The vision for Philippine Bible Seminary (PBS) was birthed through the faith, dedication, and sacrificial efforts of Mr. and Mrs. Norval Campbell, who founded the institution in 1958. Their mission was clear: to provide accessible theological education for church leaders in the Ilocos region, where travel and costs of attending distant seminaries made formal ministry training a challenge.

Mr. Norval A. Campbell and his wife, Mrs. Dondena Campbell, were missionaries from the United States, serving in Aparri, Cagayan, where they taught at Aparri Bible Seminary. During a seminar in 1956 in Luna, Burgos, Ilocos Sur, Mr. Campbell was approached by the late Mr. Felipe Dumalanta, who expressed the need for local ministers in the region. After considering the challenges of attending seminaries far from home, the Campbells decided to address this need by establishing a Bible school closer to the people they sought to serve.

In 1957, after securing support in the United States, the Campbells returned to the Philippines, and construction began on the first seminary building in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. They were soon joined by other key individuals, including Mr. Eulogio Roca, who became the first director of PBS, and a dedicated team of teachers who played a vital role in the seminary’s early success. The Roca family, in particular, became instrumental in the growth and development of PBS, with Mrs. Leonor Roca serving as an English and Greek instructor, and other members of the faculty joining the Campbells in laying the foundation for future generations of leaders.

The Campbells’ commitment to Christian education was not just about establishing a seminary—it was about building a legacy of faith that would continue through future generations. Their work has borne lasting fruit, as countless students and graduates have returned to their communities to teach and serve in local churches across the region.

Following Mr. Norval Campbell’s passing in 1999, Mrs. Dondena Campbell and their children, including Mr. Philip Campbell, continued the seminary’s work, ensuring that PBS remained true to its founding mission. Their ongoing support and dedication to the seminary’s growth further solidified the lasting impact of the Campbells’ vision.

The legacy of Mr. and Mrs. Norval Campbell lives on in the continued work of Philippine Bible Seminary, which stands as a testament to their vision, sacrifice, and deep commitment to training leaders who will “contend earnestly for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”