The story of Fellowship Baptist Academy is a concrete manifestation of one man who had a deep faith in God. That man was the founder, Dr. Demetrio Coloso Macasa, Sr. With his vision, "To establish a school that upholds the importance of the preaching and teaching of the Word of God to young people", he believed that with the grace of God and with the commitment of other Baptist lay leaders, a school that transforms lives by touching the heart and educating the mind, nourishing the soul in the process can be established. Thus, in 1953, Dr. Macasa Sr., together with Pastor Epifanio dela Peña, gained the support of other faithful Christians in putting up a Christian academy. In 1954, their efforts were paid off, when Fellowship Baptist Academy (FBA) was established by a group of pastors and Christians under the Visayan Fellowship of Fundamental Baptist Churches (VFFBC) with the help of American missionaries namely, Mr. Gordon Wray, Mr. Hopper, Mr. Freiderichsen, Miss Doris Secor and Miss Mary Russel who were with the Association of Baptist for World Evangelism (ABWE).
Fellowship Baptist Academy (FBA) started a sectarian, non-stock, non-profit, fundamental secondary school that existed mainly on student tuition fees, benevolent donations from fundamental Baptist churches, individual Christians and later from its alumni. The high school had its humble beginnings with a starting enrolment of 212 students where Mr. Juan Gubuan served as the first Principal and Dr. Demetrio C. Macasa, Sr. as the first Chairman of the Board of Trustees. The very first building was constructed along Rizal Street surrounded by rice and cornfields.
By the grace of God, the school survived its struggling early years and was blessed with the members of the Board of Trustees who were generous and extended their resources sacrificially. The pioneering teachers and staff extended the same enthusiasm, passion and sacrifice in serving the school, living only within the school's meager budget for the sake of ministry. These blessed individuals persevered for they were inspired by a strong belief and commitment that they served the Lord in the ministry while serving the school. The harvest of souls was of greater value to them compared to their own personal needs. Undoubtedly, the school met financial crises but it stood firm and endured because it was founded upon the Rock-- the Lord Jesus Christ.
Despite of its encountered difficulties, the school faithfully carried out its mission. In 1957, Fellowship Baptist Academy was given Government Recognition. By then, graduates of the high school have spread far and wide not only in the Philippines but in other countries.
Along with the support of pastors and workers of neighboring Baptist churches, the school has consistently continued to reach students for Christ with its activities geared towards spiritual development. It is worthy to take note of the contributions of Rev. Juan Catanus, Sr. the senior pastor of Kabankalan Fellowship Baptist Church for looking after the spiritual nourishment of the school through its growing years.
Aware of the need for educational expansion to develop the Christian youth, decisive steps were taken by the Board of Trustees together with the fourth Principal of the high school, Mr. Felipe A. Abogador to convert the school into a full- fledged college. This step became the realization of the long-cherished dream of its founders. For such claim that with the Lord nothing is impossible.
In June 1983, the school operated a post -secondary course in Midwifery. This post-secondary program was given Government Recognition in 1985. Two degree programs, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration were recognized by the government in 1987. Upon conferring of Government Recognition to these two programs in 1987, Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) acted favorably in school year 1989-1990 on the change of status of the school from "Academy" to "College". Two tech-voc courses, Health Aide and Pharmacy Aide were again added and recognized in 1990.
In 1985, the 16-room Macasa Hall was constructed. This building housed most of the offices and classrooms of the tertiary education. The steadfast dedication and of the Board of Trustees headed by its Chairman, Mr. Mamerto L. Mayoga, Jr. and the unwavering commitment of religious groups and individuals under the leadership of Rev. Bernardo N. Escanlar led to the continuous progress and development of the school.
In response to the increasing needs of teachers in the community due to expansion of basic education programs which were opened even in the barangay levels, the school ventured to offer the Bachelor of Elementary Education and Bachelor of Secondary Education which were duly recognized in 1999 by virtue of Government Recognition Nos. 212 and 213 series of 1999 respectively. Prior to the offering of these programs, the Elementary Department was given government recognition in 1993. This department by then served as the laboratory school of the Education Programs.
The growing population of Kabankalan City, the increasing membership of churches where Fellowship Baptist College is affiliated and the desire of the school to reach out for young people to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ through academic ministry again prompted the Board of Trustees led by the Chairman, Mr. Mamerto L. Mayoga, Jr. together with the first President of the College, Dr. Anecito D. Villaluz, Jr., to offer additional degree programs. Hence, the offering of the following courses were realized: Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2003; Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2004; Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management in 2005; Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology, Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, and Bachelor of Theology in 2006. TESDA-affiliated courses were also offered like PC Operations NC II, Programming NC IV, Commercial Cooking NC II, Food and Beverage Services NC II, Housekeeping NC II and Six-Month Caregiver NC II.
In 1999, the High School Department ventured to build a state-of-the-art building with well-ventilated classrooms, laboratory, an AVR, all equipped with modern facilities. In 2005, the High School Department recorded its most significant achievements by passing the Level 2 accreditation status granted by the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines through the Association of Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities - Accrediting Agency (ACSCU-AA).
The construction of the administrative building which houses most of the major offices and laboratory rooms was also made possible that year. As the Lord continues to bless the school, the students now are enjoying the taste of modern facilities in the campus. These things were provided to further enhance the quality of education in the College which were all become possible by God's grace alone.
Recognizing the need for excellence, the College subjected three of its tertiary programs, BEED, BSED and BSBA to accreditation. FAAP through ACSCU-AAI has granted these programs Level I accreditation status in 2008.
Along with the progress of the school, the College never failed to fulfill its mission- to address the spiritual needs of the students from which it was primarily rooted. The Annual Evangelistic Emphasis Week, the Spiritual Retreats, the Monthly Spiritual Convocations were major religious programs held to bring the gospel to the students. The Early Wednesday Morning Devotion was especially created to develop closer ties among faculty and staff and even served as the lighthouse prayer of the school.
In 2004, the school celebrated its Golden Jubilee which was highlighted by the awarding of the outstanding alumni. Responsive to the three functions of a higher education institution, Fellowship Baptist College established the Research and Extension Department in 2005. As a neophyte in research and as a small institution, Fellowship Baptist College seeks linkages with bigger institutions to gain access to their more abundant resources, funds, opportunities and expertise. In 2006 with the help of Dr. Angel Alcala, the director of Silliman University CHED-ZRC, CHED had granted a funded research to FBC which paved the way to some collaborative research opportunities with other institutions.
When the first president retired in 2009, the Board of Trustees appointed Dr. David V. Gargantiel as second President. Aware of the needs of the school, and despite the difficulty the school encountered during the transition period, the newly appointed President stayed close and depended so much on God as he pursued the smooth operation of the College. Through this period, the college has undergone continuous improvement both in its physical facilities and in terms of the quality of education offered.
Under the leadership of Dr. David V. Gargantiel, a new elementary building was constructed. In addition, the College has also put up an in-campus dormitory to cater to the housing needs of students who were residing outside the Kabankalan City. In 2016, the Jubilee Building, which served as the project during the celebration of the FBC 60th founding anniversary, was inaugurated. In 2018, the Science Building was finished creating an annex to the existing Administration Building. Another edifice is being constructed to cater to the growing population of senior high school students. There is also continuous upgrading of laboratory facilities and library resources for use of students along with provision of comfortable offices and lounges for the faculty and staff
The faculty development program was also given emphasis to enrich professional skills of the teachers. Pursuit of advance degrees by the faculty is very much supported by the College Administrations through its provision of graduate study grants. The faculty and staff are further encouraged to upgrade themselves through seminars and trainings. Educational and benchmarking trips were also undertaken. For the first time in November 2018, the college administrative officers, department heads and some members of the Board of Trustees, embarked on a benchmarking trip in Singapore and Malaysia in order to learn from some of the best universities in Southeast Asia.
With the thrust to improve the quality of education, the school also continued to undergo voluntary accreditation and open relevant course offerings. In year 2010, the FAAP through ACSCU-AAI has granted the following accredited status: Level II Re-accreditation Status to the High School program; Level II Accredited Status to BEED, BSED and BSBA Programs. A candidate status was also granted to both the Elementary and the BS Hospitality Management programs. In 2015, all accredited programs in FBC reached Level II Accredited Status. On top of these blessings, in academic year 2011-2012, FBC has then offered Bachelor of Information Technology; Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy in 2013-2014; and Bachelor of Science in Criminology, Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology and Bachelor of Library Information Science in 2018-2019.
As the whole College pursues academic excellence through its intensive instruction, the Lord rewarded its effort as it was reflected in the results of the board examinations. In 2007, the first batch of nursing graduates topped the Nurse Licensure Examination among the Nursing schools in Negros in terms of percentage rate and ranked 2 among the neophyte Nursing School in the country. In 2008, Fritzie Q. Dela Raga placed top 9 in the Nursing Licensure Examination. Moreover, the first batch of the Radiologic Technology takers garnered a 100% passing rate with Ma. Crisha E. Tablatin as 9th placer. In the next year that followed, year 2011, again the BS Rad Tech Board Exam takers landed in the Top Ten: 3rd Placer: Melendy S. Lim, 7th Placer: Joseph D. Causpin and 9th Placer Mark Anthony P. Calditos. The Bachelor of Elementary LET takers also garnered a 100% passing in 2013. In 2016, Rose Jean C. Antolo placed top 9 in the Radiologic Technology Licensure Examination. In 2018, the first batch of Pharmacy graduates garnered a 94.12% passing rate which is way above the national passing percentage. Indeed, these milestones are only possible because of God's unfailing faithfulness and grace to the institution.
As FBC seeks to give God the greatest glory, indeed He made it possible for the school to create another noteworthy milestone as the High School Department represented the Team Pilipinas in the International Robot Olympiad Competition held in Gwanju, South Korea last December 2012. On its second participation, this time held in Beijing China last November 2014, the FBC High School Robotics Team was able to bag two awards namely, the "Best in Creative Concept" and "Best in Functionality." This international recognition did not just made the College and the city of Kabankalan proud, it also brought honor to our nation, Philippines.
In 2014, the school celebrated its 60th anniversary. With the theme, FBC Pressing On: Legacy, Light, Life, year-long activities were slated in relation to the Diamond Jubilee Celebration. To name a few, the Paghiambitanay 2014, the Diamond Jubilee Concert, the 1st FBC Summer Fest, Medical Missions Outreach, the 1st Kabankalan City Christian Christmas Choral Competition created a remarkable impact in the history of FBC. These and many other activities served as avenues for the college to exalt God's goodness and faithfulness for 60 years.
To keep in touch with its alumni, last January 2012, the school together with the FBA-FBC Alumni Association of Kabankalan City, Inc (FBA-FBC AA), facilitated a three-day general alumni homecoming, "Balik kita sa Fellowship." As expression of loyalty and continued support to the college, this grand gathering was attended by alumni here in the country and from abroad. Along with this activity, the alumni association showed support by funding on projects related to infrastructure development and sponsoring student scholarships. This alumni gathering served as a take-off again for the association to take active participation as a major stakeholder of the college. In January 2013, the association gathered for the Alumni Day. The next year that follows, January 2014, the alumni association facilitated another grand alumni homecoming naming it as, Paghiambitanay 2014 (paghiambitanay is the Hiligaynon term for the word fellowship). Hundreds of alumni gather to join in this momentous event. From then on, the association decided to call all homecomings paghiambitanay as this word perfectly depicts the essence of the gathering reflecting the FBCian bond, spirit and fellowship. Paghiambitanay 2016 then followed where it was decided that grand alumni homecomings will be held every three years. Paghiambitanay 2019 was the latest grand alumni gathering held last April 26-27, 2019 and attended by hundreds of alumni from here in the Philippines and abroad.
As a Christian institution, FBC will continue the legacy left by its founding fathers - quality Christian education for the youth and salvation through Jesus Christ alone. Living by the words of Jesus Christ "I am the Light" (Ego Sum Lux), FBC will keep the light shining, shaping lives by God's grace and for His greatest glory!
