The tale of the tertiary education of the municipality of Hinatuan was conceived in the year 1981 and named University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP). It was established as an extension program of the main campus situated in Davao through the initiative of Hon. Mayor CANDELARIO J. VIOLA, Jr. College of Education was then operating in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur under the supervision of the main campus of USEP Obrero, Davao City. However, in the year 1986 the operation of USEP Extension Program was deferred by the USEP Main Campus and was re-opened again in the year 1992 through the Local Government Unit of Hinatuan. During those times, classes were held at the Hinatuan National Comprehensive High School (HNCHS) building through the leadership of Hon. Mayor Candelario J. Viola, Jr.

The first framework of the school building was laid down in the year 2001 in its new school site at Caiedo street, Barangay Maharloka, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. The LGU of Hinatuan provided a one-storey building with a total floor area of 558 square meters including the hallway. It is equipped of the following: administrative office; faculty room; library; laboratory room; classrooms and comfort rooms.

It was in the year 2004 that the administration of the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) stopped the operation of four-year program of Education courses inUSEP-Extension Program in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. With the initiative of the local officials who jointly sponsored an ordinance for the establishment of HINATUAN SOUTHERN COLLEGE effective June 1, 2004 under Sec. 447 (5) (X) RA 7160, to cater students who have not yet graduated upon the expiration of (USEP), Hinatuan Extension Program under the University of Southeastern Philippines agreement between USEP and the Local Government of Hinatuan on the school year 2003-2004. Hinatuan Southern College (HSC) eventually converted the school into Local College and duly approved by the Sanggunian Panlalawigan of Surigao del Sur. But, it was until in the year 2006 that school became legally operational as authorized by Commission on Higher Education.

Sometime in March 2006, a group of determined and highly spirited individuals came to realize the need to meet the requirements and standards of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to cater the educational needs of the marginalized constituents of the locality of Hinatuan and neighboring areas. It was then on March 20, 2006 when the Prime Movers of Hinatuan Southern College went to Butuan City to consult CHED personnel about recognition of the programs offered by the school. It was on March 31, 2006 that the prime movers led by Eng. Juanito A. Balbutin Municipal Mayor submitted the necessary requirements for the recognition of Hinatuan Southern College.

Things get tough for the HSC initiators that they seek the assistance of the Local Government officials headed by Mayor Alicia V. Momongan and Vice-mayor Abelardo D. Balbuena, Jr. who went personally to CHED Central Office in Manila sometime on May 2006 with the councilors and even asked for help from Cong. Prospero A. Pichay.

Good intentions are really guided and blessed by God. In June 1, 2006, Dr. Joanna B. Cuenca, the CHED Regional Director issued an endorsement to Manila stating that the school was ready to open and offered Bachelor of Elementary Education and Bachelor of Secondary Education. On the same day, a CHED executive brought personally the endorsement to Manila and he was congratulated by the successful establishment of Hinatuan Southern College, the first local College in CARAGA Region duly recognized by the Commission on Higher Education and the 54th Local College entire Philippines with CHED Institutional 16021 code.

It was a dream come true, a marvel that sprang amidst the mishap that the people of Hinatuan endured. With the HSC's Prime Movers exerted effort-they dedicated their time and expertise, and strongly fight for Hinatunans educational upliftment. With their fused-concept, high ideals and vision together with the Local Government were able to build an institution in which students are given the highest priority to have quality education at a very affordable cost. Hence they are considered as the Pillars of Hinatuan: Southern College.

In June 13, 2006, Hinatuan Southern college started its operation offering BEED and BSED at Hinatuan North Central Elementary School (HNCE) campus with 304 students. The holding of classes was transferred on its official school site a year after. The wider range of curricular offering as dynamically responsive to the growing need to the municipality of Hinatuan for an educationally prepared and academically capable human resources who is equipped with higher educational skill, for in the year 2009 the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) major in Financial Management was offered. On the same year, tech-voc program were offered as approved by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) were offered.

In June 2015, the school laid the foundation of the proposed 3-storey Academic Building. It aimed to be utilized as classrooms, laboratory, and offices. It was fully functional starting academic year 2017-2018.

With the effort of the new school administration, the Institution was able to comply the standards set by CHED. On September 16, 2016, the program offerings such as BEED, BSED and BSBA were issued by the Commission the Government Recognition. This led to the issuance of Special orders among the graduates.

Remarkably, the institution was awarded the Certificate of Recognition by CHED Central Office on January 29, 2019. This feat qualifies the school to be included as a recipient of Free Higher Education. In addition, the students avail the TES (Tertiary Education Subsidy) and other scholarship and grants.

Hinatuan Southern College (HSC) has steadily grown as institution delivering quality education to the constituents of the municipality of Hinatuan and neighboring areas and produce competent individual who are educationally trained, technologically skilled and spiritually upright through quality instruction.

We are excited to share the official HSC Student Handbook—your ultimate guide to school policies, academic guidelines, extracurricular opportunities, and everything you need to succeed this year!

💡 Inside, you'll find:

✔️ Academic policies and grading systems

✔️ Code of conduct and school rules

✔️ Student Affairs and Services

✔️ Important schedules and resources

Stay informed, stay prepared, and make the most of your HSC journey!

📥 Click the link below to download the file👇🏻