The preparations for the new school started in March 2009, through initial effort and funding of Dr. Anecito Diputado Villaluz Jr., and his wife Mrs. Annette Zayco Villaluz with the construction of new facilities, training of the new faculty and staff and completion of the paperwork to be submitted to the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) formally recognized Southland College of Kabankalan City as a formal corporation
After the Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQUAT) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) validated the requirements and inspected the facilities of the campuses, they issued permit to operate for all degree programs. The RQUAT and CHED declared that Southland College was ready to compete with the seasoned Institutions. Officially the full operations began on May 13, 2009, at the small campus in Don Emilio Village Phase 1. It was then followed by a grand caravan to formally introduce and to officially launch the newest Institution in the South. Thereafter, stylish and classy advertisements as well as promotional blitzes came out to make the communities aware of the existence of Southland College.
The Department of Education (DepEd) Western Visayas regional Office issued the permit to operate for the basic education levels on June 1, 2009. Along with that development, Southland College established a consortium with the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) for degree programs in BS Accountancy, BS Accounting Technology, BS Business Administration, BS Hospitality Management, and Diploma in Midwifery.
With the support of the community to Southland College, the administrators, faculty, staff, parents and guardians pitched combined their efforts and resources to strengthen the founding of the school. All the sacrifices sweat and tears were only rewarded with genuine gratitude. It was evident that God was shaping school’s noble purpose through the hearts, hands, and minds of these individuals.
By the end of the enrolment period, the LORD blessed Southland College with more than 300 students enrolled in the various levels. It was an impressive number for a new school that just started months ago. It was indeed the LORD’s enabling and provisions that made it all possible.
For Southland Family to celebrate the goodness of the LORD, a simple thanksgiving service with the theme “Triumph amid Trials” was held on August 28, 2009. It was immediately followed by the school’s first academic convocation. In attendance were the student leaders, faculty and staff officers and parents and teachers association officers.
With the significant growth and development of the school, controversies were heard, but it was all part of the process in establishing a strong foundation of the school.
In November 2009, the School of Basic Education was given the Government Recognition. A year after, the Diploma in Midwifery in was granted the government recognition. These will further solidify the drive of the academic community for greater goals for the Institution.
The school invested a college complex with modern classrooms and facilities to cater the needs of the students. The construction started in March 2010 and was completed in August of 2012. Since then the growth has been exponential and this advancement is attributed to Southland Leaders who have dedicated their lives to ensure that the mustard seed of a dream, which is now called Southland College will reign supreme in the global arena, as the school vision states.