A MIGHTY throng of graduates from Baguio City National High School (BCNHS - formerly the Mt. Province High School or MPHS then the Baguio City High School or BCHS) from all over the country and from overseas are presently in town to join the institution’s 2-18 Grand Alumni Homecoming which started yesterday.
With the theme: “Masaganang Kalikasan at Kapaligiran, Maunlad na Bayan,” the two day set of activities went off the pod with an opening program and ceremony held at the BCNHS Auditorium with Delia Albert as guest of honor and speaker.
The ranking government official praised the event organizers and participants of the glorious homecoming event led by Danilo Quinto, president of the BCNHS Alumni Association Board of trustees and chairman of the Grand Alumni Homecoming Committee.
Ambassador Albert emphasized the importance of education for a progressive life.
Danny said the organizer–sponsor of the joyful gathering are the Silber Jubilarians Achievers Class ‘93, golden Jubilarians Magnificent Class ‘68, Diamond Jubilarians Class ‘58, and Pearl Jubilarians Class ‘88.
The opening program was highlighted with an ecumenical prayer offered by Cynthia Pedroso, Class ‘83, the welcome address by BCNHS principal Brenda Cariño, Parangal sa mga Guro of Class ‘93 and Class ‘68, and spiced with songs. Fellowship lunch by classes took place at noontime.
In the afternoon, the baliok school graduates were given tip on urban gardening and health and fitness programs. Fruit carving and flower arrangement demonstrations ended the day’s busy schedule.
On Saturday, May 5, activities will kick off at 7:30 a.m. with a grand parade down Session Road and Harrison Road and end at the BCNHS grounds.
Immediately, the General Assembly will take place at the auditorium with Engr. Ralph Pablo, regional director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)–Cordillera as the principal guest.
The gathering will culminate with the acceptance of pledges and donations from the various BCNHS Classes and the report of Treasurer Rusela Bacungan. Election of officers of the general assembly ends the morning endeavor.
The most awaited Alumni Homecoming Gala Night billed at the CAP Auditorium at Camp John Hay starting at 5:30 p.m. will climax the 48 hour homecoming event. The spotlight of the evening will showcase the entry of the various classes/batch with their respective musical score led by Class 68 and Class 93. After the signing of the Pambansang Awit, the rio of Gweyneth, Hannah and Jennah Ricardo will offer the opening prayer.
Allan Aspillaga, Class ’93 will deliver the opening words of welcome “tuloy po kayo” followed by a video featuring the BCNHS 100 year history and another video showing the activities of the BCNHS Alumni Association.
The fellowship dinner “Bon Apetit” follows. Chairman Danny will take time to introduce the organizers–sponsors of the BCNHS Grand Alumni Homecoming 2018 specials.
Later in the evening, the seven most outstanding BCNHS Alumni and organization will be on the center stage to receive their awards, in recognition of their respective individual leadership and volunteer involvement in various community development activities for a better City of Baguio, the Summer Capital of the Philippines.
The awardees and their citations are my humble self, Narciso Padilla, Batch 1949, as “Distinguished Alumnus Awardee in Public Service”; Fidel R. Siapno, Batch ‘58 “Posthumous Award” as the architect of the BCNHS Balay ti Alumni; Elvira B. Bandong, in education; Fidel N. Castro, Batch ’83, in socio–economic service; Oscar F. Ocampo Jr., Batch ‘83 in public health promotion; BCHS batch ‘75 for its school and community based feeding program and the BCNHS Batch 89 for community service. The award presentor is BCNHS AA vice president Remedios Taguba, Class ‘57, chairperson of the awards and recognition committee.
The evening program will also feature group dancing, jerk, twist, soul, cha-cha-cha, boogie, disco, and sweet with prizes for the best performers. Also included as a special event is a raffle draw with handsome prizes. Instead, it will be fun for everyone all night which will end at 10:50 p.m. with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.”
Here are very important bits and pieces information about our alma mater.
The high school opened its doors in 1916 as the Mt. Province High School.
In 1937, it was renamed Baguio City High School and 52 years later in 1989, it became the present Baguio City National High School. I got this vital statistics from BCNHS administrative officers Nieves Ebanio.
Altogether, there are more than 70,000 students who graduated from the noble learning institution, considered as one of the best public high school in the country today, with a science class. It is also a pilot school for special program in the arts and special program in sports.
Some 8,500 students are enrolled this school year.
At this point, I would like to thank the BCNHS Alumni Association for the coveted award presented to me. My wife Consuelo Sol and all the members of our family are deeply grateful and very applicative for the once in a lifetime recognition conveyed to me.
Maraming, maraming salamat po at Mabuhay tayong lahat!