New Era University - General Santos City Branch, began in 1994 when the Iglesia Ni Cristo Executive Minister, Brother Eraño G. Manalo granted the request of the brethren in South Cotabato for the establishment in the region of a non-sectarian school that offers quality education. The brethren firmly believed that New Era University can deliver this need.
In June 1994, at a small lot located at Block 1, Dadiangas Heights, General Santos City opened its doors to the youth of this City by offering complete pre-school education (nursery, kindergarten and preparatory). The initial enrolment was 83. The school was headed by Jesselyn B. Miranda as the Officer-in-Charge, with Marilou M. Acuzar as Registrar, Lilia G. Bantonore as Guidance Counselor, Delia V. Vergano as Librarian, Dr. Froilan T. De Castro as Medical Officer, Jecrima P. Del Mundo as Medical Aide and Rosalito Z. Janeo as Security Officer.
In July 1994, Dr. Corazon C. Osorio, the President of New Era University during that time, visited and led the inaugural ceremony of NEU-GSC Branch. This historic event was attended by other University officials; Dr. Lydia L. Libinao (Dean of the College Education), and Brother Tanny Acut, then INC District Supervising Minister of Cotabato South, who also served as the Branch's Spiritual Adviser.
With the continuous support of the Church's Administration the school grew in number in the following years of its operation. Because of this development, the school administrators felt the pressing need for a bigger area to accommodate the academic and curricular activities of the pupils. Because of this, the University Officials allowed the transfer of the Branch to a more conducive facility. This was in the form of a newly-constructed building owned by Bro. Alfredo and Sis. Leonila Ricafort located at Purok Malakas, Barangay San Isidro, also in General Santos City. This rented edifice was composed of 10 classrooms, a library, a room for Home Economics classes, and an office for the Principal.
Another milestone in the history of the branch was the opening of the Secondary Education Program (First Year to Third Year) during the School Year 1997-1998. This development prompted the administration of the Branch to look for additional classrooms for the high school students. A three-room commercial building owned by Bro. Efren Manasala was rented to accommodate the three sections of the high school. Three teachers were added to the roster of the Branch's faculty.
Because of the steady growth of the school, the Church Administration decided to search for a piece of land strategically positioned in the community to serve as permanent location of the school. In few months, the school purchased a half hectare lot few meters away from the rented edifice. Afterwards, the School Administration constructed the new and permanent school building and before the opening of School Year 1998-1999, the new School Building was inaugurated.
The inauguration was held on June 5, 1998. Present also during that event were Brother Romil Angeles, District Supervising Minister, and some dignitaries from the Department of Education, Division of General Santos City. The Officer-in-Charge then was Sis. Lilia G. Bantonore, and later on, Sis. Ofelia I. Tandiama, a former Supervisor of DECS in the Division of General Santos City was appointed as School Principal. The school then had 482 enrollees with 21 teachers, 10 administrative staff and 3 utility personnel. Mrs. Tandiama served as the Branch's Principal from November 1998 to October 2003.
The school's two-storey building is composed of 34 classrooms, 2 Libraries, Clinic, Canteen, Laboratory, Computer room and offices for the Principal, Registrar, Guidance Counselor and Finance personnel. It has also separate buildings for Home Economics and Industrial Arts. A security post on the right side of the main gate was also erected to ensure the safety of the school populace.
Alongside the school's effort to build up its physical facilities, the school also worked its way to gain Government Recognition to offer Complete Pre-school, Complete Elementary and Complete Secondary Education status. Thus, on July 18, 2000, DECS Region XI granted the first government recognition of its program. The following year, the Complete High School and Complete Elementary level courses were also approved.
Aside from the infrastructure development, the school also embarked on human resource skills and productivity enhancement through the Faculty Development Program (FDP). Under this plan, teachers and staff members are obliged to pursue their post graduate studies emphasizing on their respective field of specialization in order to go well with the academic requirements of a standard university. Also, they were encouraged to regularly attend trainings and seminars to improve their teaching capabilities.
Being true to the University's mission, New Era University, General Santos City Branch strives for more worthwhile goals as an institution of learning. It continuously provides suitable academic preparations, develops productive skills and enhances desirable values and ideals to produce student who will become productive citizens of the country.
NEU-GSC marches forward to a brighter future guided by its philosophy, vision, and mission for the glory of the Almighty Father.
