Archdiocese of Cebu

The Official SCSC Handbook for

Seminarians

General Formation and Community

Living Guidelines

San Carlos Seminary College

Pope John Paul II Ave., Luz, Cebu City 6000 Philippines
2019
 Preface

This present edition of the Student Manual is largely based on the 1993 Student Manual which,
at this point in time, is an initial publication, and consequently an experimental edition of
guidelines for the proper conduct of the San Carlos Seminary College seminarians during the
school year.
The desire to come up with a student manual is traceable to the early ‘70’s when this Seminary
became independent from the Seminario Mayor de San Carlos. There were always constraints
which, happily, have been overcome since.
The preparations for the apostolic visitation on August 23 to September 2, 1993 have made this
desire a reality, as indeed other aspects of the preparations likewise reveal our intention to
conform to the mind of the Church.
As the San Carlos Seminary College moves towards its fifth decade of service, it is ready to
formalize and set down in print its vision, goals, and objectives. This is uniformly set within the
framework of the educative strategies of the 4 th Synod of Cebu and the Decrees of the Second
Plenary Council of the Philippines.
On the solemn occasion of the 50th anniversary of the foundation of San Carlos Seminary
College, it is but fitting and proper that this 2 nd edition of the student manual is sincerely
dedicated to the men and women agents of formation who have helped over the years make San
Carlos Seminary College what it is now.
 I – General Information

A. THE COLLEGE SEAL

The Seminary seal is the insignia of the San Carlos Seminary College as depicted in the symbols
contained. The seal accompanies all official transactions and documents of the Seminary.
The seal represents the ideals and goals of the Seminary, its identity as an academic institution,
and at the same time as an institute of priestly formation.
The symbol of the owl perched on a tree of knowledge represents the faculty of the Seminary to
grant degrees in Humanities: specifically, in Philosophy.
The symbol of the Holy Cross superimposed on the first symbol highlights the orientations of the
Seminary as an academic institution.
B. SEMINARY VISION
The vision of San Carlos Seminary College is culled from the Decree on priestly formation
(Optatam Totius), the 1980 Basic Norms and Philippine Program on Priestly Formation (Ratio
Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis), Pastores Dabo Vobis, the Documents of PCP II on the
Clergy (Title XII, Art. 73-101) and the Decrees of the 4th Synod of Cebu (Art. 91-112):
A community of disciples journeying to the Father, being formed by the Word,
being transformed by the Spirit and sharing in the transformation of society.
C. SEMINARY VISION
To provide seminarians with integral formation, reflecting on the identity of the priest,
journeying towards configuration to Christ.

D. BRIEF HISTORY
The College Seminary began operating separately during the time of Julio R. Cardinal Rosales
from the Seminario Mayor de San Carlos in the school year 1971-72 with a separate faculty and
only with first and second year students as enrollees. Its first Rector, Msgr. Alfeo Manalili,
worked to expand the curriculum, and gained approval from the (then) Ministry of Education for
the Seminary to grant an AB degree with double major – Philosophy and English. The College
operated with an average of 120 students, graduating its first batch in March 1975.
College seminarians from Cebu, Samar, Leyte, and Negros Oriental formed the bulk of the
population, with a handful of students from Mindanao and Basilan.
The second Rector assumed his post in June 1975. Msgr. Felino Caballa called upon friends and
benefactors to help with the construction of a chapel in a separate building, opened to the public
 on Sundays and Holy Days, in keeping with the neighborhood pastoral work of seminarians.
Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal subsidized some of the expenditures of the seminary from the diocesan
funds to help stabilized the operations of the seminary.
In 1990, Msgr. Oscar Villamor, took over and designed strategies to enhance the pastoral and
social consciousness of seminarians through regular sessions in Personality Development,
Psychology, and the Arts. Besides those of the Archdiocese of Cebu, only the students from the
diocese of Maasin continued to study in the seminary. The population (1993) was 130.
Fr. Isabelo Abarquez (1991-1998) was appointed rector and was later ordained a bishop. Other
rectors who served the seminary included Msgr. Rogelio Fuentes (2002-2011), Fr. Leonilo
Igloria (2011-2014) Fr. Benedicto Po Tao (2014 - 2019).
The current Rector is Msgr. Joseph Tan (2019- ).

In 2016, with the new adjustments brought about by the introduction of the Senior High School
program, the seminary began making changes in the curriculum which meant the introduction of
new subjects in Philosophy. During this time, the population dramatically dropped to about 90
with only two students coming from Maasin and Tagbilaran. In 2017, the population dropped
further to 55 with students coming from the Archdiocese of Cebu only.
Today, under the administration of Archbishop Jose S. Palma as the current Archbishop of Cebu,
the seminary looks forward to celebrating its golden anniversary as an institution of learning and
priestly formation faithful to its vision/mission and grateful to the many people who have helped
realize this task.
E. SEMINARY PATRONS *
The Seminary, with its difficult task of training academically sound and spiritually mature
candidates for the priesthood, turns for help not only to human resources, but also to the spiritual
wealth of the Church – the saints.

For this reason, the Seminary College implores the aid of its titular patron, St. Charles Borromeo
– the father of seminary formation – and also seeks the intercession of its secondary patroness,
St. Therese of Lisieux – a model of vocation.

Under their tutelage, the Seminary College has survived through the years since its initial
foundation as a separate entity from Seminario Mayor de San Carlos in 1971.

Saint Charles Borromeo was born at Arona in Lombardy in the year 1538. After having taken
honors in civil and canon law, he was made cardinal and bishop of Milan by his uncle, Pope Pius
IV. As a true pastor of his flock he tirelessly promoted Christian life by the reform of his diocese,
the convocation of synods, and the promulgation of regulations intended to foster the Church’s
mission. He died on November 3, 1584.
Saint Therese was born at Alencon in France in 1873. While still a young girl, she entered the
Carmelite monastery at Lisieux. There she lived a life of humility, evangelical simplicity and
trust in God. By word and example she taught these virtues to the novices of the community.
Offering her life for the salvation of souls and the growth of the Church, she died September 30,
1897.
In 2002, house patrons were added to the cell groupings of the seminary to include the following:
Saint Pedro Calungsod (c. 1654 - April 2, 1672) is a Filipino Roman Catholic martyr who was
killed while doing missionary work in Guam in 1672. He was beatified on March 5, 2000 by
Pope Saint John Paul II and canonized on Oct. 21, 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI. As a skilled
sacristan and teacher of catechism, he was a companion of Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores to
the Marianas Islands. Through their efforts, many received the sacraments especially that of
baptism. A plot to kill Pedro and Fr. Diego started when a certain Choco, a Chinese who gained
influence over the Macanjas of Marianas Island, circulated false accusations that the missionaries
were spreading poison through the ritual of the baptism and through the ritual of Catholic
Masses. Calungsod and Diego San Vitores were both murdered after baptizing an infant and
mother who converted to the Roman Catholic faith.
Saint Francis of Assisi was born at Assisi in 1182. After a carefree youth, he renounced his
paternal wealth and committed himself to God. He led a life of evangelical poverty and preached
the love of God to all. He established a rule which a number of his companions followed and
which gained the approval of the Holy See. Subsequently, he founded an order of nuns and a
society of laypersons who practice penance while living in the world. He died in 1226.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola was born in 1491 at Loyola in Cantabria. He spent his early years at
court and as a soldier. Later he was converted to God and undertook theological studies at Paris
where he attracted his first followers, and afterward at Rome he joined them together as the first
members of the Society of Jesus. He exercised a most fruitful apostolate both by his written
works and in the training of his disciples who won great praise for their renewal of the Church.
He died at Rome in 1556.

Saint Augustine of Hippo was born at Tagaste in Africa in 354. He was unsettled and restlessly
searched for the truth until he was converted to the Faith at Milan and baptized by Ambrose.
Returning to his homeland, he embraced an ascetic life and subsequently was elected bishop of
Hippo. For thirty-four years he guided his flock, instructing it with sermons and many writings.
He fought bravely against the errors of his time and explained the Faith carefully and cogently
through his writings. He died in 430.
Saint Thomas Aquinas was born about the year 1225 into the family of the Count of Aquino.
He first studied at the monastery of Monte Cassino and later at the University of Naples.
Afterward he joined the Friars Preachers and completed his studies at Paris and Cologne, his
instructor being Saint Albert the Great. Becoming himself a teaher, he wrote many learned
volumes and was especially renowned for his philosophical and theological studies. Saint
Thomas died near Terracina on March 7, 1274. But his memory is honored on January 28, the
day his body was transferred to Toulouse in 1396.
*Lives of the Saints taken from the Christian Prayer (Liturgy of the Hours)
 II – ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

San Carlos Seminary College is a non-stock, non-profit Catholic educational institution. It is

directly under the mandate of the local ordinary – the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Cebu. The
Bishop in charge of the Commission on Formation serves as an auxiliary office that aids the local
ordinary in the task of supervision and implementation of important formation programs.
The Archbishop of Cebu appoints a Rector, who is aided by resident formators in the person of
the Vice-Rector, the Spiritual Director, the Dean of Studies, the Prefect of Discipline, the
Procurator, the Human Development Director, the Pastoral Director, the Sports and Socio-
Cultural Director, the Music Director, and the Pre-College Director in his task of running the
Seminary.
In keeping with the BEC pastoral strategy, a students’ council of BEC ministers asked to assist
the priest-coordinator in the different aspects of formation, is attached to the Office of the
Rector. In this way, students take an active role in the implementation of their own formation
program. The various seminary ministries include the following: Ministry on Academics,
Ministry on Information, Ministry on Spirituality, Ministry on Sports, Ministry on Physical Plant
and Security, Ministry on Finance, Ministry on Pastoral Formation, and Ministry on Socio-
Cultural Affairs. A special ministry on Community Living is added and is taken cared of by the
priest formators.
The academic faculty, composed of resident priest-professors, visiting priest-professors, and lay
professors, is attached to the Office of the Dean of Studies.
The Seminary community, along with the class structure, is organized into four BEC-inspired
smaller communities called “houses”: House of Augustine, House of Francis, House of Ignatius,
and House of Thomas. While not yet incorporated into the houses, the Propaedeutic seminarians
belong to the Class of Pedro Calungsod.
 III – ACADEMIC PROGRAMS AND POLICIES
Section 1. ADMISSION
The prospective student should apply in person for admission by filling up an application form
available at the Registrar’s Office.
1.1 For actual admission, a candidate has to pass the Phase I of the admission process first
which consists of the entrance examinations. Those who pass the first phase will then
undergo Phase II of the admission process, consisting of a three-day live-in seminar and
orientation to college seminary life. During this phase, the candidate must pass the
interview and the evaluation by the seminary formators and staff.
1.2 The candidate should possess the necessary credentials of at least a Senior High School
education.
1.3 Students of advanced academic standing may also apply as transfer students. If they
already have at least a four-year college degree, they are required to take the A.B
Philosophy Program without taking the Propaedeutic Academic Program.
1.4 A college transferee student with no college degree will be evaluated by the Dean of
Studies, who will then determine which minor subjects taken outside will be credited for
the student’s AB Philosophy program. In principle, all major subjects (Philosophy and
English) are to be taken or re-taken in the seminary, unless the Dean of Studies has
reasonable grounds for granting a special consideration.
This however, is without prejudice to his priestly formation needs which may require a
separate level of categorization (there is normally a 4-Year period of mandatory years of
formation).
1.5 Candidates with only a Senior High School diploma (from other academic institutions
outside the Minor Seminary) are required to undergo one year of Propaedeutic Formation
(Special Class). [See Propaedeutic Program]

Section 2. ENROLMENT
2.1 A student recommended for enrolment must enroll himself on the days prescribed.
2.2 He must have with him the necessary documents needed for enrolment.
2.3 He must pay the required amount for enrolment, which normally covers two months
advance payment of the board and lodging fees plus the miscellaneous fees (and the
payment of back accounts, if any). He must also pay the required amount of tuition fees
according to the payment schedule set by the school.
2.4 Withdrawal from subjects and dropping from class will follow the regulations established
by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) or as set by the college seminary
Office of the Registrar.
2.5 Documentary Requirements needed upon Enrolment

I. First Year College Entrants:

2.5.1 Recommendation from Parish Priest
2.5.2 Passport size photo of entrant
2.5.3 Original Form138 or High School Report Card (for high school graduate entrant)
 2.5.4 Certificate of Transfer Credential (for college graduate and seminary transferee)
2.5.5 Informative Copy of Transcript of Records (for college graduate and seminary transferee)
2.5.6 Original NSO-issued Birth Certificate
2.5.7 Baptismal Certificate
2.5.8 Confirmation Certificate
2.5.9 Photocopy of Marriage Contract or Marriage Certificate of parents
2.5.10 Latest medical examination results which includes the following:
A. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
B. Urinalysis
C. Chest X-ray

II. For Pre-College Entrants

2.5.11 Recommendation from Parish Priest
2.5.12 2 Passport size photo of entrant
2.5.13 Original Copy of Academic Report Card or Form138 (for high school graduate entrant)
2.5.14 Certificate of Transfer Credential (for college undergraduate entrant)
2.5.15 Informative Copy of Transcript of Records (for college undergraduate entrant)
2.5.16 Certificate of Good Moral Character (for high school graduate and college undergraduate
entrant)
2.5.17 Original NSO-issued Birth Certificate
2.5.18 Baptismal Certificate
2.5.19 Confirmation Certificate
2.5.20 Photocopy of Marriage Contract or Marriage Certificate for parents
2.5.21 Latest medical examination results which includes the following:
A. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
B. Urinalysis
C. Chest X-ray

Section 3. RETENTION AND PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING SYSTEM

3.1 A student is graded on the basis of 1.0 to 5.0 (highest to lowest). Grades are earned by
students from their class attendance, reading assignments, submission of required class
projects, academic exercises, the regular quizzes, and the long examinations given by the
class professor according to the schedule set by the school calendar. (The professors are
encouraged to discuss their particular course contents and requirements to the students
during the first days of classes.) A grade of 1.5 and above is excellent; 2.0 to 1.6 is
superior.
3.2 All Philosophy subjects are major subjects. English subjects are treated as major subjects
in the college seminary. The passing grade for all major subjects (Philosophy) and all
English subjects is 2.5. However, in order for the student to be promoted to the next
academic level, he has to retake the subject until he earns the required 2.5 passing mark
for all the major and English Subjects. The passing grade for minor subjects (non-
Philosophy) and non-English minor subjects is 3.0.
 3.3 A student must also maintain a general average of at least 2.5 for all subjects taken during
the semester. Failure to reach this general average disqualifies the student from
continuing his studies in this college seminary.
3.4 NO GRADE (NG) is given as grade if the final examination has not been taken or if
written work has not been handed in.
3.5 If a student fails to complete the work or take a special examination within the designated
time (a week at the most) the grade automatically becomes 5.
3.6 A mark W is to be given to the student who has withdrawn from the course within the
prescribed period (a week after the classes started).
3.7 A failing mark is given to a student who has incurred absences beyond the prescribed
number allowed (10 excused absences or 3 unexcused absences).
3.8 All other regulations related to this area subscribe to the regulations established by the
Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Section 4. WITHDRAWAL AND CHANGING OF SUBJECTS:

4.1. Students with valid reasons may withdraw or cancel their registration in one or all
subjects within two weeks after enrolment. Students must fill up the official form, secure
the approval of the Dean of Studies, and endorse it to the Registrar’s Office. The
Registrar’s Office issues the withdrawal form upon request.
4.2. A student who desires to change subject/s with valid reason may change one or two
subject/s within two weeks after enrolment. Any change of subject/s shall not be valid
unless the official form is filled up for this purpose, with the approval of the Dean of
Studies, and endorsed to the Registrar’s Office within the prescribed period.

SECTION 5. TRANSFER CREDENTIALS:

5.1. Students who desire to transfer to another college/university or seminary may apply for a
certificate of transfer credentials which will be issued only after the applicant has been
cleared of all financial (cf. Art. IV, sec. 1.7), library and property liabilities from this
school. School ID of the applicant must be surrendered upon applying for certificate of
transfer credentials and other pertinent papers for transfer. A certain fee is asked from the
student for the said process.
5.2. No Transcript of Records (TOR), Diploma, Certifications and other academic documents
will be released unless with Written Authorization from the student, if request is made by
proxy.

Section 6. COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION AND THESIS

6.1 After completing the necessary academic units for graduation, all candidates for
graduation (AB or non-AB students) are required to take a comprehensive examination in
Philosophy.
6.2 This requirement is prerequisite for graduation and for admission to the Theology
Department.
6.3 Passing grade is 2.5.
6.4 Students enrolled under the new curriculum program (see below) are required to write
and successfully defend their thesis in Philosophy of a topic of their choice which
nonetheless will require the approval of a panel.
6.5 The passing grade of 2.5 is also required for the student’s thesis.
Section 7. PROGRAMS OFFERED
7.1 The College Seminary is authorized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to
grant the college degree of Bachelor of Arts (AB), Major in Philosophy. A minimum of
four years is required for this program. [See the AB Philosophy Prospectus below.]
I. OLD CURRICULUM
(Applicable only to Pre-senior High school program graduates)
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PHILOSOPHY
(Per CHED Approval – CHED RO VII, Central Visayas)

PROPAEDEUTIC YEAR
First Semester
CCCFC 1 – Christian Faith and Doctrine
CHRIST1 -Christian Spirituality (Theory)
BIBLE 1 – Introduction to the Bible 1
PRCS 1 – Propaedeutic Grammar and Speech
PRINPHILO 1 – Propaedeutic Introduction to Philosophy 1
PROLAT 1 – Propaedeutic Latin 1
PRORDC 1 – Propaedeutic Reading and Comprehension
SLSGO 1 – Solfeggio 1

Second Semester
CCCFC 2– Christian Faith and Doctrine
PHILWRLD 1 – Introduction to the Philosophies of the World
BIBLE 2 – Introduction to the Bible 2
PRCS 2 – Propaedeutic Grammar and Speech
PROGLATN 2 – Propaedeutic Latin 2 (6 CTS)
PROLOGC 201 – Propaedeutic Logic 2
PRORDC 2 – Propaedeutic Reading and Comprehensssion 2
SLSGO 2 – Solfeggio 2

FIRST YEAR (1st SEMESTER)

Psych. 1 – General Psychology (3 units)
Engl. 1 – Grammar & Comp. I (3)
Engl. 3 – Speech Improvement (3)
Philo. 1 – Introduction to Christian Philo. (3)
Nat. Sci. 1 – Gen. & Inorg. Chem. Lec. (3)
Nat. Sci. 1 – Gen. & Inorg. Chem. Lab (2)
Latin 1 – Latin Literature 1 (3)
PE 1 – Self-Testing Activities (2)
NSTP 11 – Civic Welfare Trng. Service (3)
FIRST YEAR (2nd SEMESTER)
Engl. 2 – Grammar & Comp. II (3)
Engl. 4 – Phil. Literature in English (3)
Latin 2 – Latin Literature II (3)
Pol. Sc. 1 – Phil. Gov’t & New Const. (3)
Humn. 1 – Survey of Art (3)
Nat. Sci. 2 – Gen. & Organic Chem. Lec. (3)
Nat. Sci. 2 – Gen. & Organic Chem. Lab. (2)
Philo. 2 – Logic (3)
PE 2 – Rhythmic and Aquatics
NSTP 12 – Civic Welfare Train. Service (3)

SECOND YEAR (1st SEMESTER)

Philo. 3 – Gnoseology
Engl. 5 – Expository Writing (3)
Hist. 1 – Phil. Hist. & Culture (3)
Latin 3 – Latin Literature II (3)
Socio/Anthro. – Socio./Anthropology (3)
Math 1 – College Algebra (3)
Theo. 1 – History of Salvation (3)
PE 3 – Individual & Dual Sports (2)

SECOND YEAR (2nd SEMESTER)

Philo. 5 – Ontology or Philo. of Being (3)
Philo. 4 – Epistemology (3)
Engl. 6 – Survey of Engl./American Lit. (3)
Latin 4 – Latin Literature IV (3)
Fil. 1 – Komunikasyon sa Filipino (3)
Nat. Sci. 3 – Earth Science Lec. (3)
Nat. Sci. 3 – Earth Science Lab. (2)
PE 4 – Team Sports (2)

THIRD YEAR (1st SEMESTER)

Philo. 6 – Cosmology (3)
Engl. 7 – Public Spkg. w/ Argu. & Deb. (3)
Philo. 10a – Ancient History of Philo. (3)
Span. 1 – Elementary Spanish (3)
Humn. 2 – Principles & Forms of Music (3)
Math 3 – Elementary Statistics (3)
Econ. 1 – Principles of Economics (3)
Educ. 1 – Child and Adolescent Devpt. (3)
Research – Research Methodology (3)
 THIRD YEAR (2nd SEMESTER)
Philo. 7 – Rational Psychology (3)
Engl. 9 – World Literature (3)
Philo. 10b – Medieval History of Philo. (3)
Engl. 10 – Afro-Asian Literature (3)
Soc. Sc. 1 – Fam.Com.Rel.incl.Fam.Plng. (3)
Fil. 2 – Panitikang Filipino (3)
Theo. 2 – The Church (3)
Span. 2 – Intermediate Spanish (3)
Educ. 2 – The Teaching Profession (3)

FOURTH YEAR (1st SEMESTER)

Theo. 4 – Apologetics (3)
Theo. 3 – Comparative Religions (3)
Tax. 1 – Taxation & Land Reform (3)
Philo. 8 – General Moral Philosophy (3)
Philo. 11a – Modern History of Philo. (3)
Engl. 11 – Poetry and Drama (3)
Philo. 12 – Theodicy (3)
Philo. 13 – Political Philosophy (3)
Educ. 3 – Princ. of Teaching 1 and 2 (3)

FOURTH YEAR (2nd SEMESTER)

Philo. 9 – Special Questions on Moral Philo. (3)
Philo. 11b – Contemporary Philosophy (3)
Soc. Sc. 2 – Asian Civilization (3)
Rizal 1 – Life and Works of Jose Rizal (3)
Theo. 5 – The Bible as Literature (3)
Theo. 6 – Methodology & Catechetics (3)
Review – Comprehensive Review – Philo. (6)
Educ. 4 – Assement of Student Learning (3)

Section 8. GRADUATION POLICIES

8.1 The requirements for college graduation in either of the programs follow the general
regulations established by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
8.2 A non-resident student may also avail of the graduation privilege if he has met the
general requirements.
8.3. A student may be considered fit for graduation under the A.B. Philosophy curriculum upon
completion of the following units requirements: (See also the Academic Prospectus Old
and New.
II. NEW CURRICULUM

FIRST YEAR (1st SEMESTER)

Ethics (3)
Readings in Philippine History (3)
Sci, Tech and Society (3)
Introduction to Philo (3)
Hist. of Western Philo 1 – Ancient (3)
Theo 1 – Salvation History (3)
PE 1 – Self-Testing Activities (2)
NSTP 1 – Civic Welfare Trng. Service II (3)

FIRST YEAR (2nd SEMESTER)

The Contemporary World (3)
Mathematics in the Modern World (3)
College Proficiency Course (Rdg, Wrtg. Spch) (3)
Logic (Symbolic) (3)
Histr. of Western Philo 2 – Medieval (3)
History of Chinese Philosophy (3)
PE 2 – Rhythmic and Aquatic (3)
NSTP 2 – Civic Welfare Trng. Service II (3)

SECOND YEAR (1ST SEMESTER)

Purposive Communication (3)
Engl. 7 – Public Spkg. with Argu. & Debate (3)
Existentialism Phenomenology and Post Modern (3)
Advanced Philo of the Human Person (3)
Philosophy of Knowledge – Epistemology (3)
Philosophy of Nature – Cosmology (3)
Theo 2 – The Church (3)
PE 3 – Individual and Dual Sports (2)

SECOND YEAR (2nd SEMESTER)

Rizal – Life and Works of Rizal (3)
Humn 1 – Art Appretiation (3)
Hist. of Indian Philosophy (3)
Philo 3 – Hist. of Western Philo (Renaissance and Modern) (3)
Aesthetics (3)
Philosophy of Being – Metaphysics (3)
Elective 1 – Philosophy of Education (3)
PE 4 – Team Sports (3)
 THIRD YEAR (1st SEMESTER)
Philosophy of God – Theodicy (3)
Modern Asian Thoughts (3)
Socio-Political Philosophy (3)
Seminar on Filipino Philosophy (3)
Elective 2: Environmental Philosophy (3)
Latin 1 (3)
Theo 3 – Apologetics (3)

THIRD YEAR (2nd SEMESTER)

Great Literature of the World (3)
Philosophy of Language and Culture (3)
Comparative Philosophy (East &West) (3)
Methods of Philosophical Research (3)
Special Questions in Philosophy (3)
Elective 3: Philosophy of Religion (3)
Latin 2 (3)
Comprehensive Exam (3)

FOURTH YEAR (1st SEMESTER)

Thesis Writing (3)
Special Questions in Ethics (3)
Elective 4: Philosophy of Science & Tech. (3)

FOURTH YEAR (2nd SEMESTER)

Seminar on Contemporary Philosophy (3)
Seminar on Plato/Aristotle (3)
Elective 5: Hermeneutics (3)
Thesis Defense (3)

Section 9. SCHEME OF SELECTION OF HONOR GRADUATES

9.1. Honor students are given medals of Academic merit at every graduation exercise.
9.2. Students considered for academic awards are only those without major subjects as transfer
credits and have earned not less than 15 units per semester. Only students with no grade
below 2.5 (whether major or minor subject) can be considered for Academic Awards.
9.3. For undergraduates, the top two students are selected on the basis of the highest average
accumulated during the first and second semesters.
9.4. Honor students must have a minimum residency of at least one year.
9.5. For graduating students, the average grade accumulated from first year to fourth year
determines the award to be given:

Summa cum laude – average of 1.0 to 1.20

Magna cum laude – average of 1.21 to 1.40
Cum laude – average of 1.41 to 1.70
9.6 For the graduating students, other awards are given: such as the
9.6.1 The Philosophy Award (for the student garnering the highest average in the
comprehensive examination),
9.6.2 The Leadership Award
9.6.3 The Service Award and,
9.6.4 The Msgr. Felino J. Caballa Award, which is given, to the graduating seminarians
who has exemplified the ideals of the five pillars of formation.
9.7. The academic and non-academic awards may or may not be given depending on overall
performance of a student (i.e., discipline is to be taken into consideration).
 IV – FORMATION PROGRAMS AND POLICIES

Section 1. FINANCIAL POLICIES

1.1 A monthly board and lodging fee is required of the student for his sustenance.
1.2 For the seminarians' academic formation, a tuition fee is also required from them.
1.3 Since the seminary relies almost solely on board and lodging, and tuition fees, a schedule
of payment is set every semester. The students are required to faithfully comply with their
financial obligations on time.
1.4 For the student who leaves the seminary, no refund payment will be given on the month
he leaves.
1.5 Full payment of the miscellaneous fees for each semester will still be required.
1.6 Damage to seminary properties and supplies are payable by the person concerned.
1.7 All financial obligations for each semester must be paid in full by each
student/seminarian before he is allowed to be enrolled and admitted to the next academic
level.
1.8 No academic records and letters of recommendation will be given to a
student/seminarian who has failed to comply with the financial obligation for each
semester.

Section 2. HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

2.1 As stipulated in the Updated Philippine Program for Priestly Formation (UPPPF),
"the seminary aims at form ing men of virtue, of human excellence and goodness of
character, founded on psycho-emotional integration, and modeled on Christ's example
of authentic humani ty." (UPPPF, #18) With this framework, the seminary wishes to
mold every seminarian "to know, accept, and appreciate his unique humanity" (UPPPF
#18) vis-a-vis his relationship with others.
2.2 A certain degree of personal maturity is to be developed in the student during his stay in
the College Seminary.
2.2.1 In the seminary, a seminarian develops a sense of "respect, justice, understanding and
compassion as he grows in affective maturity" (UPPPF#18)
2.2.2 In the seminary, a seminarian "grows in the ability to judge persons and situations
in a balanced and prudent way" (UPPPF #18)
2.2.3 In the seminary, a seminarian also develops his skill in leadership patterned after the
leadership of the Good Shepherd who came not to be served but to serve.
2.3 The human development program allows the seminarian to discern his direction in life
leading to a definite vocational choice, especially in relation to his motivation for
pursuing seminary formation.
 2.4 To help achieve their personal goal in the formation of candidates, sessions on human
development in the different academic levels is provided to the seminarians.
2.5 An expert on this field is tasked to implement the program, with the support and
assistance of the Rector, and the Spiritual Director.
2.6 The program also employs volunteer lay companions who are screened properly. The
lay companions introduce a layman’s insight to the program of priestly formation as a whole.
2.7 Senior students are required to undergo a special session on discernment and decision
making in preparation for their possible entrance to the Major Seminary.
2.8 Regency Program
The regency program is part of the seminary formation. “This period is meant for a
deepening of human formation outside the seminary setting but under close supervision
of the seminary” (UPPPF 199). This leave of absence from the seminary may be
requested by the seminarian himself or imposed by the seminary formators on a particular
seminarian. Notwithstanding the difference in modality, there are general guidelines to be
observed:
2.8.1 On the year before reentry to the seminary, the seminarian must attend the monthly
recollection in the seminary.
2.8.2 Once a month, he must report to the Rector and to the Prefect of Discipline.
2.8.3 At least once a month, he must see his Spiritual Director.
2.8.4 At the end of this preparatory year, he must submit to the Rector a written report of his
experience during his regency program.

Section 3. SPIRITUALITY
3.1 A crucial aspect of seminary formation lies in the area of the spiritual life of its
candidates. “The spiritual formation of a college seminarian aims to awaken and develop
in him a sense of the sacred in life through spiritual exercises and spiritual direction, so
that he can be a good Christian and be able to crystallize his decision to follow Christ in
the ordained ministry.” UPPPF 207
3.2 For this reason, a Spiritual Director is appointed to personally supervise and facilitate this
area of formation.
3.3 The Spiritual Director is assisted by other priest-spiritual directors who help in the giving
of spiritual direction to students.
3.4 A regular time for prayer is to be observed all throughout the day, which emphasizes the
following:
3.4.1 Individual Personal Prayer
3.4.1a Daily meditation on the Word of God.
3.4.1b Private devotions (personal devotion to e.g. the Blessed Sacrament, the
Blessed Mother and/or saint/s)
 3.4.1c Moments of Silence as one of the means to cultivate the sense of the
sacred (e.g. Magnum Silentium during wash-up before evening prayer, after
compline, and during recollections/retreats).

3.4.2 Sacramental and Communal prayer

3.4.2a The Liturgy of the Hours (whole community, house or class prayer)
3.4.2b The Holy Mass
3.4.2c Community devotions to the Lord Jesus Christ [First Friday vigil,
exposition during the Compline, Benediction during Vespers
on Sundays, Stations of the cross on Fridays of Lent], the Blessed Mother
[Legion of Mary every Wednesday, the Angelus thrice
daily] and the class/house patron saint)
3.4.2d Household or class sharing of reflections on the Word of God
(MaKaLiPang every Saturday evening)

3.5 The celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation is made available every week and as
needed by individual penitents.
3.6 Spiritual direction is done as regularly as possible – at least once every month.
3.7 The Spiritual Director or his assistant is tasked to give regular spiritual talks to students
during the Spiritual Director’s conference.
3.8 The students undergo monthly recollections (seminarians on active regency are required
to attend these in the last year of their regency period) and yearly retreats.
3.9 Senior students are recommended to take a five-day guided retreat.

Section 4 – DISCIPLINE
This Code of Discipline for seminarians provides the basic rules and regulations in facilitating
the total formation of the seminarians according to the norms of the Church. The following list
the different offenses and sanctions as deemed by the formators to be consistent with the ideals
this seminary is standing for.

4.1 Discipline builds character.

4.2 For this reason, a Prefect of Discipline is assigned to ensure that order in the conduct of
life is observed by each student. This however does not discount the active collaboration of other
formators for the same purpose.

4.3 Major offenses in any of the disciplinary policies will incur major penalties, as specified
in the table below:

Legend:
1 = Probation with community service
2 = Forced regency
3 = Expulsion from SCSC.
4 = Another State Of Life, deemed not admissible to the clerical state and no recommendation
will be given for admission to other houses of formation/seminaries.
 OFFENSES

A. Against Security 1st 2nd 3rd

Bringing deadly weapons, explosives, and

prohibited drugs in the seminary or in any
recognized seminary activity held outside
the seminary premises; entering the 3
seminary under the influence of drugs

Bringing / seeing pornographic materials in

the seminary 1 2 3

Bringing alcoholic beverages / entering the

seminary under the influence of liquor 2 3
(drunkenness)

Hacking seminary computers or equipment

2 3

Going out without permission, or in spite of

prohibition 3

Smoking or possession of cigarette in the

seminary and its immediate vicinity, or in
any official activity outside the seminary 1 2 3

Bringing of prohibited electronic devices,

including but not limited to: mp3 players,
cameras, radio, game gadgets. (N.B., The
seminary formators reserve the right to
confiscate prohibited items; The use of 1 2 3
laptops for academic purposes are governed
by a different set of rules)

Bringing of cell phones, iPads, and/or

mobile internet gadgets (N.B., The
seminary formators reserve the right to 3
confiscate prohibited items)

B. Against Persons

Formal disobedience or gross disrespect to

any of the formators and other lawful 2 3
superiors
 Serious threat to a person in authority while
performing his function and duties and
undue vexation caused by the seminarian 3

Direct physical assault to a person in

authority, formators, and/or fellow 4
seminarians

Gross and deliberate acts of discourtesy in

words or in deeds (bullying) which tend to
put any member of the seminary 1 2 3
community in ridicule or in contempt

C. Against Property
Stealing or an attempt thereof 3
Tampering and/or forging school records
and credentials, and using them aware that
they are tampered, forged, fake, or 4
misleading

Vandalism; defacing or destroying

seminary property or other person’s
property; unauthorized removal of posters 2 3
or notices from bulletin boards

D. Against Order
Violations of various norms of conduct,
attendance, and/or tardiness in community 1 2 3
activities

Wearing inappropriate clothing or hairstyle

1 2 3

Disturbing or disrupting a class or a school

function without just cause 1 2 3

Failure to participate in community

activities without just cause 2 3

Violations of various seminary rules and

regulations 1 2 3

Gambling in any form 2 3

E. Dishonesty
 Cheating during examinations, copying
written reports for submission, plagiarism 3

False witnessing, connivance, cover-up 3

Acts of deliberate lying to anyone of the
formators 3

F. Against Public Morals

Bringing / seeing pornographic materials in
the seminary 1 2 4

Sexual offenses of a heterosexual or

homosexual nature 4

Acts that cause grave public scandal 3

Acts that dishonor, discredit, or bring
contempt to the school 2 3

Engaging in / provoking scandalous

behavior 3

Other behaviors that are deemed by the

Administration’s discretion as serious
offenses
Any other offenses enumerated in other
formation related laws, and as sanctioned
by the ordinary
Deliberate public indecent exposure (full
nudity or indecent attire) in common areas 1 2 3

SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS
1. Official Seminary Attire
Seminarians are to wear the following designated attire/uniform:
1.1 Cassock Black/White
Third-year students are to apply for the investiture ceremonies in order for them to wear
the clerical garb for liturgical functions. These consist of Black or White Sotana and a
White Surplice. These vestments are to be washed regularly and must be worn on the
prescribed days.
1.2 Clerical Black/White
The official formal attire for other occasions outside of Liturgy is the clerical shirt for
students from 1st-year level to the 4th-year level. (Pre-college students are to wear a
simple white shirt with collar for their formal attire). This formal attire must be worn
 properly. Failure to do so will mean the confiscation of this attire from the
student/seminarian.
1.3 Semi-formal Attire
During regular class days and outing days students are to wear shirts with collar and
pants at all times. The wearing of walking shorts are strictly forbidden at all times. The
wearing of shoes without socks and the wearing of slippers are not allowed in the
classroom and during official seminary functions. Students going out with permission are
to wear also the same semi-formal attire at all times.
1.4 Formal Attire
On Fridays during class days and on certain occasions students are to wear their Sunday’s
best (Long sleeves with tie or with jacket, slacks, and black shoes)
1.5 Attire for Receiving Visitors and entering the lobby
Seminarians are obliged to wear pants and shirt with sleeves when entering the lobby to
meet and entertain visitors. Sleeveless shirts and shorts are strictly forbidden.
Seminarians however may wear their slippers when meeting guests.

2 Outings
A student is required to ask permission everytime he leaves the seminary premises for
whatever purpose. The following guidelines are to be observed carefully:
2.1 For Nearby Outings (from Lahug flyover to the Carmelites), permission may be
sought from any of the formators present.
2.2 For Regular Outings (to all other areas), permission can be sought only from
Father Prefect.
2.3 For Overnight Outings, permission can be sought only from Father Prefect.
2.4 For Emergency Outings (for medical reasons), permission may be sought from
any of the priest formators. In the absence of priest formators, permission may be sought
from the seminary mayor.
2.5 For Regular Outings, the use of official outing cards is required. Outing Cards are
issued only once in every semester. The loss of outing cards is irreplaceable and will
disqualify the student/seminarian from seeking permission for a regular outing.
2.6 For Overnight Outings, a formal letter of permission addressed to Father Prefect
is required.
2.7 Outings of any kind will not be allowed during important seminary activities
(recollections, retreats, music practice, study periods, the Mass, prayers and house
cleaning).

3. Musicam Sacram in SCSC

With the consideration of the VC II, SC, Chapter VI on “Musicam Sacram,” SCSC is
dedicated to attach great importance to the teaching and practice of music in the seminary. Music
plays an important role in seminary formation especially since they are a tool for prayer and for
the enrichment of Liturgical celebrations.
 It is therefore the responsibility of every priest formator and seminarian to faithfully
safeguard the musical tradition of the universal Church, a “treasure of inestimable value, greater
even than that of any other art” (cf. VC II, SC n. 112).
In line with this, some formative guidelines are set:
1. Attendance
Every seminarian is required to be punctually present in every music practice and choir
function as established in the seminary schedule of activities. The attendance will be
diligently checked by the Assistant Music Director. An excuse may be permitted for an
absence in any of the engagement duly granted by the Music Director.

2. Proper Decorum
A. Attire
Proper attire will be observed at all times
i. Regular practice: Classroom attire
ii. Non-regular practice: Casual attire with long pants, unless instructed otherwise
iii. Liturgical Function: Liturgical Attire
B. Participation
C. Materials
i. Songbooks
ii. Pencil/Pen
D. Respect
Due respect to the Director and to his Assistant will be expected from every seminarian.

3. Sanctions
A due sanction consequential to any unsuitable behavior will be duly communicated by the
Music Director.

Section 5. PASTORAL FORMATION

(Cfr. UPPPF, nn. 257- 276)
The pastoral formation of the college seminarian aims to help him face the question
arising from his stage in life as he comes face to face with the demands of service.
Pastoral exposure to and involvement in specific community or ministry is meant to
strengthen his self-identity and to identify his mission which can occur only when he has
discovered the meaning of service to others. It cannot be denied, however, that
shepherding is not yet a realistic goal, much less the primary goal of the pastoral
formation of a college seminarian. Rather, the emphasis lies in self-discovery through
growth in service.
5.1 The pastoral formation of a college seminarian:
5.1.1 Provides an occasion for him to get in touch with a wide range of human
experiences to acquire more awareness of himself.
5.1.2 Tries to help a seminarian develop a healthy affective relationship with others.
5.1.3 Helps a seminarian to be service-oriented.
 5.1.4 Guides and purifies the motivation of a seminarian so that he may learn to serve
selflessly like Jesus.
5.1.5 Helps in identifying and cultivating the personal charisms and talents of a
seminarian, encouraging him to utilize them for the service of the common good.
5.1.6 Assists a seminarian in acquiring skills in communication, facilitating groups,
leading him to interact and collaborate with others.
5.1.7 Initiates a seminarian into acquiring and developing leadership skills.

5.2 Pastoral Formation Program Approaches:

5.2.1 The program observes the principle of gradualism in giving apostolic assignment.
5.2.2 It bases itself on the emerging needs of the society.
5.2.3 Pastoral formation must be interlinked with the other aspects of formation.
5.2.4 An orientation shall be given before sending the seminarians to a pastoral
involvement, such as their summer apostolate and vocation campaign, chapel apostolate,
apostolate with the elderly, catechism, feeding programs, etc.
5.2.5 Their pastoral experiences will be brought into prayer through the weekly
MAKALIPANG (Bible sharing) and will be processed through their Significant Incident
Report (SIR).
5.2.6 The Pastoral Formation Program approaches prefer team approach to pastoral
work.

5.3 Intensive Pastoral Exposure

5.3.1 Third Year seminarians are required to undergo an intensive two-week pastoral
exposure in specific areas, as arranged by the Pastoral Director.
5.3.2 Special fees may be required for this specific program. Graduates who have the
intention to proceed to the 5.3.3 Theology Department are required to participate in
this pastoral program.
5.3.4 Seminarians on active regency seeking readmission are required to undergo the
same program
5.4 The Agents of Pastoral Formation
5.4.1 The college seminarian himself is the first agent of his pastoral formation.
5.4.2 The community of seminarians should be challenged to support one another in
their common pursuit to be men for others.
5.4.3 The formation team and teachers, as a body, are responsible for pastoral
formation.
5.4.4 The Pastoral Director takes charge of coordinating the pastoral formation
program.
5.4.5 The Families of the seminarians can provide a setting for pastoral formation.
5.4.6 The diocesan Bishop is primarily responsible for the seminarians’ pastoral
formation.

Section 6. SOCIO-CULTURAL “[.] It is recommended that humanities in the Philippine College

Seminaries be approached from the perspective of history, culture, and the quest for social
justice." UPPPF, no. 238.
 6.1 Socio-Cultural formation in the seminary aims to address the formation of seminarians in
the perspective of social improvement and cultural development.
6.2 Socio-cultural performances shall be staged regularly during the acedemic year, in
coordination with the Socio-cultural Moderator and Minister.
6.3 The Socio-cultural Ministry shall be responsible for the securing and maintenace of the
following areas:
6.3.1 AVR
6.3.2 TV
6.3.3 Musical Instruments
6.3.4 Sound Systems
6.3.5 Projectors

Section 7. SPORTS
7.1 Students are encouraged to be active in sports during proper recreation times for the
development of their physique and maintenance of good health.
7.2 Students are required to wear proper sports attire at all times during the recreation period.
An official P.E uniform will be issued to the students for the same purpose.
7.2.1 However, seminarians are highly encouraged to wear the Official P.E Uniform
during Tuesdays and Thursdays, recreation time, community joggings and zumba
sessions.
7.3 Students are to follow at all times the rules of good sportsmanship and avoid acts of
violence while engaging in sports.
7.4 Students are to use the sports facilities proper to the college seminary only, unless a
special permission is given by the sports moderator.

Section 8. PROPAEDEUTIC
8.1 Students from other Senior High School institutions outside of the minor seminary and
college transferees are required to submit to a one-year orientation and Propaedeutic
formation.
8.2 A priest formator is assigned as program director for this purpose
8.3 Propaedeutic students are given probation status during the entire year of formation as
basis for their admission to the College Seminary Program.
8.4 Propaedeutic students are not admitted to the various Houses (cell groupings) but are
placed together under their own particular designated Class/House membership.
8.5 Propaedeutic students will also have their own special activities and schedules when
needed, but in general they follow the general schedule of activities of the seminary.
 V – INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT UNIT

Section 1. THE REGISTRAR’S OFFICE.

1.1 The Office of the Registrar is in charge of the different activities involving student
registration, transfer, and graduation. The Office is principally tasked to see to it that
rules and regulations coming from the Department of Education, Culture and Sports are
implemented.
1.2 The Office of the Registrar is assisted by the Records Section which keeps records of
students and is in charge of the issuance of documents stores in this section.
1.3 The Evaluation Section is another attached section that evaluates students applying for
graduation.
1.4 The EDP (Electronic Data Processing) with its computer facilities assists the Office of
the Registrar in the processing of academic records, and issues assessment of charges and
updating of financial accounts of students.

Section 2. THE COLLEGE LIBRARY

2.1 The College Library serves as an information resource center for students of English and
Philosophy.
2.2 The Father Librarian is in charge of the Library. He is professionally assisted by a
licensed Librarian.
2.3 Library hours are kept daily except on Sundays and holidays.
2.4 Agreement has been established with other libraries that will open its services to students
who need to look for reference materials outside the College Library. This will require
prior arrangements betwwen the Seminary College vis a vis other institutions of learning.
This agreement applies to the following:
2.4.1 other Universities and Colleges
2.4.2 the Archdiocesan Library of Cebu
2.4.3 Rules for use are separately published outside this manual.
2.5 Publication
2.5.1 The College Seminary will pool resources with the Theology Department in
issuing a regular journal of studies in the fields of English Studies and Philosophy which
will be published every semester.
2.5.2 A souvenir yearbook will also be published annually to commemorate the
academic year.
2.5.3 The Dean of Studies, assisted by others will take charge of these publications.
 VI – SERVICE SUPPORT UNIT

1.1 Health services are rendered free of charge regularly to students in the Office of the
School Physician.
1.2 Medicines for common ailments are made available to students free of charge (depending
on availability of supply).
1.3 Sports play an important role in health services. For this reason, sports facilities and
equipment are made available to students.
1.4 Hospital bills incurred by students within the school year will be charged to the personal
account of the students. The seminary will not shoulder any of the personal medical
expenses of the students.
1.5 Testing services are provided to new students through the human development resources.
1.6 Other recreational services are provided by the video facilities of the Seminary.
1.7 The seminary holds a yearly observance of the feast of the patronal saint of the seminary
college chapel.
1.8 Each year the seminary is to hold three important ceremonials; namely,
1.8.1 The Rite of Acceptance (for the new students)
1.8.2 The Christmas Lighting Ceremony
1.8.3 The Rite of Passage (for the graduating class)
1.9 Get-togethers and recollections of the students’ parents are also important services
rendered to create among parents an awareness of their integral role in the formation of
their sons.
1.10 The Office of the Alumni Association is established to maintain regular contacts and
activities with the graduates of the seminary.
1.11 Graduating students are inducted into membership of the Alumni Association during the
celebration of the Rite of Passage for the graduating class.
1.12 A priest formator is designated as director of the Alumni Association.
 Pledge of Adherence

I, ____________________, do hereby signify my solemn intentions to submit

myself fully and devoutly to the provisions of the seminary manual of conduct of
seminary formation during my years of study here at San Carlos Seminary College. I
promise to read and learn by heart the precepts of seminary formation and acknowledge
that their observance will mean the development of the seed of vocation that I carry in my
heart as I enter the thresholds of this sacred institution. I will renew every year my
commitment to keep this pledge. So help me God.

Signature:
________________________
Date:
________________________

Certified by:
Office of the Rector
roxan@basic-graphics.com
 School Song

No name delights the hearts of your children,

beloved San Carlos, as your own
Upon your knee this fond disciple
a whole new world has known
This memory I wish to keep
of happy days and friendships true
And all my years reecho
songs I sang for you, songs I sang for you
Thrive on San Carlos, Spirit of our Father,
Spirit that will the pow’r of godlessness withstand!
Live on San Carlos, Father of our Spirit
seedbed where grows the hope of Asia’s waiting lands!
Bright is your story, brighter is still your glory
When each of our little lives
turns into rays that adorn your bright countenance