Tag Archives: san gabriel

25 Years Ago – How MSC Started

By Ike Prudente

On Dec 4, 1989, we started the MSC Computer training center.

Over the years, we branched into all sorts of ventures, from computer hardware to  computer supplies to internet services to business applications and unrelated courses. We gave thousands of scholarships to financially challenged but deserving students. As we look back, we realized our greatest contribution to society are the fine citizens in the community who we helped educate and train these 25 years.

We are now in our new garden site in San Gabriel, refocusing our efforts in our core strengths in education. We now proudly re-introduce ourselves: we are MSC Institute of Technology – THE Math, Science and Computing School.

Start of MSC
MSC is best known as an educational institution. However, MSC started out as a computer software company, not a school.

In June 1989, Jorge Tanalega and I, together with our Cobol Instructor/ STI Center administrator Danny Lopez thought of forming a software development company because we were informed that a local utility wanted to computerize its billing system. With some friends, we brainstormed for a name which can be easily remembered. We thought that SMC (San Miguel Corporation) was very popular so we thought that jumbling the initials would be a good idea.

We thought of MSC and the name Management Systems Consultants. But when we tried to register it with the Department of Trade and Industry as a single proprietorship business entity, it was rejected because all the words in the proposed company name are common, generic words. So we added my initials VYP (for Virgilio Y. Prudente). Thus, VYP-Management Systems Consultants was registered.

When I was given the specifications for the billing systems requirement, I thought that I could easily finish it in a few days so I submitted a quotation of P8,000. They did not bother to contact us back. I found out later that a large company quoted P80,000 for the system.

A couple of unforeseen events led us to seriously consider the direction of a new company. In a planning session, Danny Lopez asked us “who do you think are the best programmers in San Pablo?” Of course, I pointed to Jorge Tanalega, Danny and Myself. And so Danny suggested that we establish a computer school. With two other friends from the Kiwanis Club of Lake City, Louie Perlas and Tony Celestino who believed in us, we decided to put up the MSC Computer Training Center.

Several days later, on Dec 4, 1989, on the mezzanine (above what is now LBC) of the Magcase Building on Barleta St., with a classroom with 9 chairs and a laboratory of 5 computers bought with borrowed money, or donated by family and friends, we conducted our first class with our first four students: Arnel Eneria, Christopher Catapia, Jonathan Romo and Noel Baldores – the WE WEH boys!

Our first course , Fundamentals of Computer Operations (FCO) was of course, handled by the teacher among us, Danny Lopez. But since Danny’s expertise is in teaching programming logic and COBOL, he needed help in preparing for his lessons in using the basic software – DOS, Wordstar, Lotus, dBase III.

Our software department headed by Gigi Tanalega doubled as the research department. Research then was very different from research now. Without Internet or books on the popular software, the team of Gigi spent hours, discovering tricks and short cuts using our AT 286, double diskette drive computers (without hard disk) which Danny could teach to our FCO students. This training proved beneficial to Gigi’s boys. Jonald Aguila is now a software developer based in Maryland USA and Edgar Cauyan is now president of CARD MRI Information Technology, Inc.

Anticipating the need for more instructors, we recruited Aniles Aquino (now Mrs. Duma, a professor at the Laguna State Polytechnic University and currently pursuing her doctorate in Education) and Gemma Pangilinan (now Mrs. Dimaano, the registrar of MSC).

In January 1990, a team from the Department of Education Culture and Sports came and told us that we were operating without a permit. Apparently, some not so friendly elements reported us to the DECS. After showing them our facilities which is certainly not below the minimum requirements for a school, I told them that we are awaiting our transfer to our new site before we submit our application for a school. I invited them to view a vacant space in the second floor of a nearby building, which I told them would be the future site of our new school. We also invited them to the “blessing” of our new site on April 1, 1990.

Acquaintance Party with a Twist

By : Michael Anthony Dollentes

Students of VYP-MSC Institute of Technology went to its San Gabriel Campus donned in Filipiñana costumes of the Spanish Era on June 24 for their Acquaintance Party.

MSC students went to the San Gabriel Campus donned in Filipiña costumes of the Spanish Era

Students of VYP-MSC Institute of Technology went to its San Gabriel Campus donned in Filipiñana costumes of the Spanish Era on June 24 for their Acquaintance Party.

Days before the said event, the School Directress Mrs. Lerma S. Prudente announced during the flag ceremony that students must wear Filipiñana attire during the   acquaintance party with the theme of commemorating Dr. Jose Rizal’s 150th birthday.

Among the activities included in the party were cultural presentations by the students from each year level.

The induction of the new set of officers of the high school student council was also held.

The party was made more fun by the parlor games sponsored by each class. The highlight of the party was the Search for the Mutya at Lakan wherein the contestants showcased their talents.

The MSC High School acquaintance party is held every year so that the  students will get to know each other better, thus fostering camaraderie and brotherhood among the students of VYP-MSC IT.

This year however, with the added Filipiñana twist to it, the celebration was made even more meaningful for it fostered nationalism that is one of the aims of the administration.

The MSC Green School Campus

MSC computer laboratories have 1:1 computer-student ratio

VYP-MSC Institute of Technology strengthens its vision to be an advocate of environmentally-sound practices and entrepreneurship, and its commitment to provide its students a well-rounded education that will turn them into lifelong learners.

With the opening of the Green Campus in San Gabriel, San Pablo City, MSC answers the call for more proactive measures to alleviate global warming. The Green Campus also serves as a non-traditional learning venue for MSC students

Set amidst 1.2 hectares of land, the main school building houses a computer laboratory, a science laboratory and spacious classrooms. The MSC curriculum, laboratory tools and computer equipment, together with all the natural sunlight and fresh air, create an environment that is conducive to out-of-the-box learning. Students conduct researches and projects, learn to effectively express their opinions on different issues, and respond to the call of the global world through interaction with other people throughout the world. Lectures and hands-on experiments also enhance the learning process.

Natural sunlight and fresh air, create an environment conducive to non-traditional learning and creative thinking.
Natural sunlight and fresh air, create an environment conducive to non-traditional learning and creative thinking.

The free space available also supports freedom of movement and encourages creativity, making the Green Campus ideal for collaborations and group activities.  The grounds are also used for various recreational activities, games and sports.

The land surrounding the building is teeming with fruit trees and ornamental plants. Students can cultivate and grow their own vegetables in a reserved portion of the land. This is MSC’s way of promoting livelihood education and the entrepreneurial spirits in its students.

At the MSC Green Campus, the students not only learn the theories set in the curriculum, but also the build the foundations of being upstanding citizens, caring individuals, God-fearing people, environmentally conscious and active participants in saving the earth.  This is, after all what MSC strives for—to be of service to the community, the people and the world.