About

The Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST) is a public State College, Nonsectarian in the Philippines. It is located along Peñafrancia Avenue in Naga City. The current president is Dr. Richard H. Cordial.

HISTORY

Its history traces its humble beginnings in 1911, when it started as the Camarines Sur Trade School (CSTS). Mr. Pedro Hidalgo organized trade courses in the intermediate level, offering carpentry, drawing and trade arts. Classes were first held at the library hall of the Camarines Sur High School.

In 1924, it started offering Vocational courses in the Secondary level under Mr. Doroteo Federis. In November 1925, the first permanent school building was constructed, the Gabaldon building, on its 25,699 sq. m. school site donated by the provincial government. This building still exists and is considered as the school’s historical landmark. Woodworking courses were also introduced during the term of Mr. Cornelio Casaclang, as Principal. At the outbreak of World War II, the school principal was Mr. Romulo Y. Mendoza.

In 1945, the school was re- opened under Mrs. Primitiva Obias as Officer- in- Charge until the reassignment of Mr. Cornelio Casaclang, Auto- mechanics, Building Construction and Furniture and Cabinet Making were offered. In 1948, during the administration of Oligario Lenon, girls trades courses in Dressmaking, Cosmetology and Food Trades were offered and with it the construction of buildings and shops By virtue of House Bill no. 2919 (R.A. 825), sponsored by Congressman Emilio Tible, and approved in August 15, 1952, the school was nationalized and renamed Camarines Sur National School of Arts and Trades (CSNSAT). Mr. Manuel T. Espinosa became its first Superintendent. In 1954, the two- year post- secondary trade- technical education was offered. Upon its conversion to a full pledged college by virtue of R.A. No. 5056 sponsored by Cong. Ramon H. Felipe, Jr. in June 17, 1967, the CSNSAT was converted into a College and renamed as Bicol College of Arts and Trades (BCAT) and was authorized to offer courses like Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education (BSIE). This was during the term of Mr. Carlos Borjal, But before it formally assumed its name as BCAT, it was known as Camarines Sur National College of Arts and Trades (CSNCAT) until in the mid 1980s when it adapted its name BCAT.