Republic Central Colleges

Republic Academy was founded by the Hon. Rafael L. Lazatin with the support of his spouse, Loreto Paras Feliciano. Hon. Rafael L. Lazatin, a prominent agriculturist and industrialist, was a two-term. Mayor of Angeles City, and provincial board member, two-term governor, and Batasang Pambansa Assemblyman representing the Province of Pampanga. The Founder was aptly guided by his great faith in the Lord and inspired by his unquenchable desire to serve the public. He was also driven by the public clamor for quality education in answer to the pressing need at the time – a school servicing many adolescents who could not be accommodated at the Pampanga High School, then the only public high school in the province. A year after the opening of the high school department, in 1947, the elementary department was also opened. In the same year, upon the request of parents and students, college courses were also offered so that high school graduates may continue their.

education without having to go to Manila. Thus was born the “Republic Junior College”. Normal and Education courses were also offered. In 1949, the education-conscious masses and the many employees in nearby Clark Air Base requested the opening of other courses; thus, the College of Commerce and Liberal Arts were opened. The “Republic Junior College” was given the name “Republic Central Colleges” with government recognition granted to all of its courses. Heeding the country’s need for Citizen Army Training, the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) was permitted to be organized and function by the Armed Forces of the Philippines on June 8, 1957. This was the first ROTC unit organized in Pampanga.