Bonne fête des Maîtresses! The annual Teachers’ Day celebration, held on October 6 this year, was a French-themed party because our school colors perfectly match the French flag. The color blue in our coat of arms signifies the nobility of our journey, while the color red signifies courage to pursue the truth, as well as the feminine affinity to life, living vibrantly, and nurturing others.
Teachers came dressed in creative French-inspired clothes and uniquely designed party masks. A spread which included French wine, cheese & cold cuts, quiche, crepes, macarons, and much more were specially prepared.
The teachers were also treated to musical performances by our very own talented students, namely Kiara Syquia, sisters Christina and Stephanie Claparols, Iya Fernandez, Bea Biacora, and Steph Halili.
The event was extra special for Woodrose this 2017 because it not only recognized the unwavering dedication and essential roles of our teachers, but it was also part of a series of celebrations to mark the Ruby Anniversary of PAREF Woodrose School. In fact, leading up to Teachers’ Day, the faculty and staff gathered in the field to form the number 40 for a drone aerial shot.
In her welcome speech, Dr. Severina Villegas, our Executive Director, traced the journey of Woodrose from the beginning, overcoming challenges and difficulties, and emerging triumphant with the help of the people who have loved and stood by the school over the past 40 years.
Special guests, Mrs. Marie Escueta, Woodrose School Board Secretary, and her daughter, Monique Escueta-Bunuan, Woodrose alumna from Class 1995, fondly recalled their happy days in Woodrose. They were joined on stage by Mrs. Paloma, Mrs. Torralba, and Mrs Aquino who have been part of the early years of Woodrose.
The “Kaakibat sa Progreso” awards were also presented to select teachers in recognition of their personal initiatives that created ripples outside the walls of our campus. The awardees were chosen based on their volunteer work which (1) had great impact to society; (2) contributed to the development of a globally-minded nation; (3) supported nature conservancy; or (4) contributed to the UNESCO’s sustainable development goals to transform the world.
The awardees were:
Ms. Ashley Romaine Aquino, for her active participation as a volunteer member for a Social Project in Palo, Leyte which provides Reading Program and Values Education endeavors to the members of Palo, Leyte community.
Mrs. Myrene Carballo, for her active involvement to help with music ministry in different parishes. Ms. Carballo’s passion for music has gone a long way to reach out to communities in different provinces as far as Bohol, Albay-Bicol, General Santos, Sorsogon and Davao.
Ms. Lerma de la Pena, as a volunteer for Society of the Divine Saviour, an international religious organization that houses, forms, and prepares young men for priesthood. Ms. de la Pena has been active in this organization for years contributing her effort in the support activities in preparing men from different Asian countries in their priesthood vocation.
Mrs. Marcelina Javier, for her active involvement with Growing Together with Fun Socio Civic Fun Club, an organization with the advocacy of improving the plight of the street children in Cabuyao and making them productive citizens of society. They provide Catechism classes, art activities, Music, Reading and Math enrichment activities for these street children.
Mrs. Julieta Valenzuela, for her long-time volunteer work in Teacher Training. She has gone to many far-flung areas including Iloilo, Cagayan De Oro and Cebu recently for this advocacy.
Ms. Marianne Grace Araneta, for her effort in uplifting the people of Marawi through her Letters of Hope campaign.
Ms. Jessy Zaire Banag, for her active membership with Arugang Woodrigean, an outreach which provides free medical and dental services to financially challenged families of the school’s immediate community in Bacoor, Cavite for the past 4 years.
Mrs. Susana Fermin, for her active contribution to ADHIKA ng Pilipinas. ADHIKA stands for Asosasyon ng mga Dalubhasa, may Hilig at Interes sa Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas. This group organizes conferences that help and hone Social Studies Teachers both in public and private schools. Ms Fermin helped organize conferences held in Kalibo, Aklan and Osamis City in Mindanao.
Ms. Maria Jesusa Jose, for her active membership with Aklat-Akyat para sa Aeta: an advocacy to encourage Aeta children to read books. Ms. Jose helps in soliciting and collecting books that are distributed to the kids of Aeta community in Cabangan, Zambales.
Mrs. Sheena Cypress Blanco, a volunteer for GUIDE Inc. catering to children with special needs. This organization has been operating for 22 years. Their projects include GABAYAN – a 10-day summer camp and PWD Day, an annual gathering where varied services and activities are provided for children with special needs. Ms. Blanco has been an active member of this organization for the past 16 years.
Mrs. Agnes Yasay, a consultant with Family Life and Wellness Institute (FLWI) that helps with crisis management, psychological, and social interventions for families who have been through traumatic experiences. She was there for the families affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda in November 2013 and she continues to provide support in many of the organization’s seminars and conferences on family crises, substance abuse, among others.
Truly, there is much to celebrate and much to be grateful for. Happy Teachers’ Day to all!
