Dominican College of Tarlac, Inc. (DCT), a distinguished institution of learning, traces its origins to the faith and vision of the late Fr. Mariano M. Sablay, Parish Priest of San Nicolas de Tolentino in Capas, Tarlac, in 1946.

In response to the increasing demand for secondary education in Capas, San Nicolas Academy (SNA) was founded on February 14, 1947, starting with 35 students in the first and second years. Classes were initially held at the old convent of the Parish Church. The academy held its first commencement exercises in March 1950, graduating 14 students.

In 1960, the Dominican Sisters assumed administration of the school with Sr. Rosalina Mirabueno, O.P., as Principal. This transition, along with the completion of the main building, facilitated an increase in student enrollment and the expansion of facilities. In 1967, SNA was renamed Dominican School, in honor of St. Dominic, the founder of the Order of Preachers. Over the years, various Dominican Sisters served as principals, including Sr. Ma. Rosalina Mirabueno, O.P., Sr. Ines Fider, O.P., Sr. Irene Lapus, O.P., Sr. Ma. Magdalena Olfato, O.P., Sr. Catalina Saligumba, O.P., Sr. Carmen Tiamzon, O.P., Sr. Loreto Penuliar, O.P., Sr. Catherine Cachero, O.P., Sr. Caridad Bayani, O.P., Sr. Marisor Fabros, O.P., and currently Sr. Ma. Alelee M. Masanque, O.P.

March 1973 marked the last commencement exercises under the Religious Missionaries of St. Dominic. Subsequently, the Daughters of St. Dominic, a diocesan congregation led by Bishop Jesus J. Sison, took over the school’s administration.

In 1980, Bishop Jesus Sison and Sr. Carmen Tiamzon, then Principal of Dominican School, envisioned expanding the school to offer tertiary education, better serving Capas and its neighboring communities. Initially offering typing classes, the college department gradually grew to offer courses such as Computer Secretarial, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Elementary Education, and Bachelor of Secondary Education. These courses received government recognition in 1985, 1997, and 1999, respectively. In 2005 and 2006, DCT received TESDA accreditation to offer programs in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Practical Nursing, and Contact Center Training, leading to a surge in college enrollment.

Achieving recognition from the Commission on Higher Education was challenging. However, through the efforts of Mrs. Remedios Briones, Dean of the College Department, and Sr. Caridad Bayani, DCT attained its current esteemed status.

From its modest beginnings with 35 students, DCT has grown to serve over 2000 students, supported by more than one hundred faculty, administration, and staff members. The institution was renamed Dominican College of Tarlac on April 20, 1999. It has received an “ABOVE STANDARD” rating from the Department of Education and the Fund for Assistance to Private Education (FAPE).

DCT takes pride in its increasing enrollment and its numerous accomplishments and achievements. The college has excelled in various interscholastic activities, winning honors at local, regional, and national levels in both public and private competitions.

To deliver quality education and enhance student achievement, DCT has developed an environment conducive to optimal learning. Teachers regularly attend seminars on new teaching strategies to improve their skills and meet educational standards. Parents are actively involved in their children’s education through Parents-Teachers Conferences (PTC) and summits.

DCT provides holistic training for its students by offering various clubs and organizations to develop and showcase their talents. The school is affiliated with numerous educational associations, including the Dominican Network of Schools, the Catholic Education Association of the Philippines, the Tarlac Diocesan Schools Association, the Association of Private Schools of Tarlac Province (APSTaP), the Private Schools Athletic Association, the Philippine Association for Teachers and Educators (PAFTE), and the Central Luzon Association of Higher Education Institutions (CLASSHEI), among others.

Spiritual growth is a top priority for DCT, with regular religious activities such as First Friday Masses, Holy Communions, confessions, retreats, Gospel readings, and other spiritual enrichments.

To date, DCT has reorganized its college offices to ensure better alignment of functions, establishing the Academic Affairs Office, Christian Formation Office, and Research, Planning, and Quality Assurance Office.

Dominican College of Tarlac (DCT) currently offers a comprehensive range of educational programs, including preschool, grade school, junior high school, and senior high school, as well as various tertiary education programs. These include Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED), Bachelor of Secondary Education with majors in English and Mathematics, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT), Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM), Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM), Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (A.B. Pol Sci), Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA), and Bachelor of Science in Criminology (BSCRIM).

The Dominican community, encompassing students, parents, teachers, administrators, service personnel, and alumni, is convinced that the institution’s past and present accomplishments and its ongoing commitment to excellence have laid a solid foundation for its role in producing quality graduates who will contribute to a transformed society. DCT is steadfast in its commitment to this mission.

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