Beginnings

Southway College of Technology, formerly named Southway Aviation Technical School, a private, non-profit, non-sectarian educational institution was founded and managed by Pilot Capt. Melecerio S. Flores.

In 1995, the school initially offered aviation-related courses such as Aircraft Maintenance Technology, Aviation Electronics and Communication Technology, and Flying. With initially 14 students, the school conducted flight training in Bancasi Airport, Butuan City with two-seater Cessna single-engine airplanes.

In 1996, the school was renamed into Southway College of Technology (SoCoTech). In 1997, with 13 students graduating in Aircraft Maintenance Technology and only one in Commercial Pilot course, the management phased-out the aviation-related courses and applied other technical education courses, such as: Food and Beverage Services (Hotel and Restaurant Management), Health Care Services (Nursing Aide), Automotive Technology, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology, Computer Hardware Servicing (Computer Technology), Security Services, and Computer Secretarial.

Starting year 2000, under the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) of Caraga, SoCoTech applied higher education programs to suit the needs of incoming tertiary students in Agusan del Sur and the nearby provinces. Among these are Bachelor of Science in Criminology (BSCrim), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), Bachelor of Science in Public Administration (BSPA), Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT), Graduate in Midwifery (GM) and Caregiving .

In 2007, the school applied for new programs and has been approved to offer in the first semester of Academic Year 2008-09 courses such as , Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology (BSAT) and Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management (BSHRM).

Twelve years and with 800 students now, SoCoTech continues to help many young dreams and aspirations in Agusan to become to reality.

In view of enhancing the capability of the founder to manage the institution, Capt. Melecerio S. Flores took graduate studies, finishing master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) in 2001, and a doctorate degree in Management (DM) major in Organizational Management in 2004 both at Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) (formerly Urios College) in Butuan City.

For better school administration, starting in 2005-2006, the management had to oversee the alignment of giving quality education by reviewing its vision, mission, goals, and objectives and take whatever appropriate action prior to produce high quality graduates that could cater in our country’s program for economic development.

In 2007, the administration adopted ladderization in its program; These are Security Services NC-II level 1 and level 2 leading to BS Criminology; PC Operation NC-II level 1 and Computer Hardware Servicing NC-II level 2 leading to BS in Information Technology; and 6-months caregiver, Health Care Services NC-II level 1, Midwifery level 2 leading to BS in Nursing.

From merely an aviation technical school to a higher educational institution, SoCoTech is the only school in Agusan del Sur that offers state-of-the-art facilities, one of its kind in the municipality of San Francisco. Its motto "You don’t have far to go… to go far…" marks the challenge to everyone to pursue their education from the institution that spiritually sincere in their life’s goals and ambition.

Southway College of Technology leads through a demonstrated competence of high quality graduates in relevant education with positive work values. It addresses the needs of our country’s economy by nurturing the youth to become productive individuals and to provide opportunity for a sustainable professional growth and advancement of science and technology.