Culture of Silence

Read the Culture of Silence.

Principal's Weekly Bulletin

July 22, 2005
July 13, 2005
July 6, 2005
June 30, 2005
June 21, 2005
June 15, 2005
Principal's Report to the Board on June 25, 2005

SMS Sagada Sports Development

Norman Longid pledges $2,000 for Sports Development [link]

On March 24, 2004, Lorman Longid pledged $2,000 for the sports develoopment of SMS. The money will be expected to have been given by June of that year.

Needed: [link]
Balls, Nets, Rings, for basketball;
balls and nets for volleyball;
bats, mits or gloves, for softball and baseball, Score Books and Whistles;
and Uniforms.

Sierra Mia US-based Alumni meeting

Rhoda Bondad Arranduque representing SMSSI, receives a check from Lambert Sagalla representing donations to SMS from various SMSSAFF-member donors. [source]

Faustino's letter to parents

Dear Parents and Guardians:



Greetings from Saint Mary’s School!

First, I would like to extend my sincerest appreciation to you for choosing St. Mary’s School as the learning venue for your child’s education. This year promises to be an exciting one for all concerned, due to the many changes in programs and procedures as outlined in our 5-year strategic plan that was presented and approved by the Board of Trustees and the PPTCA. I thank you for your support and I welcome any feedback, positive or constructive, on any issue that may arise from time to time. Please feel welcome to visit me in my office and join me for a cup of coffee.



At this point, I would like to highlight some important details that you as parents will need to know. Again, please feel free to come to the school and ask for clarification and give comments.


PPTCA Matters:

• The PPTCA has a new set of officers: Soledad Bangsail (President), Ray Fiar-od (Vice-President), Nelson Bustamante (faculty) & Janice Gulian (secretaries), and Pancho Masferre (treasurer). Among the proposed projects this year for discussion and future implementation are: review and revision of the PPTCA constitution and by-laws, teacher-parent socials, participation of parents in student activities, adult computer education, career counseling for parents (for their children of course), operating the canteen and school supplies store at SMS, and parenting workshops. I am sure Atty. Bangsail will welcome active participation from all PPTCA members in any or all its projects this year.
• The new SMS Grading System was presented and explained to the parents. Please come to the school and get your own copy. The system was also explained to the students in each class. Please note that although ranking will be done at the end for 4th year students (to determine valedictorian and salutatorian), and also for the purpose of dissemination of this information to universities, students will now compete against a standard, as opposed to against each other. For example, those receiving an average of 85%-89% without any single grade lower than 80% will receive honors, regardless of number of qualified students. Those for 89-92% will receive high honors, and those with 92% and above will receive highest honors. It is conceivable that in a given year five or more students can receive highest honors, and in other years, no one might be qualified. Honors are given by quarter. The principle of using 60% comprehension and retention of material covered in a subject, and thus the demarcation point of receiving a grade of 75% or “Passing” (DepEd standard) in the report card was also clarified.

Past and Future Events:

• School opened on June 14, due to the holiday declared by the President on the 13th commemorating Independence 12.
• An orientation for scholars and financial grantees was held last Friday (June 10).
• The first PPTCA meeting was held in the afternoon on the same day.
• An open house to showcase the new facilities and resources has held in the morning. The “hits” for the day were the computer room (with 17 new computers that are networked), and the Biology laboratory with its new microscopes and other science equipment.
• We had our first school Mass this morning
• Student Government and Class council elections will be held on Friday, June 24.
• We hope to organize our Welcome School Dance at 7 p.m. that evening.
• Other future events include:

• Curriculum presentations to parents (by year level)
• Parent Teacher Conferences after 1st quarter grades are published
• Parent-Teacher Socials

Faculty and Staff:

* The following one-year veteran teachers for school year 2005-2006 are:

• Nelson Bustamante (MAPEH)
• Cora Diligen (Math)
• Nemia Lite (Math and Physics)
• Leones Gansoden (Social Studies)
• Philip Fiar-od (English and Computer, and Yearbook)

* The new faculty are:

• Evelyn Balisong (English, Postboy, Youth Ministry)
• Beverly Ticobay (English and TLE)
• Marjorie Hangdaan (Biology and Chemistry)
• Michael Benter (Economics, Philippine Literature, TLE)
• Menchu Takinan (Filipino)

* Serving as part time teachers are:

• Alma Bagano (Biology)
• Aurea Dangkiw (Math)

* Helping out Ardeth Angway in the Administration Office is Kym Ledesma who will be shared with St. Theodore’s Hospital. She is primarily responsible for Board matters, PPTCA matters, and Scholarship Committee matters. She is also the Principal’s secretary.


* Enrollment:

As of June 15, 147 students are enrolled in St. Mary’s School. The final deadline for enrollment is Friday, June 17.

1st year – 32 (2 sections)
2nd Year -- 42 (2 sections)
3rd year – 26 (1 section)
4th year – 47 (2 sections)


Nuts and Bolts:

• Lockers: All students are being assigned their lockers. Students need to provide their own combination lock which should be registered with Ardeth in the Adminstration Office.
• Computer: All students must provide their own floppy disk in which their work in the computer can be stored. Guidelines for the proper use of the computers are being disseminated during computer classes. All 3rd and 4th years students will have to pass a proficiency test in Microsoft Word and Excel. Those needing instruction to be proficient will be given classes in computers during their TLE period. Computer games are not allowed to be played nor stored in school computers.
• Combination locks and Floppy Disks: Parents have requested that the school should buy floppy disks and combination locks in bulk as these are not readily available in Sagada. This weekend, Ardeth will be going to Baguio to buy combination locks for those who ordered them. Please have your children indicate their desire for the school to purchase the locks by signing up with Ardeth. The cost is P80.00. Floppy disks are available in the office for P20.00.
• School uniforms are the same for this year: for boys, black slacks and white polo barongs with either leather or rubber shoes. For girls, the blue SMS uniform and white blouse, and either rubber or leather shoes. No sandals, tsinelas, or open toe footwear are allowed. The uniform code will be enforced starting Monday, June 20 for returning students. New students, transferees, and freshmen have until June 27 to comply.
• Athletic uniforms consist of a white t-shirt and jogging pants and rubber shoes. As PE only occurs twice a week (double periods), students will not lose time dressing up. PE uniforms are acceptable during morning assemblies, only if their PE classes are scheduled during 1st period. Students must have their regular school uniform in their bag packs or lockers so they can change after their PE class.
• Textbooks have been distributed. Please have your child cover them with plastic as they can easily be damaged by water. These textbooks cost between P350 to P1,000 each. Students will be charged for loss or damage.

Schedule:

• School begins at 7:30, Monday through Friday. The morning session ends at 11:35. Classes resume at 1:00 p.m., and end at 4:55. Those assigned to clean classrooms have until 5:15.
• Campus closes at 5:30 p.m. No students without proper adult supervision (faculty or parents) are allowed on campus after 5:30.
• Stapleton Hall is off limits at all times.
• Both English and Math classes have been allotted 2 tutorial classes during school hours. This is the time to consult their teachers and do their homework in school under teacher supervision and/or with peer assistance. In other words, there is no reason for any student not to submit homework.
• We have school Mass every other Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. in church. We would like to invite parents to join us in this semi-monthly celebration. On the other Wednesdays, we have a late student start (Students may report at 8:30 a.m.) The faculty will use this time for meetings and faculty professional development. This coming Wednesday, June 22, students are not expected to be in school until 8:30 a.m. Students who come from distant barrios may wait and study in the library while waiting for school to start.

* We have vespers in school every Friday afternoon during the last period.

* Sports tryouts will begin this Friday. All students, even the freshmen, are strongly encouraged to sign up. Sign ups in organizations like the Postboy, the Yearbook, the Science Club etc. are ongoing. Elections for officers and projects for the year will be finalized after SGO elections.

* Whenever a student is sent home, the student will have a pass signed by the Principal stating the reason for the student going home. If the student does not have a pass, the student is more than likely skipping class. We need your cooperation in monitoring where your children are at any given point in time.


Other Matters:

The SMSSI Board of Trustees will meet at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 25. There will be a meeting of the Board Chair, the Principal, and the PPTCA officers at 1:00 p.m. on the same day. Please relay any pertinent concerns through your PPTCA officers so these can be discussed. Among the topics will be the introduction of a 25-hour community service requirement for graduation.

In closing, I hope this weekly newsletter will serve as an effective proper communication channel between the community and the school. However, letters and news articles can often be ambiguous and impersonal. The best way of communication is still a one-to-one converaation between parents and the school. Please set an appointment with the Office or, better yet, stop by for coffee.



Dennis Gomowad Faustino

Principal

Sagada Postboy Flashback

July 22, 1953 The Sagada Postboy Number 48



Mr. Roughgarden who was in charge of the construction of the new church in Upi, of Brent Hospital in Zamboanga, and has just recently completed building the new Holy Trinity Church in Manila, is leaving for America with his family of the S.S. President Wilson on July 29th. He has generously been sending us magazines, such as Life, Women’s Magazine, Atlantic Monthly, Power, and Mechanical Engineering.



St. Martha’s Guild is an organization that helps the church in anyway possible. The women meet at the Convent once a month to mend and sew. They take turns washing the cottas and cassocks. They have made purifications and lavabo towels, and amices. They earned money for the Statue of our Lady holding the Christ Child in the Church, and they helped for the new Stations of the Cross. These women have done many things for the Church in the postwar years. The Guild is a select group of about twenty women with no offers, but we work happily and generously. Our latest activity was the Ribbon dance last Saturday night when an orderly, happily and profitable time was had by many. More than thirty pesos were raised for the Church. Our next project is to sell coffee, tea, and cookies at the time of the entertainment to be held early in September. The High School Dormitory Girls will give a very arousing play “Old King Cole’s Court”. The Intermediate Dormitory Girls will show “The Perfect Gift”, and the Holy Child Orphanage will amuse you with a shadow play which shows what happens when children eat too much. “Plan to come and help us help the Church”. (Sister Lioba, C.S.M.)



Last Saturday Mr. Norton gave overtime to the schoolboys working within the Mission Compound. Mr. Norton with the boys made a good outdoor cooking stove, just above the Mission Shop. The outdoor cooking stove is made of iron and stones. (G. Gawili)



Two new teachers Mrs. Lucencia V. Sinon and Miss Natividad V. Vergara, were recently assigned to take over places of Mrs. Israel Cereso and Mrs. Flora B. Abeya, respectively, who are both on maternity leave.



Dr. Ignatius D. Tauhenek, who planned the pilot project on citizenship education for school in the United States, will give a radio broadcast at Station DZFM Saturday, 7:00 P.M. the topic will be ”Community Citizenship That Counts”. Everyone is invited to listen to the broadcast in the local library, especially teachers and students.



The grades five and six social studies classes of Sagada Central School were recipients of package filled with books and magazines from Miss Constance Conklin, the distribution officer of the USIS in Manila. Miss Conklin promised to send more in the future and to show their gratitude the pupils wrote her letters of thanks.





Eight students of Baguio Colleges were granted scholarships recently, during a meeting of Executive Council of Baguio Colleges. Their scholarships were approved after studying of their grades and their participation in extra-curricular activities. Hilda Dongail formerly from Sagada and who had been an active teacher in St. Gregory’s School in Bagnen is one of the eight.





July 25, 1953 The Sagada Postboy Number 49



Word has been received of the engagement of Josephine Norton and Jere Berger. Josie graduated from the University of Vermont on June 15th and the next day began work with the Ethan Allen Players at Brandon, Vermont. She plans to teach at the Lenox, Massachusetts Country Day School in September after the Summer Theater Season is over. Jere Berger graduated this year from Oberlin University. This is his second summer with the Ethan Allen Players. He will enter the Episcopal Theological Seminary, Cambridge Massachusetts this autumn. The wedding will probably be in September 1954. During the week ending July 11th, the two had the romantic leads in the play “The Happiest Days of your Life”



Mr. And Mrs Robert Fields, who wished to teach at St. Mary’s School and whose appointment has been approved by Bishop Binsted, will not come to Sagada. All missionaries are given a medical examination. Bishop Bentley of the Overseas Department at 281 has reported to Bishop Binsted: “that the Medical Office, after very careful consideration has been unable to approve Mr. Fields for overseas appointment.

This is a tremendous disappointment to the Fields, as well as to us, but there seemed no alternative. We are keeping the need of Sagada uppermost in our thinking.”



Fr. Rulite writes from the Church of the Resurrection: “Everytime the Postboy arrives, I post it on the Bulletin Board for the members to read. The children enjoy it as they always flock to read it. It has been very helpful to me and to others for we read a lot of what is going on in your area. I wish the Postboy luck, and success to continue to give information to all of us.” The Postboy thanks Fr. Rulite for his interest. We would be very glad to have news items from the Church of the Resurrection.



Mr. Ibasco, the telegraph operator explains that the telegraph office would be closed. The government office plans to put a telephone line from Bontoc to Sagada, so that telegrams can be sent to the operator in Bontoc.



The St. Matthew’s School in Bangaan reports that the total enrollment for this school year from kindergarten to fifth grade is 92. Mrs. Sagalla takes charge of 3 grades – the kindergarten and the first and second grades. Mr. Jose Capegsan takes charge of the third grade while Miss Solimen, the fifth grade. The faculty is expecting another teacher to join them very soon. A little library is maintained by the school with Miss Solimen as the Librarian. Most of the books were supplied by Mr. Norton to whom the school is very much obliged.



Questionable Character: Youth problems poses as one of the greatest headaches among mothers. Very often we hear mothers heave a sigh of heartache, “Oh, I just don’t know what to do with my son. He is the most contumacious boy. I sent him to school with confidence that he is doing his level best, but I only realized that he had been enjoying himself in the bowling alleys. Eventually, a judicious mother of Baguio solved her problem once and for all (she hopes) by sending her son to St. Mary’s School, which she high esteems as a disciplinary Catholic school – a school that might held her boy keep his nose to the grindstone. But before the first week of school ended, he was desperate. He cried his eyes out whenever he had the chance of being in a corner by himself. He was so homesick that he made up his mind and boarded the bus to Baguio. The mother, very much engaged at his appearance exclaimed: “My dear, why are you here?” The son answered: “I find Sagada a very lonesome place, no movies and you can’t even see the sun at times.” The mother, who is a good teacher herself quickly concluded that this was a sheer hyperbole and said: “Tomorrow you must take the bus to Sagada and you must not come home till vacation.” The boy, already in low spirit asked: “Tomorrow is too soon, may I go the day after tomorrow?” The boy, now back at St. Mary’s wrote the mother: “By the help of our Heavenly Father, we passed the Halsema Mountain Road safely. Please buy me a sweater.” To encourage him to stick to his studies, she bought a super-duper sweater for him. Now he is all pepped up and happy as a lark in the Boys’ Dormitory. With diligence, he participates in the Church services. He is not quite familiar with the signing of the Gospel Cross yet, so that when he is making it, he looks about first to see if he is doing it properly. When we stand for the Gospel, he always gives a pat to his knees. “Oh, how they hurt!” With avidness he side glances at his seat and wishes that he could sit down. One thing that amused him was when looking from the corner of his eyes across the Sisters’ choir one morning, he noticed a Sister with closed eyes. He could not contain his discovery long enough, so that he asked a school mate: “Why was that Sister sleeping in the church during the mass, being the first hours in the morning?” He has still many more shadow pictures of new experiences awaiting him. Finally, let us commit our own and all others under the loving care of our Beloved Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mother, that she may help, guide and direct them, she fully understands and knows the joys and sorrows of mothers. “Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for them”







July 29, 1953 The Sagada Postboy Number 50



The Te Deum was read in morning chapel at St Mary’s on Monday morning in thanksgiving for the Armistice which was to be signed later that morning. Interest in the truce in Sagada as in New York was not great.



After the service, the Honor Roll students whose average is 90 and above) for the first marking period that ended July 24th, was read. There were only three who made it: Jane Abeya – 92; Cristina Batore – 90; and Robert Longid – 90, all in the Senior Class. Prizes for students making the highest average in each section were then given – for the winners in the intermediate classes, the One Hundred and One Best Songs; for the high school, The Pocketbook Webster Dictionary.



List of students making the highest average in each section (First Marking Period)

1V- Jane Abeya – 92; 111-Inez Killip – 88; 11A-Beatrice Batnag – 85; 11B Susan Bondad and Rita Wacan – 79; 1A-Gloria Bawaan – 87; 1B Soledad Bangloy – 88; PrepA –Thomas Magalgalit – 87; PrepB – Francis Ngalob – 82; PrepC – Cristina Aglit – 89; 6th Grade – Estrella Alipit – 87; 5th Grade – Harriet Badu – 84



Prizes are given at the end of each marking period for the student in each section who makes the most improvement. On the board, notice has been placed on the list of students with unexcused absences. If there are reasons for these absences, report tomorrow afternoon to Mr. Batnag. Absences must be made up by study in the Library between 2:45 and 4:45 Mondays through Fridays, and on Saturdays between 8:30 and 11:30.





The Faculty Meeting on Monday recommended that all textbooks should be covered to prevent their being dirtied. Students who have not done this should do so by next Monday. Also students should be careful about not turning down the corners of pages and should never write in the text books which they have had loaned to them.



Our church advances fast in Lepanto. A beautiful church building will soon be constructed from funds secured locally. There is an unusual combination of factors that lead to progress. A copper mining company that is very interested in the welfare of its workers; that has built a fine vocational high school; Mrs. Foster, who has developed a handcraft weaving for village women, and contented miners; and a priest who was recently assigned to the congregation of the Anglicans. Bishop Ogilby’s recent visit seems to have fused these elements into action. Miners will contribute a day’s wages and the company will help generously. Fr. Kollin may possibly have a certain station before long and may even have a self-supporting parish.



STA meeting. A regular meeting of the Sagada Teachers’ Association is scheduled for August 9 at 12:30 P.M. at the high school building. The Right Rev. Lyman Cunningham Ogilby, Suffragan Bishop of the missionary district of the Philippines, will attend the meeting and will give an address to the teachers. All members of the STA are requested to attend the meeting .A lunch will be provided for by the teachers of St. Mary.





Miss Johnson, head of the U.S.I.S libraries in the Philippines addressed to the students of St. Mary’s at morning prayers today. We are grateful to her for she has been handling us some magazines. She came to Sagada for a short visit. In her talk, Miss Johnson expressed her appreciation for the sights and improvements of our school since 1952 when she first came. Miss Johnson gave the 4th year Physics class an account of the “Mobile Library”, a car which carries about one thousand books around for people in remote places to read and borrow. She hopes that the “Mobile Library” would be able to visit Sagada someday.



The school sends its condolence to Mrs. Montoya, her children and immediate relatives for the death of Mr. Montoya. He died last Monday evening after a long illness. Carmelita, who is at present a junior in this school and Oscar who was a 1953 graduate are two of the deceased children. The long illness of Mr. Montoya shattered Oscar’s hopes of entering Medical College, and just as he was planning to enter the Philippine Air Force Pilot School. Our prayers are asked for him. May he rest in Peace.







August 1, 1953 The Sagada Postboy Number 51



Robert Taft died last night. He has been for so many years, in the United States Senate, the leader of his land that he was called “Mr. Republican”. Newspaper correspondents in Washington have voted him the best-informed man in congress. He was the author of the controversial “Taft-Hartley Labor Law”, which although it was vigorously opposed by the AFI and the CIO, most powerful labor organizations in the United States, has stood the test of time. In the industrial States of Ohio, where unions are very strong, he was reelected to the Senate. In 1948, he was defeated by Dewey for the Republican nomination for president. Again in July 1952, after a bitter campaign, he lost to Eisenhower. Taft’s greatness is perhaps nowhere better shown than in his support of Eisenhower in Congress although he and the president had very different views in vital questions on what is best for the United States and for the world. (J.R. Norton)



The Anglican Collegiate Association (ACA) of the church of the Resurrection (Parish), Baguio City, was recognized recently as a result of the graduation on several officers last year. ACA has a membership of about one hundred students coming from Baguio Colleges, Baguio Tech, and Eastern Colleges. Officers elected are:



President------------------------------------- Mr. Jesus Mangaoang, Balbalasang Kalinga

Vice-President-----------------------------Mr. Simon Abad of Sagada

Secretary-----------------------------------Miss Hilda Dongail of Sagada

Ass’t Secretary----------------------------Miss Esther Busacay of Bagnen

Treasurer-----------------------------------Miss Virginia Antero of Bontoc

Business Manager-------------------------Mr. Maximo Degyem of Payag-eo, Taccong

PRO-----------------------------------------Mr. Marcelo Domiles of Mankayan, Benguet

Advisers------------------------------------Fr. A. Rulite, Profs. Pio Tadaoan, Tomas Galgala and Lawrence Afidchao



Among other things, the members have organized a CHOIR in four voices (we invite everybody to come and hear us). They distribute pledge envelopes, check on stray members, and help in the work of the church.



A copy of Mr. Pacyaya’s translation of Sagada has been placed in the special reserved closet of the library. It was printed by the University of Manila.



Postboy Special notes for the Sagada students will be fifty centavos a year. A St. Mary’s student sent a peso for a year’s subscription. She wanted the paper to send to a friend. As her copy does not go through the mail, it seems fair to reduce the subscription rate for local students. The Postboy hopes more students will subscribe. Parents like to receive frequent letters from their children. It is easier to use the empty part of the second page of the Postboy for a short letter.



The yard of St. Benedict’s Church at Kiniway, Besao, has been greatly improved lately. Through the ready help of the Women’s Auxiliary of this church, fresh grass and flowers were planted in once-barren churchyard. The women took turns each working a day each. The pupils of the St. James’ School are also improving their grounds by planting fresh grass and flowers around the school building. /By Constance. Botengan).



Miss Luz J. Cruz transferred to Bontoc. On Friday evening, July 31, 1953, a send-off party, attended by some municipal officials, teachers, and friends, was given in honor of Miss J. Cruz who has been shifted from her teaching position in Sagada to Bontoc. It was gathered from Mr. Bartolome Daoas, a principal of Sagada Central Schol, that Miss Cruz had requested for their transfer. Miss Cruz has taught in Sagada public school for the last four years. She has been very active and cooperative in community work, in addition to her teaching job. Miss Cruz’s classes and friends will certainly miss her; but we hope that her absence is temporary, and that in the next one or two years, she will be back in Sagada. /By Alfredo G. Pacyaya)





Juliet Diwayan, S.M.S., 1953, celebrated her eighteenth birthday last Tuesday evening, at Easter School. It was a very enjoyable occasion; we were filled with great joy and happiness and we all did our part to please her. Rose Capuyan, Estelle Diwayan, Miss Tamong-ong, and Miss Yawan prepared the food for the birthday party. We all extended her our congratulations and sang birthday songs to her. /By David Capuyan).



Balugan School, below Ambasing has an enrollment this year of eighty students: grade I,- 18, Grade II, 14, Grade III, 11, Grade Iv, 13, Grade V, 24. Many of the intermediate pupils have friends in Arlington, Arizona, U.S.A. They very much enjoy having pen pals abroad. (G. Ayson)



A new public school was opened last Friday at Naccagang barrio. Miss Antonina Mestito of Besao, a graduate of Baguio colleges is the lucky applicant to start the history of that barrio. Her assignment to Naccagang, brings the total number of public schools in this municipal district to thirty-three.



The Principal’s Office of the Sagada Central School is now in what was formerly the store of Mr. Jose Gayman. Grade I and II are the same building. From this place one can have a wonderful view of the valley to the south and the surrounding mountains. It is just across the road and above old Presedencia, which is now Sagada Civic Center.



Mount Boet would be wonderful place for the observatory. From it can be seen an uninterrupted view of all the wide reaches of the municipality- Bagnen’s St. Gregory, Bangaan’s St. Mattew’s, Ambassing School and Sagada Central School are all clearly in view. The Physics class, Thursday took compass readings of many points, with a barometer they also figured its elevation: 5027 feet, that is, 257 feet above Sagada’s official 950 feet level. The Class then climbed down the steep hills and took elevation of the river just before it goes under ground again. This was found to be 4730 feet above sea level. Here where floods had built up a good smooth spot, the class had a picnic. Pascuala Cadiogan had prepared a corn beef macaroni dish and Joseph and Eduardo cooked pancakes. The USIS Manila Librarian with the help of Robert and Henry climbed the mountain, the other guests, Miss Vigan of the Book Mobile and Miss Keller of the U.S. Embassy joined the party at the picnic.



The dance last night, inspite of the disagreeable weather turned out to be very successful and enjoyable. The Dormitory Cumbachero, Lucky ten, and some schoolboys provided the music. Few were present at the dance or some of the dormitory boys and girls went home for their weekend vacation. Miss Piluden, Miss Abeya, and Mr. Ullocan were adequate chaperons and we trust enjoyed the dance also.









August 5, 1953 The Sagada Postboy Number 52

At the S.T.A. meeting on Sunday, August 9th, Bishop Ogilby plans to be present. It is hoped that all teachers of government and Mission schools will be present. The business meeting will begin at 11:30, lunch at 12:30. The place will be the Social Hall of St. Mary’s School. Please come on time.



Fr. And Mrs. Diman, after seeing Sam take a ship to America, and a short vacation in Manila, are expected to be back tomorrow.



After the monthly meeting of the Sagada Women’s Auxiliary on Sunday, there was White Elephant Sale. I hope every reader knows what this means, unlike the writer who thought that it would be the greatest fun to see a white elephant being sold. But from where? We had our prayers in church led by Sr. Mary Oliva. We went to the convent where our meeting was held. It was exciting to see the table filled with different kinds of things to be sold from the members. Some members were assigned to price the things then selling went on. Everyone bought what they wanted. /By Pascuala Cadiogan



The 1953 model of haircut is very popular in St. Mary’s School. This model was introduced by the students from Baguio who came to study here. It is very pleasant to see some of the boys at St. Mary’s having sll the same style-cut. It is similar to the Japanese haircut. /By D. Abeya



The Sisters at the Orphanage are asking the boys at the dormitory for barbers to volunteer for doing the haircut of seven small boys. This is once a month and wages for the service will be arranged by the Sisters and the volunteers. We hope that it would not be similar to the Japanese haircut.



Mrs. Herminia Monodon, a widow with three children, was recently enrolled in the public school for the fourth grade. Her second child is also in the fourth grade. When the mother was asked why she wanted to go to school at her age, she said: “O want to learn how to speak English – yes or no.” She said that she only reached the second grade but she had to stop because she had to take care of animals in the mountains. She was a classmate of Miss Esperanza Somebang in the first and second grades. /By Jane Abeya.



Correction: In the last issue of the Postboy, it was stated that the number of public schools in the municipal district is thirty-three. That is the number of government teachers. There are nine Sagada government schools.



The next Council of Advice meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 11 at 10:45 AM at Mr. Diman’s Office. As usual the School Council meeting will follow that of St. Theodore’s Hospital Council of Advice meeting.



Little thieves caught by surprise: One afternoon, seven of our young orphans got up from their nap while everything was very quiet and calm. They stole their way down to the pantry and found a can of sugar. Each one dug into the can and happily scooped a handful. A Sister who was suspicious thought that they were up to something. She tiptoed downstairs. It was a sight. Each one was smeared with sugar from the neck up to the head. Each child, plus Cyril, got a nice spanking and a bath.



The Elementary Education Act of 1953 provides the restoration of Grade V11 in all Philippine Schools and that compulsory education be imposed. Parents are supposed to enroll their children at the nearest public school when they reach the age of seven. Senators Pecson, Abada and Osias were responsible for this act. /By M. Gewan



Quoted from the Constitution of the United Nations: “Since wars begin in the mind of men, it in the minds of men that the defenses of Peace must be constructed.”



This morning’s radio news: Senator Robert Taft was laid to rest in Cincinnati yesterday. Senator Knowland of California is being groomed to succeed to the Republican leadership in the Senate…. Secretary of State John Foster Dulles arrived in Korea last night to confer with President Sygman Rhee about attaining lasting peace and the unification of Korea… Among the four United Nations POW to be released today by the Communists, 12 are Filipinos…. East German Railraod employees are on strike to demand better wages. (The Postboy would like to thank Mr. Lizardo Yodong for sending in this up-to-minute world news.)



Augusto Cunning writes fron Antamok Mining Company: “I am sorry I sent you a note concerning my return to study. Unfortunately, I cannot afford to come to school this year. I still hope to continue my schooling sometime next year after earning some money. I am now working as a policemen of this company. Please keep my papers and card for next year’s use.”



Last week, three boys in their teens were hailed to court by the Chief of Police charged with the crime of stealing various articles belonging to eight students of St. Mary’s School. The accused readily admitted to the acts imputed on them. When arraigned, they pleaded as charged. The case had been remanded to the higher court for further proceedings. The defendants will soon be brought to the Provincial jail to await trial during the next term of the Court of First Instance of the 2nd judicial District.





St. Paul’s School, Balbalasang is publishing the “Mail Bag”. The Postboy feels complimented that the general form is similar to ours with some added features. We are grateful for a copy of the third issue, which will be placed in the Library. Please send us the back issues and two copies of each new issue so that we can keep a complete file pasted in a scrapbook for our library. We wish the “Mail Bag” all success.



A Record: This issue of the Postboy was edited, typed and mimeographed in one hour and a half. It was ready for distribution at 4:45 PM





August 8, 1953 The Sagada Postboy Number 53



A Christian Funeral is better than a Pagan funeral because a Christian is blessed and given prayers in the church in order that God will guide the person to Heaven. We first clean and dress the dead before we put him into a coffin. The corpse is then slowly and silently carried to the Campo Santo and the priest blesses and prays for Him to God. His soul is received by God the blessing of the priest and the prayers of those who mourn and all the people. On All Soul’s Day, that is once in a year we go to visit and clean their graves. When the Pagans prepare deceased for burial they curl and wrap tightly like a ball. On their way it is played like a basketball. The pagans put their dead in the rocks, in caves, or in vacant place near the house. The rocks are not blessed. They are places where birds, rats and snakes can eat the flesh and bring bones out. If a typhoon comes the bodies fall out, especially near the river. The Pagan is forgotten when he is departed. He is never visited and does not receive any blessing. (I-B)



Radio broadcast this morning. General Mark Clark presented a charge to the U N. that the Reds are not sending out all the Americans they have, instead those American have been sent to slave camps in China. Our prisoner reported that a thousand Americans died from starvation and that the prisoner had to bury their own dead. Two chaplains were beaten to death because they held a forbidden service on Christmas Eve. There are 406 U.N. prisoners to be returned today…President Eisenhower signed the bill admitting 214,000 refugees to America in three years period. This is outside the immigration quota. Another signed is the turning over of 28 synthetic rubber plants to private ownership. These plants were built by the government during World War II…. President Quirino is recovering very rapidly and he may be discharged from the hospital early next week.



On my way home to Demang this week, I met a group of eight-year old girls looking very happy. I asked them why they were happy that day. They all said cheerfully, “Can’t you see that we are able to attend school the whole day instead of having our younger brothers tied on our backs. Today is Obaya (staying home day in the ili) so are mother are at home to take care of them. “Oh, we wish the old men would always shout Obaya so that we can go to school every day.” /By Pascuala. Cadiogan)



Hospital report. Today we have examined all students of St. Mary’s except two boys. Will those two please come so that we can complete our reports? Most of the defects we discovered are of a minor nature. As usual, the list of defects is headed by skin diseases, mostly scabies, (itch to you). On the whole this year students enjoy good health. Of 315 examined, only 14 have tooth trouble. Of those who were here last year, practically all gained in height and weight. One notable exception was a boy, otherwise normal who lost 7 pounds! Finally, our thanks to Mr. Norton, the faculty and student body for their splendid cooperation enabling us to go through all these examination without a hitch; almost, anyway. /A Report from the Staff of St. Theodore’s Hospital)



Ankileng Elementary School has a complete teaching staff of six teachers this school year. It has an enrollment of one hundred fifty pupils of which almost three fourths come from the barrio of Taccong. The battered school building and the old teachers’ quarter need plenty of repairs. As National aid could not be awaited, the people, under the initiation of Mr. Copa (an old veteran pupil) and the teachers, are preparing materials to repair the teachers’ living quarters. /By J. Muting)



Quoted from Benjamin Franklin. “I hope the peace will be lasting and that mankind will at length as they call themselves reasonable creatures have reason and sense enough to settle differences without cutting throats; for in my opinion, that never was a good or bad peace.”



In a thrilling basketball game this morning, the traveling Bontoc alumni Team defeated the Saint Mary’s High School boys with the score of 58-42. Our boys did their best even though they did not have any practice. Since the game was not known by the public, there was not a large crowd to see it. This afternoon at two o’clock another game will be played by the same teams in basketball. /By F. Lardizabal)



The dispensary of St. Thomas, Tabuk that was begun early last summer is nearly finished. The materials used and labor was willingly contributed by all the members of the Anglican Church there. The dispensary was built just near the church. Mrs. Umangil will be in charge of it.



A Pupil Government called the Sagada Central School Council was organized on August 4, 1953. The following officers were elected: President – Loren Gambican; Vice President – Mary Sauyen; Secretary – Edwardo Solang; Treasurer – Valentina Andawi; Chief of Police – Ramon Aben and Press Relations Officer – Rufino Sumbad. The present officers will take care of the government of Sagada Central School during the first half of the year. The advisers are the intermediate teachers under the chairmanship of Mr. Pio Dacumos.



Sagada Central School honor roll for the First Grading Period: Grade 1 – Christopher Floresca, Angela Galas; Grade 11 – Johnny Loyola and Daisy Abad; 111 – Ben Austria and Bartolomew Daoas, Jr.; 1V A – Mary Degay, Catherine Daoas, Francisca Bacagan; 1VB – Florence Sapaen, Esther Gewan; VA – Senaida Padua, George Gewan; VB – Margarita Bacolong, Hansen Sauyen; V1 – Carmen Lizardo, Rufino Sumbad, Guadalupe Belen. /By B. Daoas



Four Lawn Mowers are getting the compound into good shape. The hospital has two and the School Landscapers, two more. Lawns, to be good, should be mowed twice a week during the rainy season. The first mowing is very difficult, after this it will be easy. St Mary’s Mission must struggle to catch up with other stations. Besao has a lawn mower and the compound there is now very beautiful with flower beds that are splendidly kept. We cannot expect to equal Easter School’s grounds, but we are trying.



Bishop Ogilby arrived this morning from Tabuk where he stayed for a week. At Bontoc, he met with Dr. Fonger, the head of the American Bible Society in Manila, Mr Watermann, a language specialist, Pastor Bilagot and Fr’s Longid, Kiley and Kollin. They worked on the translation of St. Mark’s Gospel into Kankanaey. He will be here for Sunday service tomorrow, for the Church meeting and for the S.T.A. meeting. He will return to Bontoc on Monday.





August 12, 1953 The Sagada Postboy Number 54

At the S.T.A meeting at the St. mary’s Hall last Sunday, Bishop Ogilby explained his policy of help for teachers who are trying to catch up with the government increasing educational qualifications. Funds were not available for helping unqualified teachers to any great extent, but he would try to assist those who are anxious to go the “second mile”. The Committee on the Teachers’ Workshop reported that the program would get underway next Saturday. Miss Fe Patacsil would start the English Conference at 8:30 AM in the Sagada Library. She would later be assisted by Miss Tomlin. Mr. Norton would take Geography at 9:30. Mr. Piluden would begin basketry work at 10:30 in the adjoining room in the Civic Center. The Committee on possible college work in Sagada asked for more time to make their report. An excellent lunch was prepared by the St. Mary’s Home Ec. Mr. Pacyaya, president of the STA this year, presided. Forty-six pupils were present. /By A.G. Pacyaya



The new road leading from Ambasing towards the Sumaguing-Latipan Cave has been at a distance of 510 meters under the supervision of F.J.Velasco, construction foreman. It is now available for light cars to this distance. We hope that in the near future, the government will appropriate enough funds to continue the construction of this road to the cave and to Suyo and Ankileng.



Last Friday, the senior class elected athletic captains.

Softball Volleyball Basketball

Girls: Christine Batore Narcisa Degawan Constance Botengan

Boys: Bernard Umangil Paul Lumbag Henry Killey

Orlando Tenaur was elected General Manager for all the teams.



Yesterday the Fifth, Sixth, and Prep Grades had a meeting in the Assembly Hall to elect their managers and captains. The work of the manager is to see to it that all materials being used in the games be returned to the office after the game had been played. Captains should see to it that all players should be cooperative and play properly. Students elected are as follows:



Basketball (boys)-Tomas Magalgalit, Manager Softball- David Pait-Manager

General Manager- John Alipit; Captain: Manuel Pacheco

Basketball (girls)-Mary Lumaban, Manager Softball-Cynthia Pokleg

Captain: Isabel Odai Captain: Beatrice Capuyan

Volleyball- Moses Comaad, Manager Volleyball- Edith Longid, Manager

Captain: Maximo Bangsoy Captain: Bridget Coldito



Eight young boys from Ankileng were detained in the Sagada Presedencia building for 48 hours beginning August 9th. Two of them were enrolled at Ankileng Elementary School but did not attend their classes’ regularly. The other six have not yet enrolled, hence their confinement by order of the head teacher of the said school. Yesterday they were released by the Chief of police with promises to enroll and attend classes’ regularly. /B. Oscobie)



St. Mathew’s School Bangaan. The teachers of this school are very good another teacher has come to join them. He is Mr. Burgos Domaneo of Bab-asig, Ilocos Sur. (But do not mistake him for an Ilocano for he is a pure Igorot). He just finished his E.T.C. in Baguio Tech. Last summer. He came to fill in the vacancy. Mr. Dalang who was formerly with us resigned last June. He is now with the Bureau of Public Schools. He is teaching in Tapapan Barrio School in Bauko District. His Civil Service Eligibility inspired him to teach in the Public School. /By E.B. Sagalla)



Last Saturday the USIS sent a big bag of very useful books for the St. Mary’s Library. Included were 34 National Geographic magazines of recent years, which will be excellent material for the School’s Geographic classes. There were “Senior English Activities”, 8 copies of each Book I, II, and III. All those volumes would be good textbooks for high school English classes, but as there are insufficient copies, they will have to be supplementary reading. There were other books in the bag that Miss Vigan of Bookmobile sent personally in answer to an appeal to her for westerns and adventure stories. These last were being borrowed within seconds after they were entered. The USIS, next to the Church Periodical Club has done most to build up the school Library. Both these organizations can be assured that their many gift are much appropriated, not only by students but also by the Sagada Community.



A group of cooperative farmers built an irrigation system from O-od(the outlet of Sagada underground river) to Gabot(fields below Namsong), The farmers who own the fields near the outlet prohibited the farmer’s use of water. When these latter farmers were not able to stop the use of water by the Coop, they appealed to the Court of the First Instance in Bontoc. This Court decided that the cooperative farmers would use the extra water from January to June. /by P. Tumapang)



Today’s 12:45 P.M. Radio News. A Filipino was selected in charge of the Unification and Rehabilitation Commission, which is to report on the 8th Session of the U.N. on September 15th…scientist assembled in Oslo doubt that Nolenkov’s statement about Russia’s having a hydrogen bomb is true…. Severe earthquake occurred in the islands just west of Greece. Two hundred persons were killed and many were injured.



Saturday evening the Brave Defenders defeated the invincible knaves in an entertainment contest at the monthly party at the girls’ dorm. The judges had a very difficult time to choose the winners as both groups did splendidly. It was a non-stop entertainment. Caroline Buteng leader of the Braves would announce the stunt immediately following Constance Botengan for the Invincible Knaves had a number ready. There were recitations, dances, songs, short plays. Especially good was the Moro Dance, the action dialogue song “Will you Marry me”, The Monkey and the turtle” and the “Mock Examinations” This entertainment should be given at the Lyceum so that the Sagada Public would enjoy it. Most surprisingly, the Postboy reporter learned that all was prepared by the girls without faculty assistance and in a day’s time.

Bomasang autobiography

“From Gathering Firewood To Managing Energy Resources:
Transcending the Indigenous Challenges. Fragments of a Life Story”

In this eleven chapter book, Mr. Bumasang underscores his quality education and Christian upbringing he received from St. Mary’s and that which has helped him in his personal and professional life. It’s no surprise then that you find St. Mary’s mentioned at the beginning of the book (Chap 2: Getting an Excellent Education) and at the end (Chap 11: Going Forward, Paying Back) -- for here’s a person who struggled to overcome poverty and reached a world-class position in his professional career but never lost his good sense and passion to come back and help the struggling community and the school he owes his journey’s success.

Written in simple prose, the book is an easy read. For the Cordillera parents who are trying to find ways of teaching humility, discipline, service, and ethics to their kids, here’s a handy resource book for you. Ask your kids to read it. It’s anecdotal in its style and avoids the preach-iness every growing kid likes to avoid.

But why don’t I just let the Back Cover do the talking? Here goes:

Growing up in the hinterlands of the Cordillera, Rufino chopped firewood as a young boy to earn school allowance, dreaming only to be able to go to college and have a stable job. The native Kan-kanaey transcended the direst of circumstances and the worst of fears throughout his youth, to become a distinguished mining and energy official for the country, taking part in history as he helped midwife and deliver critical energy projects through 28 years and five political regimes.

The author’s first-person account of his life experiences and professional journey is inspiring, as it is down-to-earth. He tells his story with warmth and simplicity, offering along the way nuggets of thought on the significance of cultural heritage, family values, education, personal discipline, religion, management and work ethics.


The Author:
Rufino Bumasang is an energy development and policy specialist. His line of expertise includes strategic energy planning, energy and mineral resources development, and mining- and energy-related infrastructure. He is a highly competent resource person for the Philippine national energy policy, having held various positions in government and quasi-government companies for the past 28 years. Mr. Bumasang is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of the PNOC Exploration Corporation, a position he has held since 1996. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering from the University of the Philippines, and a Master’s degree in Business Economics from the University of Asia and the Pacific. [Source: Yahoo! Groups: StMarySchool]

Faustino's 5-Year Plan for SMS

You can read the full article here.

SMS Sagada Alumni and Friends Foundation

SMS Foundation (USA) is a registered tax-exempt non-profit organization. Thus, when alumni and friends donate through the organization, the donation will be tax-deductible. Donations up to $200.00 need not be backed up by tax-deductible receipts. Beyond that receipts must back up the claim.