# Divine Word Seminary

The Divine Word Seminary Tagaytay (DWST) is a Roman Catholic mission seminary located in Tagaytay City, Philippines. Established in 1933, the seminary is owned and administered by the Society of the Divine Word (Latin: Societas Verbi Divini, or SVD). The primary purpose of the seminary is to prepare missionaries for both the Philippine and foreign missions. Its students are mostly seminarians preparing for the priesthood, and come from a cluster of around 14 autonomous affiliated houses of formation.

## Academic programs

DWST offers the following degrees:
* a four-year Theology course;
* Sacrae Theologiae Baccalaureus or S.T.B. – diploma comes from Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome;
* M. A. in Theology;
* A.B. in Theology; and
* Certificate in Theological Studies directed mainly to the laity.
DWST also hosts a house of formation for the SVD-Philippines—the SVD Scholasticat and the Divine Word Institute of Mission Studies (DWIMS).
Included in its academic programs are the following courses/subjects:
* Ecclesiastical Course (course for candidates for the priesthood)
* Licentiate in Mission Theology (run by the Divine Word Institute of Mission Studies)
* Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology (degree conferred by the Pontifical Urbaniana University, Rome)
* AB Theology Degree (recognized by CHED)
* M.A. in Theology, Major in Moral Theology
* M.A. in Theology, Major in Missiology
* M.A. in Theology, Major in Sacred Scriptures
* M.A. in Theology Major in Systematic Theology
* M. A. in Theology: Major in Pastoral Ministry (non-thesis)
* M. A. in Theology Major in Mission Studies (Non-thesis)
* Certificate in Theological Studies (CTS)
* SVD-Alternative Learning System (SVD-ALS)

## Administration

* Rectors of the Divine Word Seminary
* Fr. Alois Lehberger, SVD, 1964–1969
* Fr. Wenceslao Fernan, SVD, 1965–1966
* Fr. Amante Castillo, SVD, 1968–1970
* Msgr. Miguel Cinches, SVD, 1970–1973
* Fr. Florante Camacho, SVD, 1973–1974
* Fr. Herminio Ricafort, SVD, 1974–1979
* Fr. Antolin Uy, SVD, 1979–1987
* Fr. Herman Mueller, SVD, 1979–1980
* Fr. Florencio Lagura, SVD, 1987–1990
* Fr. Robert Orig, SVD, 1990–1993
* Fr. Herbert Scholz, SVD, 1993–1995
* Fr. Lino Nicasio, SVD, 1995–1996
* Fr. Dionisio Miranda, SVD, 1996–1999
* Fr. Antolin Uy, SVD, 1999–2002
* Fr. Joseph Miras, SVD, 2002–2005
* Fr. Wilfredo Saniel, SVD, 2005 – 2014
* Fr. Michael Layugan SVD, 2014 – 2020
* Fr. Samuel Agcaracar, SVD, 2020–present

### Affiliated houses of formation

* Divine Word Seminary Scholasticate (SVD) - Rector, Fr. Samuel Agcaracar, SVD
* Mission Society of the Philippines (MSP) - Fr. Roberto Ruben Elago, MSP
* Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales (MSFS)- Rector, Fr. Binoy, MSFS
* Oblates of Saint Joseph (OSJ) - Fr. Randy dela Rosa, OSJ
* Religious Tertiary Capuchins of Our Lady of Sorrows (Amigonians) - Fr. Renz Canuto, TC
* Saint Augustine Major Seminary (SASMA)- Rector, Fr. Andy Lubi
* Saint Lawrence of Brindisi House of Studies (OFM Capuchins) - Rector, Fr. Arnold M. Montealto, OFMCap
* Saint Paul Seminary Foundation (SSP)- Rector, Fr. Norman Pena, SSP
* Saint Paul Scholasticate (Barnabites) - Rector, Fr. Jesus Allado, CRSP
* San Pablo Theological Formation House - Rector, Fr. Jose Segudo
* Servants of the Paraclete (sP)- Rector, Fr. Peter Khan
* Somascan Major Seminary (Somascans)- Fr. Gabriele Scotti, CRS
* Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol (TMP)- Rector, Fr. Michael Cron
* Two Hearts (OATH and SMITH)- Superior, Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian

### Deans

The School of Theology had graduates already from the school years 1964–1969, but there was no official appointment of a dean for the school. The school's entity was closely associated with the rector, thus there was no official appointment for a dean until the start of the school-year 1969.
* Fr. Antonio Pernia, SVD, STD 2020–present
* Fr. Guilberto Marqueses, SVD, STL 2017-2020
* Fr. Randolf Flores, SVD, SSL, PhD and STD – 2014–2017
* Fr. Felix Ferrer, SVD, STD – 2013–2014
* Fr. Alexander Muaña, SVD, STL – 2008–2013
* Fr. Michael Layugan, SVD, PhD and STD – 2004–2008
* Fr. Felix Ferrer, SVD, STD- 1999–2004
* Fr. Lino Nicasio, SVD, PhD – 1996–1999
* Fr. Antolin Uy, SVD, PhD – 1995–1996
* Fr. Lino Nicasio, SVD, PhD – 1992–1995
* Fr. Guillermo Villegas, SVD, SSL, STD – 1990–1992
* Fr. Constante Floresca, SVD, MA – 1988
* Fr. Antolin Uy, SVD, PhD – 1987–1990
* Fr. Florencio Lagura, SVD, STD – 1985–1987
* Fr. Herbert Scholz, SVD, STD – 1981–1985
* Fr. Reiner Franke, SVD, SSL – 1975–1981
* Fr. Macario Magboo, SVD, STL – 1972–1975
* Fr. Frederick Scharpf, SVD, SSL – 1969–1972