Wednesday, March 26, 2008 Davao PWC marks 55th year
THE big day was February 21, 2008 when Philippine Women's College (PWC) in Davao City paused to reflect on its blessing of 55 years by recounting the outstanding achievements of its alumni, now in different corners of the world.
It also paid tribute, through the Honorary Alumna Distinction, to the following three steadfast PWC friends who have stood by the institution through decades:
* Pacita Dizon, a PWC pioneer teacher who was accompanied by daughter and PWC alumna Betsy Torres;
* Milagros Villa-Abrille, also a long-serving former teacher represented by niece, Ma. Loreto A. Lopez; and
* Fe M. Ayala, PWC parent and long-time supporter of PWC, accompanied by alumna daughter Lani.
Its historical roots were reviewed with photo from the 50s that showed the founders who worked with the "dreamers" of Davao City.
In 1952, Francisca Tirona and Conrado Benitez had this vision of establishing a PWC of Davao to serve the people of Mindanao. They worked with the dreamers in Davao like the Villa-Abrilles, the Abellas, the Garcias, the Dominguezes, Sarenases, Azurins, Palma Gils and other pioneer families in Davao.
Among those in the 50s photos who were present during the celebration were: Dr. Rosa Santos Munda, now PWC Board of Trustees (BOT) chair; Jean D. Andersen and Luz Dominguez; and PWU and PWC president Dr. Amelou Benitez Reyes (who came to Davao as a child with her grandmother Francisca Tirona). Gracing the event held at the Marco Polo Hotel was Helena Z. Benitez, chair Emeritus of the PWC-BOT, who challenged educators in Davao to intensify its programs for Mindanao.
The 55th anniversary celebration was launched on the first of February at the PWC campus. Some 300 colorful balloons flew high with a giant streamer saying "PWC Soaring High @ 55" to the glee and delight of the students.
The day started with a Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Gene Taqueban simultaneously held with a service for Christian/Protestants and prayers for the group of Muslim students.
Next was the blessing of the newly constructed Mandaya classroom building with lawyer Jude Ralph Yap, a friend and supporter of the arts; Lani Ayala, PWC alumna; Dr. Ida Yap Patron, PWC Dean for Tertiary Education; Josefina G. Jover, PWC Principal for Basic Education and PWC VP/COO Amelia B. Bonifacio as sponsors.
Also blessed was the new and expanded Registrar's Office headed by Princesita Villadulid. Sponsors included PWC execom members including AVP for Finance and Administration Ma. Rosa Amanda N. Rey; director for Admin and Development Ma. Loreto A. Lopez; Assistant dean for Continuing Education Clarita C. Cruz; Directors Adriatico Manlapaz, and Noemi D. Ninte.
Capa (Contributing, Achieving, Performing Alumna) Awards, given every five years, went to Josefina Garcia Jover for Professional Achievement in Education; Dr. Melinda Claudio Tagle for Professional Achievement in the Health Sector; Sandra Iņigo do Remedios for Professional Achievement in Sports; Milagros Leonora Sarenas Javellana for International Service; and seven Ong Sisters (Agnes, Ann, Olga, Vilma, Lucy, Enya Jean, Lorna) for Community Service.
Honoring the occasion included colleagues from Ateneo de Davao University Fr. Antonio Samon; Dr. Willy Torres of University of Mindanao; Brother Ed Escaril of Cor Jesu College of Digos; Dr. Nietto Vito of Kokusai Daigaku; Arnold Barillo representing Holy Cross of Davao College. From Ched were Regional Director Leonida Calagui and Dr. Zenaida Tortugo; DepEd Dr. Luz Onor; Tesda Provincial Director Armando O. Aquino and Ms Araceli Guazon.
Proudly presented to start the formal part of the program were previous Capa awardees dressed in formal Filipiniana attire Melinda G. Alonzo, Erlinda B. Basa, Amelia B. Bonifacio, Evelyn G. Cuison, Norma D. Dacudao, Alicia F. del Mundo, Stella A. Estremera, Evelyn G. Laviņa, Ma. Loreto A. Lopez, Nelia D. Partoza, Luz I. Ravara, Dr. Concepcio D. Rayel, Amanda N. Rey, Florian R. Sanchez, Irene M. Santiago, Patriacia M. Sarenas, Theresa B. Sarona, Eloisa C. Sayo, Josefina C. Tionko, Ma. Lisa N. Tonogbanua, Evelyn G. Villafuerta and Socorro M. Estanislao, representing Desiree M. Fanlo.
Also representing PWC of Davao Alumni Association were Editha D. Valenzuela and Lorna S. Calalang.
