Historical and academic overview
Formerly the Claret Formation Center, SAMCC has formed philosophers, theologians, and missionaries since 1985 — rooted in the charism of St. Anthony Mary Claret.
A college built on formation and mission
Founding & Relocation
Saint Anthony Mary Claret College (SAMCC), formerly the Claret Formation Center, was established on June 17, 1985, led by the late Fr. Domingo Moraleda, CMF, then Provincial Superior of the Claretians in the Philippines, together with Fr. Angel Ochagavia, CMF, and Dr. Beulah D. Nuval, Ed.D.
Initially located in Tandang Sora, Quezon City, the college relocated to its current site in Sanville Subdivision, Culiat, Q.C. on November 30, 1988. It is regulated by the Commission on Higher Education.
Academic Program
SAMCC offers an undergraduate department granting a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, supplemented by Psychology courses. The 2021 Enriched Curriculum introduced Education units into the program.
Throughout the four-year academic journey, SAMCC lays the foundation to prepare students for their future roles as priests and missionaries.
Academic formation, drawn from a wide circle
In its early years, SAMCC maintained a Memorandum of Agreement with the nearby University of the Philippines, allowing UP faculty to teach at the seminary college. Over time, lay and religious faculty also joined from:
- Ateneo de Manila University
- Pontifical University of Sto. Tomas
- Miriam College
- Adamson University
- Other local and international educational institutions
These educators have significantly shaped the intellectual formation of students, and in recent years, SAMCC’s own graduates have joined the academic staff.
Inclusive Missionary Education
Originally established exclusively for Claretian seminarians, SAMCC now accepts student seminarians from other religious congregations and dioceses.
As a Catholic college, SAMCC provides a comprehensive Catholic education, fostering intellectual and holistic formation for a missionary life, responsive to timely needs.
Mission & Service
Many graduates now serve the Church and society as priests and religious brothers through institutions, communities, and ministries across the Philippines and abroad. Current missions include:
- Basilan & Zamboanga City
- Zamboanga Sibugay
- Ormoc, Eastern Visayas
- Saranggani, Mindanao
“Knowledge is best with virtue” — integrating wisdom and character in every pursuit.
Those who embrace their vocation as lay persons remain dedicated Christians, actively contributing to the transformation of society and the revitalization of the Church. They champion values-based families and excel across professional domains, embodying their faith through practical action — guided by the missionary ethos of St. Anthony Mary Claret.
Organizational structure
How the SAMCC office is organized to support academic and formation life.
SAMCC Office Organizational Chart
Vision Statement
Embracing Claret’s missionary spirit, SAMCC cultivates a nurturing academic community that prepares students for missionary life as priests, religious, and laity through holistic education, personal growth, and a strong sense of mission — all rooted in a deep commitment to the proclamation of the Gospel, aiming to make a transformative impact on the world.
Mission statements and goals
SAMCC is dedicated to fostering a school of philosophy that upholds the pursuit of right reason within a strong Catholic Christian tradition.
Pursuit of right reason
Comprehensive education fostering right reason, critical thinking, and a strong Catholic Christian tradition.
An environment for open-mindedness, dialogue, and truth-seeking.
A harmonious relationship between faith and reason, emphasizing their compatibility.
Shaping missionaries and servant leaders
Spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral development, nurturing love, compassion, and service.
Humility, integrity, and selflessness through mentorship and experiential learning.
Supporting students in discerning their calling as priests, religious, or lay leaders.
Holistic formation
Personal growth, deepening spiritual life, and intellectual development for chosen vocations.
Celebrating diverse vocations, charisms, and cultural backgrounds in an inclusive community.
Strong relationships through communal activities, prayer, and shared Gospel values.
The Formative Character
SAMCC serves as a College of Philosophy and a Formation Center, prioritizing both intellectual training and the nurturing of Christian vocation, where each mutually supports the other — fostering a harmonious relationship between faith and reason.
Inspired by St. Anthony Mary Claret’s example, the Claretian Congregation holds that philosophy is of utmost significance in the initial period of academic formation for future missionaries and priests.
Core Values — CHEERS
Six values guide our community’s pursuit of personal and collective growth: Compassion, Humility, Excellence, Empowerment, Respect for life, and Service to others.
Core values in practice
Compassion
We demonstrate empathy and care to all, especially the marginalized and vulnerable.
Humility
We value others above ourselves, recognizing our limitations and everyone’s inherent worth.
Excellence
We pursue intellectual and academic growth, developing our full potential with heart.
Empowerment
We empower individuals through active participation and inclusive, collaborative teamwork.
Respect for life
We pursue justice, peace, and integrity, becoming responsible stewards of God’s gift of life.
Service to others
We seek opportunities to serve, championing justice, peace, and stewardship of creation.
Ready to begin your formation?
Admissions teams for both departments are ready to guide you through the next step, wherever you’re starting from.