Divine Word College of Bangued (DWCB) is a private Catholic higher education institution located in Rizal Street, Zone 6, Bangued, Abra, Philippines. Run by the Philippine Northern Province of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), the institution has a long history of providing Catholic education in Abra.
The school traces its roots to Colegio del Sagrado Corazon (CSC), founded in 1920 by Fr. Theodore Buttenbruch, SVD. In 1964, the institution was officially renamed Divine Word College of Bangued, reflecting its connection with the Society of the Divine Word and its continuing Catholic educational mission.
For more than a century, the institution has evolved from a small Catholic school into an educational institution offering programs in education, liberal arts, business administration, hospitality management, information technology, nursing, and graduate studies, together with basic education.
Divine Word College of Bangued has served as an important Catholic educational institution in Bangued, Abra since its establishment in 1920. Founded by Fr. Theodore Buttenbruch, SVD, the school was created in response to the need for a Catholic school in the community.
Initially known as Colegio del Sagrado Corazon, the school welcomed both boys and girls and began its operations in a rented house. In 1923, administration of the school was entrusted to the Sister Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS), who established their community in Bangued.
Throughout its history, DWCB has experienced periods of disruption, growth, modernization, and academic expansion. Despite the challenges brought by World War II, the school reopened in 1946 and later established its college department in 1948.
Today, Divine Word College of Bangued continues its educational mission through basic education, undergraduate programs, and graduate studies.
1920 marked the beginning of the institution when Fr. Theodore Buttenbruch, SVD, founded Colegio del Sagrado Corazon (CSC) in Bangued, Abra. The school initially operated in a rented house and accepted both boys and girls.
1923 saw the school entrusted to the Sister Servants of the Holy Spirit. The old convent, now associated with Holy Spirit Academy, was used for additional classrooms.
As enrollment increased, the school eventually developed separate boys’ and girls’ departments. The boys’ department opened in 1929 under Fr. Lawrence Leisring, SVD, while the first boys’ graduating class completed its studies in 1933.
School operations were disrupted during World War II. The campus was used as a base hospital and was damaged during the 1945 bombing of Bangued.
The school reopened in 1946, initially using temporary Quonset huts provided by the U.S. Army.
In 1948, the college department was established, offering programs that included the Elementary Teacher’s Certificate, Bachelor of Secondary Education, and Liberal Arts. The institution held its first college commencement exercises in 1950.
Academic expansion continued with the opening of the Bachelor of Science in Commerce in 1960.
In 1964, Colegio del Sagrado Corazon was officially renamed Divine Word College of Bangued (DWCB), strengthening the institution’s identity and connection with the Society of the Divine Word.
In 1967, Fr. Panfilo Guianan, SVD, became the school’s first Filipino Director. The Grade School, High School, and College departments were unified on one campus under the school motto, Scientia et Virtus.
From 1973 to 1985, under the leadership of Fr. Ambrose Ponce, SVD, DWCB underwent significant infrastructure development. Facilities including Arnoldus Hall and Janssen Hall were constructed, while accreditation efforts for major college programs were initiated.
Successive administrations continued to strengthen the school’s facilities, faculty development, and academic programs.
During this period, the school returned to a coeducational setup for Grade School and High School and reopened its Graduate School.
New academic programs were introduced, including Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Bachelor of Science in Biology, and Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education. Computer education was also integrated into academic programs, and the DWCB Research Center was established.
Additional facilities, including speech laboratories, guidance offices, and academic buildings, were developed to support students and faculty.
Since 2011, Divine Word College of Bangued has continued to improve its academic facilities and educational programs while maintaining its Catholic identity and connection with the Society of the Divine Word.
The institution has expanded facilities supporting hospitality management and continued campus improvements while promoting its educational and community-oriented mission.
DWCB’s alumni include educators, business professionals, healthcare workers, engineers, and community servants who have contributed to different sectors of society.
Divine Word College of Bangued offers undergraduate programs across several academic fields.
Divine Word College of Bangued also has basic education departments serving younger learners:
Prospective first-year students are generally required to prepare the following:
Applicants should contact the school for the latest admission requirements and enrollment policies, as requirements may change.
Transfer applicants are required to prepare:
Students can follow the school’s enrollment process to begin their studies at DWCB:
1. Secure Admission Requirements
Prepare all required documents and make sure that the submitted records are complete and authentic.
2. Take the Entrance Examination
Schedule and take the entrance examination through the appropriate school office. Applicants should bring the required identification and examination permit.
3. Submit Requirements
Submit the completed admission documents to the Registrar’s Office for evaluation.
4. Interview and Assessment
Complete the required interview, assessment, and guidance counseling process.
5. Payment of Fees
Proceed to the Cashier’s Office to settle the applicable enrollment and school fees.
6. Complete Enrollment
After completing the enrollment process, students receive their class schedule and student identification credentials.
Divine Word College of Bangued continues the Catholic educational tradition established by its founders and the Society of the Divine Word. Its long history reflects an emphasis on education, faith, service, and the development of students who can contribute to their families and communities.
Through its basic education, undergraduate, and graduate programs, DWCB provides students in Abra and nearby areas with opportunities to pursue further education in a Catholic academic environment.
Tuition and other school fees may vary depending on the academic program, number of units, year level, and applicable miscellaneous fees. Prospective students should contact the school directly for the latest tuition rates, miscellaneous fees, payment schedules, scholarships, and other enrollment-related costs.
Divine Word College of Bangued
Rizal St., Zone 6
Bangued, Abra, Philippines
Telephone: (074) 752-6032 / (074) 752-5373
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Students and parents are encouraged to contact the school directly for current information regarding admissions, academic programs, enrollment schedules, tuition fees, and other requirements.
Courses Offered by Divine Word College of Bangued
No available courses.
