The Royal College of Santa Potenciana was established in 1589 by Philip II - urging the Manila bishop, Domingo de Salazar, OP and the Franciscans. In 1592, the school drew its charter, cited the main reason for its foundation; the lack of educational opportunity for girls. In 1594, the school was opened to the public. Capitán Luis de Vivanco donated the original site for the college. Although employing stone construction as anticipation for strong earthquakes, the 1645 earthquake left the College of Santa Potenciana in a ruined state. In the 17th century, the school was transferred to the corner of Calle Cabildo and Calle Santa Potenciana. By the end of the 18th century, the Palacio del Gobernador was constructed, incorporating the ruins of College of Santa Potenciana.[2]
Government offices were moved into the new building of College of Santa Potenciana in 1866 due to the destruction of Palacio del Gobernador by the 1863 earthquake. Due to that circumstance, the enrollment rate in the College of Santa Potenciana dropped - with the remaining student boarders transfer to Colegio de Sta. Isabel. Later on, these two institutions were merged; thus, paved the way for the dissolution of the College of Santa Potenciana.[2]
The new building of College of Santa Potenciana became the official governor-general's palace. However, the incoming governor-general decided to transfer to Malacañang Palace in San Miguel, Manila. The building was, then, turned over to the Segundo Cabo, the second-in-command of the military after the governor-general. It housed the Subinspecciones de Infantería, Caballería, Carabineros and the Guardia Civil. The building was destroyed by the 1880 earthquake.[2]
