Philippine Bible Seminary (PBS) is a non-profit Christian educational institution founded in 1958 by Mr. and Mrs. Norval Campbell in Nagsangalan, Vigan City. At the time, the Campbells were missionaries based in Aparri, Cagayan, where they taught at Aparri Bible Seminary. In 1956, while attending a seminar for church leaders in Luna, Burgos, Mr. Norval Campbell was approached by the late Mr. Felipe Dumalanta, who asked, “How can we have ministers here in Ilocos?” Mr. Campbell suggested that local students attend Aparri Bible Seminary or Manila Bible Seminary. However, the long travel to Cagayan, along with the high cost of education and living in the city, made it difficult for many to pursue seminary training.

Recognizing the need for a more accessible solution, Mr. and Mrs. Campbell decided to establish a seminary in the Ilocos Region. In 1957, after the Selbys returned from the United States, the Campbells left Aparri to travel to the U.S. to campaign for support in establishing the seminary. Thus, Philippine Bible Seminary was born, offering a local option for training future church leaders and ministers in the Ilocos region.

On March 10, 1958, Mr. and Mrs. Norval Campbell, along with their daughter Charlotte, returned to the Philippines to begin the work they had long envisioned. After spending a few weeks in Manila, they traveled directly to Vigan to start the seminary. In May of 1958, construction began on the seminary building on the cornfield of Mr. Leoncio Sanchez, one of the pioneering believers in the Ilocos region. Seeing the possibility of opening the seminary in July, they announced the launch to congregations in Ilocos Sur and Abra. As anticipated, the first students came from Abra and Ilocos Sur, many of whom were former students from Aparri Bible Seminary.

Classes officially began with Mr. and Mrs. Campbell and Mr. and Mrs. Eulogio Roca serving as the first instructors. In the following years, the first Board of Trustees was established, consisting of Mr. Alarico Basabas, Mr. Nicolas Versoza, Mr. Benjamin Ibe, Mr. Alejandro Fernandez, as well as the teachers themselves—Mr. Eulogio Roca, Mr. Andres Malinnag, and Mr. Crisanto Awitan. The wives of the staff also played key roles in the seminary’s work. Mrs. Dondena Campbell served as the pianist, Mrs. Leonor Roca taught English and Greek, Mrs. Juanita Malinnag was both a teacher and the ladies’ dormitory dean, and Mrs. Esperanza B. Ibuos became the first graduate to teach music, followed by Mrs. Penaranda Awitan. Mr. Virgilio Ibarra and his wife, Mrs. Blanche Ibarra, also joined the faculty.

Through their collective effort and dedication, the seminary saw the growth of students and graduates who returned to their home congregations to teach the Word of God, impacting both children and adults. The work of evangelism flourished, and new congregations were established.

In 1965, Mr. and Mrs. Norval Campbell returned to the United States and entrusted the leadership of PBS to the Filipino faculty and Board of Trustees. Mr. Eulogio Roca was appointed as the new director, marking a significant milestone in the seminary’s journey.

As some teachers moved abroad to continue their ministry in other countries, new faculty members arrived to serve at PBS. Mrs. Rosa Roca (1969-2012) became the music teacher, and later, her husband, Mr. David Roca, also joined the teaching staff. In the late 1980s, several dedicated educators began serving at the seminary, including Mr. Rogelio Ibe, who served as both teacher and registrar; Mr. Sam Lubag, who became the academic dean as well as a music and foreign language teacher; his wife, Mrs. Blanche Lubag, who served as the librarian; and Mr. Perry Allan, a graduate of Aparri Bible Seminary, who joined as a teacher.

It is also worth noting the invaluable contributions of part-time teachers who generously shared their time and talents, including Mrs. Clarita Balangcad, Mrs. Norlene Fernandez (music), Mrs. Cherry Ibarra (music), and Mrs. Lucrecia Roca (English and Greek).

With continuous blessings from above, PBS has been able to produce more graduates, and new students continue to enroll for training, ensuring the seminary’s mission of preparing leaders for ministry remains strong and vibrant.

Mr. Norval Campbell went to be with the Lord in 1999, leaving behind a legacy of love and dedication to the seminary and the brethren in the Philippines, particularly in the Ilocos region. The seminary continues to stand as a monument to his vision and commitment. After his passing, Mrs. Dondena Campbell and their children carried on the work, representing PBS to congregations abroad.

During this period, some faculty members retired, while others continued to serve the Lord outside the seminary, creating opportunities for talented and passionate PBS graduates to step into teaching roles. Among those who contributed were Mr. Edward Roca (Bible subjects), Mrs. Ella Ibe (1988-2019 / Teacher/Library Aid), Mr. Ireneo Gervacio (1992-2015 / Bible and General Education subjects), and Mrs. Roda Ungao, who began as a part-time music teacher in 1998.

When Mrs. Dondena passed away, her son, Mr. Philip Campbell, and his family continued the legacy of their parents, offering unwavering love and support to Philippine Bible Seminary. Mr. Philip and his son, Mr. Wes, visit the seminary annually and have brought their family members and other brethren from the United States to witness the mission work in the region. PBS has truly been blessed through their continued leadership and dedication to the seminary’s mission.

To meet the challenges of the 21st century, Philippine Bible Seminary (PBS) underwent significant changes and improvements. Programs were re-evaluated and updated to reflect evolving concepts of literacy and education, while facilities were renovated and expanded to better serve the needs of modern students.

In 2003, the dining hall was transformed into a larger, two-story facility, which was named the Norval A. Campbell Building in honor of the late Mr. Norval Campbell. In 2004, a duplex building was constructed to house teachers and their families, named the Eulogio and Leonor Roca Building in recognition of the late Mr. and Mrs. Eulogio Roca, co-founders of the seminary.

The original wooden dormitories were replaced with modern, three-story concrete buildings. The gentlemen’s dormitory, completed in 2005, was named the Dondena Campbell Building, while the ladies’ dormitory, finished in 2006, was named the Frances Osgood Building. In 2016, the Charlotte Lounge was established in memory of Mrs. Charlotte C. Jones, whose love and dedication to PBS continue to inspire all who pass through its doors.

The Founders Park, dedicated to the late Mr. and Mrs. Norval Campbell, was constructed to honor their legacy and was reconstructed in 2018. The library building was renamed the Andres and Juanita Malinnag Building in recognition of the late Mr. and Mrs. Andres Malinnag Sr.

These improvements were made possible through the generous support of the Northwestern Mission and the Campbell family, particularly Bro. Philip and his family. The new facilities and enhanced programs helped attract more students to the seminary, ensuring its continued growth and impact. In 2006, after more than 40 years of service, Mr. Eulogio Roca, who had served as the seminary’s director, resigned from his position.

On June 12, 2006, Mr. Daniel Roca took the oath as the new director of Philippine Bible Seminary, committing to serve the Lord and lead the school into a new chapter. To accommodate the growing student population, new teachers and staff members were added to the team. Among them were Mrs. Ever Riego (2005, Cashier), Mr. Abel Navarro (2006, Part-time General Education subjects), Mr. Roy Sidingan (2006, Biblical subjects), and his wife, Mrs. Liza Sidingan (2006-2015, General Education subjects), Ms. Sheryleen Navarro (2006-2011, Music and General Education subjects), Mr. Rolly Amano (2006, Head of Maintenance Department), Mr. Jonathan Ibe (2011, Head of Car Maintenance), and Mr. Jebram Roca (2014, Music). PBS also expresses gratitude to Mr. Nicholas Ulrich (Greek), Mr. Gene Frank Angeles (2013, Bible subjects), and Ptr. Spencer Ungao (2015, Bible subjects) for their valuable service as part-time teachers.

Under Mr. Roca’s leadership, the Mission House was built—a three-story building designed to house teachers, their families, and visiting missionaries. The seminary reached a significant milestone in 2008, celebrating its golden anniversary. During this time, the school motto, “My School…My Family…My Home…” was popularized, reflecting the sense of belonging and community that PBS fosters among its students, faculty, staff, and administration.

In 2013, new administrative functions were introduced, and Bro. Abel Navarro became the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Chairman of the Board of Trustees. The board members included Mr. Philip Campbell, Mr. Wes Campbell, Ptr. Alfred Tubana, Ptr. Sherwin Bagayao, Bro. Abraham Agacaoili, Atty. Windelle Basabas, Mrs. Remy Florendo, and Ptr. Spencer Ungao.

Mr. Daniel Roca served as the seminary’s director from 2006 to 2016, and his leadership was truly remarkable, leaving a lasting impact on the seminary’s growth and mission.

In June 2016, Mr. Ernesto Sta. Ana stepped up to oversee the operations of Philippine Bible Seminary as Interim Director. During his tenure, new teaching and non-teaching staff members joined the seminary. Mr. Bernie Bautista (2015) began teaching Bible subjects, while his wife, Mrs. Jane Bautista (2015), took on the role of Registrar. Mr. Francis Bagni (2016) was appointed Academic Dean, with his wife, Mrs. Ana Bagni (2016), serving as Kitchen Manager. Mrs. Miracar Hughey (2016) joined the faculty to teach General Education subjects.

In 2017, Mr. Karlo Real (Heritage Church of Christ), Mr. Matias Paredes (Catacdegan Church of Christ), and Ptr. Fred Bobias (2019, Tamurong Church of Christ / President of PHIBISAA) were added to the Board of Trustees (BOT), succeeding members whose terms had ended.

Mr. Sta. Ana completed his term as Interim Director in June 2018. Following his departure, the BOT appointed Mr. Abel Navarro as the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the seminary, a position he continues to hold today. The current Board of Trustees includes Mr. Philip Campbell, Mr. Wes Campbell, Ptr. Alfred Tubana, Ptr. Sherwin Bagayao, Bro. Abraham Agacaoili, Mrs. Remy Florendo, Ptr. Romy Palangdao, and Ptr. Frederick Bobias.

The seminary also welcomes new faculty and staff, including Bro. Joreb Navarro and Bro. Alex Agressor, who continue to contribute to the growth and mission of PBS.

Currently, Philippine Bible Seminary offers a range of programs including the Bachelor of Theology, Bachelor of Christian Education, Associate in Christian Ministry, and Associate in Church Music. PBS is not only a non-profit Christian institution but also actively serves the churches and the broader community through various initiatives.

Each year, the seminary hosts Stewardship Seminars, Spiritual Enrichment Seminars, and conferences to equip church leaders and members with sound biblical knowledge and effective church management skills. During the summer, PBS attracts young people through camps and fellowships, ministries designed to introduce them to Jesus and help them grow in faith. The Vacation Bible School Clinic provides an opportunity for individuals passionate about teaching young minds about Jesus to develop their skills and expand their knowledge.

PBS collaborates with various Christian organizations to fulfill the Great Commission, spreading the gospel and teaching God’s Word. The seminary has also strengthened its partnerships with local ministers’ associations, including the Ministers Association of Churches of Christ in Ilocos Sur (MACCIS), the Abra Churches of Christ Ministers Association (ACCMA), and the Northern Luzon Pastor Conference (NLPC).

In addition, PBS has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the University of Northern Philippines, which allows the university to provide free training, seminars, and services to PBS employees, students, church members, and even the local community through its Extension Programs. PBS also partners with the Barangay Council to fulfill its duties and responsibilities within the community.

Though challenges arise daily, with God’s grace and faithfulness, and through the dedication of the seminary’s humble workers, along with the generous support of churches and individuals both locally and abroad, PBS continues to serve as a vital training ground for those who are called to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”