Mr. Ben Dugay, a prominent citizen and church leader from Calinaoan, Santo Tomas, Isabela, had a vision of establishing a high school in this rural, farming area, where previously no high school existed. He dreamed of providing education within walking distance for students from nearby barrios. To realize this vision, Mr. Dugay approached Charles Selby, offering land upon which to build the school.

At that very time, a special donation had just been received by the mission from a church in the United States. Charles felt this was the Lord’s guidance and agreed to move forward. The land was purchased, and plans were created for a U-shaped building consisting of three units, with construction planned to proceed one unit at a time.

Following the pattern of all the other ministry buildings in the mission, construction began in faith, trusting the Lord to provide resources for each successive stage. And provide He did! Through God’s remarkable provision, the school opened its doors in 1967.

In the 57 years since opening day, NIA has graduated 5,715 students. Additionally, 4,003 students and staff members have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and have been baptized. The school’s evangelistic outreach efforts have also led many family members of students to faith in Christ. Nine new churches have been established in the region around the school, and five additional churches have significantly grown due to NIA’s outreach and the influential presence of NIA graduates.

One hundred twenty-five graduates have attended or graduated from Bible colleges and have served in full-time or part-time preaching and teaching ministries. Many other alumni have become influential leaders within their churches, communities, businesses, professions, and at every level of society. Wherever they live, these graduates actively support local churches, contributing leadership grounded in solid biblical foundations. Their generosity has notably supported various school projects, including the construction of a gymnasium, funded through donations from alumni and other benefactors.