Founding Years (2008)

Immaculate Conception I-College of Arts and Technology (ICI-CAT) was founded on March 5, 2008 through the vision of establishing a higher learning institution that would prepare the youth for rewarding careers.

Starting with only a few classrooms in a three-storey building equipped with the basic facilities required by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), School Director Prof. Neil B. Mateo set out to develop excellent learners through effective and innovative educational strategies.

On May 14, 2008 , ICI was issued its Certificates of Program Registration, allowing it to open its doors to its first enrollees eager to pursue better opportunities.

Early Achievements (2008–2009)

ICI welcomed its first 272 students in the academic year 2008–2009, offering technical-vocational courses in:

• Hotel and Restaurant Services (HRS)
• Information Technology
• Computer Science
• Computer Technology and Front Office
• Call Center Management

Soon after, ICI became a member of two prominent academic organizations in Bulacan: Bulacan Private Schools Association (BULPRISA) and Bulacan Association of Technical Schools (BATS).

In its first year, ICI gained recognition through impressive achievements:

• February 4, 2009 – HRS freshmen emerged as champions in Dessert Making at the Culinary Arts Competition of the Chicharon and Tuge Festival in Sta. Maria, Bulacan.
• The same event saw ICI students win 2nd place in the Chicharon Centerpiece category.
• February 23, 2009 – ICI was named Overall Champion in the 2009 Bulacan Provincial Skills Competition, securing 2 golds, 1 silver, and 3 bronzes in various skills events.

ICI also embraced cultural exchanges, hosting delegates from the Korean Youth Summer Work Camp 2008 for socio-cultural activities.

Expansion into Higher Education (2009–2015)

On March 5, 2009, ICI officials and the Board of Directors expressed their intent to expand into degree programs. A Memorandum of Agreement was signed with the University of Regina Carmeli (now La Consolacion University Philippines ), a CHED deregulated and ISO-certified institution.

By June 2009, ICI offered extension classes in:

• Computer Science
• Hospitality Management
• Business
• Education (major in English)

In June 2012, ICI formally launched its own degree programs, including:

• BS in Computer Science
• BS in Information Systems
• BS in Entrepreneurship
• BS in Accounting Technology
• BS in Tourism Management
• Associate in Computer Technology

These programs were officially recognized by CHED in January 2015.

Program Expansion for K–12 Graduates (2018) To meet the needs of the first K–12 graduates, ICI expanded its offerings in SY 2018–2019 with CHED approval (March 2018) for the following programs:

• BS in Accountancy
• BS in Psychology
• BS in Criminology
• BA in Communication
• Bachelor of Physical Education
• Bachelor of Technical Vocational Teacher Education
  • Major in Food and Service Management
  • Major in Computer Programming

Resilience During the Pandemic (2020–2022)

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to education, but ICI responded with innovation. In SY 2020–2021, it launched ICIAP MyE-Class, its official Learning Management System powered by Moodle, ensuring continuous learning from home.

By SY 2021–2022, this platform was rebranded as ICON Education, representing the institution’s forward-looking approach to digital learning.

Looking Ahead

In just over a decade, ICI-CAT has grown from a modest institution with a few classrooms into a recognized provider of higher education in Bulacan. With its commitment to innovation, quality education, and holistic student development, ICI continues to nurture future leaders who are ready to excel in diverse industries and serve their communities.