the Oblate Fathers celebrated its Silver Jubilee in the Philippines in 1964, there was an article submitted to the Canadian Catholic Conference Information Service entitled “It’s All In The Name”. It read,
“Canadian-born Fr. Gerard Mongeau discussed the question of a name for the school in Cotabato City with his fellow Oblates, all of whom were Americans. They decided promptly and unanimously, to call it ‘Notre Dame’ after the famed University in South Bend Indiana. A tremendous spirit of unity developed among all the Notre Dame padres, students and their parents.”
Today, the Notre Dame Educational Association (NDEA) is one of the best-known regional schools in the Philippines. The tremendous NOTRE DAME SPIRIT lives on, something we share with Regis “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” Philbin and Joe Montana.
The Notre Dame Schools supply the majority of the manpower that runs Gen. Santos City on oiled wheels–from its Mayor and city council, its judges and doctors, its sales clerks and business owners, bank managers and taxi drivers, educators and nurses. For over fifty years, our Alma Mater contributed greatly to the increased literacy rate of the city, one of the highest in the nation, thanks to the Missionaries like the Oblate Fathers and OND Sisters, Passionist Fathers, Marist Brothers, and Dominican Sisters.
In 1947, the Oblate Fathers led by Rev. Frank McSorley, OMI (who later became the Bishop of Jolo) opened the first high school in Lagao Settlement. Fr. Joseph Milford, OMI was its first director. Its Mother school–Notre Dame of Lagao founded in 1947–celebrated its Golden Anniversary in 1997. In 1952, the Marist brothers led by Bro. Joseph Damian Teston, FMS took over the management of the high school. Now there are three Notre Dame High Schools, five Notre Dame Elementary Schools, and a college.
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