Asylum of St. Vincent of Paul
This institution is situated in Paco, a suburb of Manila, in the barrio of Looban. The building and its grounds, belong to Sister Asunción Ventura, a sister of charity, who, being anxious for the welfare of poor girls, donated it to the congregation of the sisters of charity, in order that said building should be used as an asylum for the education of about 30 poor girls. The institution was inaugurated on November 26, 1885. Pay pupils are also admitted for the moderate fee of 6 pesos per month.
The sisters of charity of this institution number 5.
| Boarding pupils, | 37 |
| Poor pupils, | 45 |
| Servants, | 9 |
| Total, | 91 |
The pupils are taught Christian doctrine, reading, writing, Spanish grammar, and the four rules of arithmetic. They are also instructed in the work of their sex—sewing, embroidering, the making of artificial flowers, and some in housework, such as cleaning, cooking, washing clothes, etc.
College of San José de Jaro
On May 1, 1872, the sisters of charity opened, with the permission of the vice-royal patron, the college of San José, in Iloílo, for the instruction and education of girls. In doing this, they acceded to the wishes expressed by some good Spaniards and some principal citizens, and supplied a want in that capital. This college continued in existence until 1877, when it was closed on account of the lack of funds, as it had no funds but those derived from the fees of the pupils, who were very few toward the end.
Fray Mariano Cortero, bishop of Jaro, availed himself of the opportunity to call the sisters to his city, and placed the school in their charge. A house was leased, and beside it a frame building was constructed for school purposes, able to accommodate about 200 girls. Up to 1881, no boarding pupils were accepted, on account of the lack of room; but later, at the request of some families, some girls were admitted, the number of whom gradually increased to 50—too large a number for so small a house. This led to the necessity of enlarging the building, which was done by raising the school roof, and making an upper story, by which means a large and spacious room was scoured as a dormitory for the girls, besides a beautiful chapel.
Instruction is divided into three classes—superior, secondary, and primary. In the lowest class, reading and Christian doctrine are taught. In the secondary class, Christian doctrine, reading, writing, sacred history, and arithmetic are taught. In the superior class, the reading of printed and written matter is taught, as well as the writing of Spanish and English characters, geography, sacred and profane history, and arithmetic, as well as piano for those who wish. They are also instructed in the work of their sex—sewing, embroidering, artificial flowers, etc.