After more than half a century, St. Joseph School Iloilo has decided to close its doors permanently due to financial losses.
The 52-year-old private school along Diversion Road in Barangay San Rafael Mandurriao district will cease operations at the end of school year 2023-2024.
The closure was announced by Maria Lourdes Josefina Garcia, owner and founder of the school, on Thursday, Feb. 15.
In her letter to stakeholders, parents, teachers, students, and alumni, Garcia cited “insurmountable financial losses incurred during the pandemic and subsequent continuing decrease in enrollments as main reasons” for the closure.
The educational institution was established by Garcia and her husband, Roberto de Leon Garcia, Jr., in 1972. It started with only 40 kindergarten pupils, three teachers, and one office staff member.
In 1986, the school offered elementary education and in 2002, it added a secondary education program.IMT
