Nestled on top of a 14 - hectare lot in Madapo Hills, Davao City, are two intertwined United Church of Christ in the Philippines institutions namely: the Brokenshire Integrated Health Ministries, Inc. (BIHMI) and Brokenshire College, Inc. The former is into the healing ministry and the latter is into the teaching ministry.
Both have grown from the same origins and the same missions. “The healing ministry is a crucial component of the over-all mission of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP). Thus in 1903, the Board of Commissioners for Foreign Mission of the Congregational Churches in the United States of America, now the United Church Board for World Ministries (UCBWM), sent the Rev. and Mrs. Robert Black as missionaries to Davao. They saw the tremendous need for medical service in the area.
Rev. Robert F. Black, started the medical mission specializing in malaria and cholera cases. In 1908, another American missionary by the name of Dr. Charles Thomas Sibley followed suit as a medical missionary.”
A dispensary was set up to serve the medical needs of the community. This soon was replaced by a clinic made of bamboo and nipa, located along Magallanes Street by the river bank. The clinic was known as the Davao Mission Hospital.
In 1926, a young American doctor, Dr. Herbert Cecil Brokenshire came to assume the administrative oversight of the Davao Mission Hospital. Dr. Brokenshire from whom both institutions were named, was a naval officer with a two (2) year service record in the Great War. He was from Illinois, USA., and a graduate of Cornell University in New York where he graduated with honors in 1924. Dr. Brokenshire served for two years as a surgeon at the Methodist Episcopal Hospital in Brooklyn before coming to Davao City.
Dr. Brokenshire served the medical mission for fourteen years and was an example of selflessness and dedication.
At the outbreak of World War II, he was called to active duty by the US Navy. He was declared lost at sea when the ship where he was forced to serve under the Japanese regime was torpedoed by Allied Forces while on its way to Japan. Official records marked the date as October 24, 1944.
Dr. Baldomera Esteban Sexon whom Dr. Rizal Aportadera aptly described as “a diminutive lady whose size belied the giant that she was” continued the healing ministry in the absence of Dr. Herbert Cecil Brokenshire during the war years.
In 1954, administrative oversight of the hospital was formally assumed by the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. Dr. Baldomera Sexon served as the Medical Director.
In that same year, Ms. Emma B. Noreen, served as the hospital’s Business Manager and Treasurer and later as Administrator in 1968. Ms. Noreen was a missionary nurse in China before she was assigned to Brokenshire Hospital after the war.
Through the initiative of Dr. Baldomera E. Sexon, Ms. Emma Noreen, Ms. Efigenia Occeña, Dr. Lora Dyer, Ms. Herminia Reyes and Mrs. Rosario Perpiñan, the Brokenshire School of Nursing was established in 1954.
The first batch of 25 students was handled by Ms. Herminia Reyes who served as its first principal. Grants were received from abroad to purchase school equipment as well as to construct a students’ dormitory.
The opening of the School of Nursing was well received and supported by the Davao community that after 3 years, on July 16, 1957 it was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and incorporated as a non-stock, non-profit institution in cooperation with the United Church of Christ in the Philippines.
The incorporators of the school were:
- Dr. Proculo A. Rodriguez, a UCCP bishop of Mindanao;
- Dr. Henry Little Jr., an American missionary;
- Dr. Josefa Ilano, a prominent medical practitioner and founder of the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines*
Dr. Baldomera E. Sexon , a prominent medical practitioner; and
- Ms. Emma B. Noreen, a nurse supervisor and former administrator of the Brokenshire Memorial Hospital.
The first members of the Board of Trustees were:
Dr. Gavino Tabuñar, Mrs. Consolacion Sepulveda and Mr. Remegio Velasco.
In that same year, most historic event was the celebration of the first batch of 23 graduates who received their diploma with a 100% passing rate in the nursing licensure examination.
The year 1964, wrought havoc on the hospital and its School of Nursing. A fire that started at Anda St., Davao City, gutted through the commercial district of San Pedro St. and razed through Magallanes St., burning down the entire hospital and its adjoining buildings. Only the students’ dormitory was spared. Within a week, the dormitory was converted into an emergency hospital. The nurses’ dormitory and classrooms were housed at the Church Social Hall located at corner Bonifacio & Legaspi Sts., where it stayed for 4 years.
With the assurance of financial support from the German Evangelical Agency in Bonn, West Germany and cooperating churches in the US, a site identified as Madapo Hill, was acquired by the United Church Board for World Ministries.
The board bought it from the government after World War II by virtue of the parity rights agreement in 1946 which allowed American citizens to own real estate property in the Philippines. The 14-hectare property was a Japanese concession before World War II.
The hospital lot in Magallanes Street was sold and the proceeds used as counterpart along with the funding by the Evangeliche Zentralstelle Fur Entwick lung shilfe, E.V. or EZE of Germany to construct the new hospital and the School of Nursing buildings at Madapo Hill. In addition to the proceeds of the lot, there was also the Jacobson donation of proceeds of its shares of stock with Davao Light & Power Corporation and the donation from Dr, Baldomera E. Sexon. Several other donations from different churches and individuals and mission boards foreign and local were added to the counterpart. On June 29, 1968, the School of Nursing occupied its new building in time for the school opening.
Turn of events blew in favor of the Brokenshire Memorial Hospital and the School of Nursing. In 1971, the Laurel-Langley agreement duly ratified by the Senate of the Philippines, and the United States of America ended the Parity Rights Agreement.
In May 22, 1972, the United Church Board for World Ministries (UCBWM), declared that the 14-hectare property shall be devoted by the donee exclusively for the use and support of its charitable, humanitarian, educational, religious and benevolent aims, programs or objectives and that of the School of Nursing.
In compliance with the above provision, the Brokenshire Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees, met on February 28, 1975, and came up with Action 75 -13 assigning 5 hectares of Madapo property to the School of Nursing, almost a hectare to the Southern Mindanao District Conference (SMDC) and another hectare for the use of missionaries, currently now occupied by the Southern Mindanao Jurisdiction (SEMJUR).
The 14-hectare project site referred to many as Madapo Hill, has now become popularly known as Brokenshire Heights. The initial development of the entire medical complex included a four-winged hospital building in the shape of a cross, a school of nursing with an auditorium and a nurses’ dormitory.
In 1978, the Board of Trustees decided to expand its academic programs by offering Liberal Arts, and phased out the Graduate Nurse (GN) program. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) was then offered. Consistent with the many changes, the school was officially renamed as Brokenshire College, Inc. The first batch of graduates earning the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing was in 1981. For 14 years (1970 to 1983), the School achieved the 100% performance rating in the Nursing Licensure Examination.
In 1980, a new College Dormitory was constructed to serve the growing needs of the student nurses. However, the basement portion was for use of the staff of the Brokenshire Memorial Hospital.
In response to the request from the members of the UCCP community, the High School program was added in 1984 during the time of the first President Dr. Marcelo P. Satentes with the late Mr. Cresenciano Mosot as the principal. The Preschool and Elementary programs were opened in 1989 as a separate unit of the college and named as child Development Center with the program in Nursery, Kindergarten, and Elementary.
In 1993 three (3) programs were added, the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), Bachelor in Elementary Education (BEED) and Bachelor in Secondary Education (BSED). In 1995 the Nursing, Liberal Arts and High School programs were accredited level 1 by ACSCU-AAI. Government recognition to offer Bachelor of Science in Business Administration was granted in 1996.
On June 7, 1997, Atty. Samuel R. Matunog was installed as the Second President of the College. Under his Administration, AB Psychology was changed to BS Psychology, and three new courses were added in the field of Information Science (Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Bachelor of Science in Information Management). The PAG-ASA School of Theology was merged with the curriculum of the college, and offered Bachelor of Arts (AB) in Theology and Christian Education. Likewise in 1998, the secondary curriculum was enhanced particularly in the field of science, mathematics, technology and research, and this led to the establishment of the Brokenshire Science High School.
In the academic year 2001-2002, Rev. Dr. Leopoldo R. Naïve was installed as the third President of the College. In 2006, through the adherence of having a Quality Management System and to her Quality Policy of providing value-oriented quality education through continuous improvement and total involvement for customer satisfaction and to become globally competitive the school applied for ISO Certification, with perseverance, determination and hard work, Brokenshire College was granted ISO 9001; 2008 certification under TUV SUD Philippines Inc. In the same year, the Upward Mobility Program (UMP) or weekend college was offered to cater to the needs of the working class for non-nursing courses. In 2008, the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Microfinance was offered in partnership with the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD) Mutually Reinforcing Institution (MRI). In 2009, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) granted the permit to offer Bachelor of Physical Education (BPE) major in Sports and Wellness Management and School Physical Education and (BSBA) major in Entrepreneurship.
In 2011, two (2) Graduate Programs were offered, Master of Arts in Theology (MAT) AND Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN). In 2012, new programs were offered namely; Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology, and Bachelor of Science in Midwifery. In 2012-2013, the BPE program was granted government recognition by CHED. Rev. Dr. Naive’s dedication to ongoing enhancement, establishing Brokenshire College as a leader in delivering high-quality education and community-centered initiatives throughout his tenure.
In 2012, the BCFSU-ADLO labor union launched a strike in reaction to extensive layoffs at the institution stemming from financial difficulties, which sparked a contentious labor dispute. Mr. Rodne Baslot, a prominent leader within the labor union, emerged as a staunch advocate for the rights of union members. He led efforts to challenge management decisions and proposed strategies aimed at preserving employee positions during the institution's crisis.
In 2013, a significant turning point unfolded in the history of Brokenshire College. Dr. Felix C. Chavez Jr., then Research Director, foresaw a concerning decline in enrollment for Nursing while the Arts and Sciences Programs faced difficulties in attracting enrollees. Recognizing the potential repercussions, Dr. Chavez recommended a strategic shift to address the impending challenge. His study, which involved the institution's stakeholders, indicated that Brokenshire College held a strong community perception as a "health or medical brand institution". Based on this insight, he recommended to the management the offering of School of Medicine and other Allied Health programs.
Responding to Dr. Chavez’s recommendation, the Board of Trustees convened in 2014 and collectively decided to redefine Brokenshire College's focus, emphasizing health-related education. The primary initiative was the introduction of the Medical Education Program. Following the decision, Dr. Chavez was directed to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study, encompassing all necessary preparations and documentations for the opening of the Medical Program. Later in the same year, Dr. Chavez presented the feasibility study to a joint meeting of Brokenshire College and Brokenshire Integrated Health Ministries (BIHMI) Board of Trustees, projecting an initial enrollment of 40 students in the first year.
In 2015, leadership changes occurred with Dr. Chavez assuming the role of Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dr. Linell Malimbag becoming the 4th President of the institution. Dr. Linell G. Malimbag became the first woman President of the College. Immediately after her appointment, she embarked on the repainting of the building façade, construction of the covered path walk, increasing internet speed, and opening of the BC-TESDA Assessment Center. She aimed at enhancing the overall campus environment and infrastructure. Her proactive stance and focus on operational enhancements underscored her dedication to advancing the College's facilities and services for the benefit of students, faculty, and staff alike.
In April 2016, marked a pivotal moment as the CHED National Office granted the permit to operate the School of Medicine (No. 002 series of 2016). Brokenshire College achieved a unique milestone, being the sole institution in the Philippines to successfully open a Medicine Program that year. On May 26, 2016, a press conference was held at Martha’s Place, attended by Dr. Malimbag, Dr. Chavez, other school officials, and stakeholders of the school, to officially inaugurate the second Medical School in the Davao Region, the Brokenshire College School of Medicine.
In the second semester of April 2016, and at the beginning of the Academic Year 2017, Dr. Chavez was appointed as the Acting President of the College. He continued to pursue his vision of establishing a medical and health-related brand of education by applying to CHED for the BS in Pharmacy and BS in Medical Technology programs, which were successfully opened and launched in the following school year. On May 2017, the school achieved Level 3 Re-accreditation status form ACSCU-AAI for the School of Nursing and was subsequently invited to pursue Level 4 accreditation, which it obtained in the following year. Moreover, the Level 3 accreditation for the Arts and Sciences, Education Programs (BEEd&BSEd), and Business Administration Programs was pursued through ACSCU-AAI and successfully attained in the next school year. Furthermore, it was during his time that the Senior High School were added as prescribed in the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, as Department of Education promote to launch Senior High School (SHS) nationwide, a new level of Basic Education consisting grades 11 and 12. Dr. Chavez's leadership style is best described as transformational, driven by his capacity to inspire and unite others around a shared vision. He prioritized professional growth for faculty and staff, introduced policies that centered on student welfare, and encouraged a spirit of continuous improvement across all facets of College life. Dr. Chavez implemented strategic initiatives that not only aligned with the evolving educational landscape but also addressed the community's needs and aspirations.
In the academic year 2018-2019, at the request of Dr. Chavez to transition into a consultant role for the College, Dr. Melchorita Salvador assumed the position of Chief Academic Officer. In 2019, the Board of Trustees appointed Rev. Oliver T. Paraiso as the Interim President of Brokenshire College. Rev. Paraiso played a pivotal role in administering and guiding the school's educational mission, ensuring alignment with the teaching ministry of the Church.
Dr. Julie Sionillo was appointed as OIC from 2021-2022.
In September 27, 2022, Bishop Hamuel G.Tequis, MDiv was appointed as the 5thPresident of Brokenshire College, a position where he swiftly gained recognition for his adept conflict resolution strategies and servant leadership within the college community. His leadership was characterized by a clear vision and proactive direction, emphasizing the harmonious integration of faith and learning throughout the institution's educational framework. Under Bishop Tequis' stewardship, there was a notable increase in stakeholder trust, which was pivotal in driving a significant rise in enrollment. His vision centers on establishing the UCCP brand of education, which prioritizes holistic development for all students.
The school administrators are the following:
1954 – 1957 Mrs. Herminia Reyes, Principal
1957 – 1970 Ms. DesposoriaMagdamo, Director
1970 – 1985 Ms. Phoebe Reyes, Director
1985 – 1986 Mrs. Delia Dango, Director
1986 – 1997 Dr. Marcelo Satentes, the 1st President
1997 – 2001 Atty. Samuel Matunog, the 2nd President
2001 – 2013 Rev. Leopoldo R. Naive, the 3rd President
2013- 2016 Dr. Linelle G. Malimbag, the 4th President
2016-2018 Dr. Felix C. Chavez Jr., Acting President
2018 - 2019 Dr. Melchorita S. Salvador, Chief Academic Officer
2019 - 2021 Rev. Oliver T. Paraiso, Interim President
2021 - 2022 Dr. Julie V. Sionillo, OIC
2022 -Up to present Bishop Hamuel G. Tequis, 5th President