History of a Mission School
The DIVINE HEALER ACADEMY OF SORSOGON (formerly Divine Healer Learning Center) was founded by Rev. Fr. Gerard V. Deveza on July 21, 2003. The school is being administered and run by the Sister-Servants of the Divine Healer. It is three kilometres away from the city proper, located at El Retiro Compound, Cabid-an, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon. Part of the land where the school is situated was donated by Mrs. Araceli F. Morelos to the sisters; with the help of generous benefactors, purchased another hectare from the Morelos’ family.
Almost two years (2001 – 2003) prior to its foundation, Fr. Gerard and the Sisters conducted Training and Feeding Program to the very poor families in Cabid-an every Saturday wherein catechesis and skills training were given to the parents, to prepare them for the livelihood program thus, the sisters saw the need to provide these underprivileged children a quality education which is rooted in the Gospel of love and healing of the Divine Healer.
Through the Healing Servants Foundation, Inc. and other generous benefactors, the school became a reality; it started with Kindergarten class levels 1 and 2, hence the name Divine Healer Learning Center. Because of very limited funds, the old convent formation house of the sisters and other small houses/ buildings were converted into classrooms. However, seeing the need to implement fully the curriculum of this school that caters primarily to provide proper guidance and catholic education to these poor children before they start their secondary education, grades one and two classes were opened in June 2005.
Since then, one grade level would be added every year. The elementary curriculum was completed with the opening of Grade 6 class in June 2009. The Vision and Mission statement of the institution was formulated by the administrator, faculty and staff and some officers of the Parents-Teachers Association on May 3, 2010. This was facilitated by Rev. Eduardo T. Verdadero, Asst. Principal from St. Scholastica Academy in Marikina City.
School Year 2010-2011 marked the beginning of greater challenges and opportunities of continuously journeying with the children from the pre-school to high school when the first year class was opened in June. With the offering of the Secondary Curriculum and upon its registration in the Securities and Exchange Commission the name of the school was changed to DIVINE HEALER ACADEMY OF SORSOGON. Blessings upon blessings were simply overflowing in this healing institution as it continues to grow into one big family. Computers and Science Laboratory equipments were donated. More classrooms and other school facilities were built to cater the needs of the pupils and students for their growth and development. Through the Department of Education, the GOVERNMENT RECOGNITION (No.001, S.2011) for the Preschool and Elementary Curriculum was granted on February 11, 2011, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, On June 2011 the second year was opened, and the third year class followed in 2012 – 2013. On March 27, 2014, the school has its pioneer secondary course graduates, 7 males and 19 females, with no less than DepEd Undersecretary Francisco M. Varela (t) as one of the guest speakers and confirming officer.
During the School Year 2013 – 2014, the school was blessed with the construction of the DHAS Covered Court which was completed in time for the Closing activities. The graduates of SY 2014 -2015 were the last batch of the old secondary curriculum, there were 16 males, and 17 females, most of them passed the entrance exam in Sorsogon State College and Bicol University. The GOVERNMENT RECOGNITION (No. 010 S. 2016) for the JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL was granted on February 9, 2016. The Senior High School Provisional Permit is renewed annually. With the school motto, “EDUCARE EST SANARE” (To Educate is to Heal), the Divine Healer Academy of Sorsogon continuously support the implementation of the K-12 Curriculum Program which started in 2016 and now the Matatag Curriculum or Revised K to 12 Curriculum.
The school likewise aims to help in the growth of every pupil/ student not only into a globally and academically competitive person but more so into a fully mature, Filipino Christian, faithfully living the Gospel of Jesus, the Divine Healer.
VISION
Divine Healer Academy of Sorsogon is a private catholic and Healing Institution, which is centered in Christ, the Divine Healer and committed to the wholistic formation of students into compassionate, caring Filipino Christians.
MISSION
Thus the Divine Healer Academy of Sorsogon as sharer of the life and mission of the local church, commits itself to:
v Instill a desire for a sincere search of God in prayer and service to others:
v Facilitate the formation of a value system with emphasis on respect for life and human dignity, uplift marginalized of God’s creation;
v Train the students mind for creative and critical thinking and make them globally competitive;
v Inculcate a profound sense of nationalism and patriotism;
v Reach out the wounded and all others in need of healing of woundedness brought about by Broken families and other dysfunctional relationships:
v Develop a genuine and filial devotion to our Lady and Mother of the Divine Healer;
v Witness a life of faith based on justice equality and solidarity;
Core Values
The Core Values of DHAS find its expression in F. I. R. E. S
Faith
Love of God and firm trust in Him Possesses correct knowledge of the fundamentals of Christian faith, understanding and appreciation of Christ’s Gospel of Love, Justice and Joy. Develops simple trust and confidence in God as Father and is responsive to His loving Presence at all times. Appreciates self and others, based on the consciousness of his/ her personal worth and dignity to, and of others, is peace- loving, patient, humble and joyfully live a life of prayer and devotion to the Mother of God.
Integrity
Truthfulness and Holiness Develops habits of gratitude, honesty, thrift and cooperation. Love of and living out of truth and freedom, honesty and transparency in relationships, modest and simple life style.
Respect
Reverence for man and woman and concern for the promotion of human development. Respect his/ her own dignity and that of others as a child of God. Sincere obedience and respect towards elders and duly constituted authority in the home, school and community. Observes rules and regulations show respect and love for his/ her country through attentive and responsible participation in the flag ceremony, in civic and culture affairs.
Excellence
Deep desire and effort towards optimal growth in all aspects of life. Shows wholesome work habits, attitudes and values towards work efficiency and greater productivity. Exhibits, competence and sense of responsibility, well disciplined, dedication to the highest ideals in the continuing pursuit of global excellence for quality education.
Service:
Sensitivity to the needs of others and zealous response of caring borne out of a gentle and humble heart.
DHAS SCHOOL HYMN
Refrain:
Hail our school beloved, Divine Healer Academy of Sorsogon,
with joy and pride we thee acclaim and spread thy message over the land.
I. Heal the wounded in mind, body and spirit
Jesus the Divine Healer urges us to be
Educare Est Sanare, is our mission till eternity
(Repeat Refrain)
II. In simplicity, charity and humility, faithfully we follow
and serve thee
O Jesus the Divine Healer, together we will share thy
love, joy and healing to all
(Repeat Refrain)
III. The poor the aged the sick and the lost, all our brothers
sisters dear,
May our Lady Mother cover them with her mantle of
protection
(Repeat Refrain)
Last Refrain:
Hail our school beloved, Divine Healer Academy of Sorsogon
With joy and pride we thee acclaim
And spread thy message over the land…..
With joy and pride we thee acclaim
And spread thy message over the land…..
Lyrics: Fr. Eduardo T. Verdadero
Music: Mr. Azel N. Diesta