SVES: The Vision Lives On

by **yang-ew** Sun Aug 02, 2009 10:56 pm

Saint Vincent´s Elementary School.

On the 29th of October 2005, the Saint Vincent High School celebrated its 75th
Diamond Jubilee Alumni Home Coming. The groundbreaking ceremony of the Bishop Nel's
building that will serve as the new Saint Vincent Elementary School highlighted
the grand celebration. It was held to spring into construction an envisioned
school building.

The groundbreaking ceremony was opened by a bursting beat of the gongs played by
the SVS Elementary Pattong Group. All thier physical and emotion joys, gangsa
playing and graceful dancing were signs that interpreted an
expression of great happiness. Signs of continuing solidarity sustained through
all the years. The pupils, teachers and different alumni class representatives
were present to witness the momentous event.

Lawyer; Louis Claver, Ex-Congressman Vic Domingues and
Retired principal Maggie Fanusan discussed about other
means of assistance for the SVES Bishop Nel building.

The realization of the long time planning of the project has finally come to its
pursuant, after years of wishful thinking. The former congressman Atty. William
Claver, Congressman Victor Dominguez & Undersecretary, Mrs. Josephine dc
Dominguez, Atty. Louis Claver, Retired Col. Anacleto Tangilag, Ben Miranda and Prov'l
Administrator Paulo Pagteilan; who were all alumni of SVS, spearheaded the
groundbreaking of the new school building. A beautiful message was delivered by
Atty. William Claver. Refreshing his memory, he shared his fond memories and
experiences from his beloved alma mater-SVS. Quoting his message he said; "if
only we can preserve this school building, we will keep it this way… but we are
all gathered here to witness this groundbreaking of a better, more conducive
and convenient school for our children, grandchildren and future great grand
children."

Putting a mark on the event, Congressman Domingues posted a challenge to all his
fellow alumni of Saint Vincent School to donate for a worthy cause-to the
success of the school building construction.

Noticing the old wood building, it oviously reached its old age. The windows in
the different rooms started to give way; the hinges loosen but were
replaced. Not long, the window panes begun to hang down and were detached from
its holder. Then later, the beams and posts are notisably shaking whenever the
pupils jump and run around the second floor.

Considering the growing number of enrollees and the absence of a faculty room;
the need of an additional class rooms, function hall and faculty room must be
counted in. Since its foundation in 1911, the school had a single remodeling
during the 1970's. Not a major repair and renovation ever followed since the
hard woods were intact for nine decades. The school building is good enough to
be standing there and to have served for 98 years. But it's quite obvious that
it needs major renovation this time.

Fr. Vicente Bongabong assisted by Christopher Che-es
during the ground blessing ceremony

It was recalled that the flattening of the hilly ground of the Saint Vincent´s
elementary school was through the initiative of the late Bishop Nel when he was
still the parish priest of Sta. Rita Cathedral, Bontoc. His plan didn't stop there but to totally
repair the school. When he was ordained bishop, he has someone in mind to
continue his plans and objectives. He assigned Fr. Vicente Bongabong to become
the parish priest of Bontoc because he wanted to make sure that his vision for
SVES will not be in vain.

It is one of the reason why the prospective building will be named after the
late Bishop Cornelio Wigwigan. Through his unwavering effort; the community, the
Parents-Teachers Association members and the alumni moved to take action to this
beautiful project. Bishop Nel played an important instrument in the campaign and
rebuilding of a new elementary school. It was through his supportive actions
that most were inspired to actively participate, not only the alumni but the
non-alumni local and abroad who continually support this institution.

If he would still be alive, he will certainly disagree to have the building
named after him. Such accolade is not necessary, he would say. But just like the late
Congressman Dominguez said. "I appreciate that this new building which will be
built was named in remembrance to Bishop Cornelio nga dongdongwen tayo, ngem
masapul a nga alumni assisted project daytoy!", he firmly emphasized.
by: freda lacochao changat
__________________________________________________________________________________

AFTER YEARS OF WISHFUL THINKING AND WAITING, MAY WE KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO THE DONATIONS THAT WAS MEANT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUILDING OF SVS?

This is the best time, right place to discuss where are all the different class inkind donations and cash donations went?

This is where we continue what we have started. The unfinished business that we still dream to finish will be accomplished if we truly commit our sincere support in making that dream come true for SVES.

SVES: The Vision Lives On DSC04868

by kimdanz Thu Aug 13, 2009 3:43 pm

After reading the above story, I was unmoved for a minute. It touched me that such project had been initiated during the 75th Diamond Jubilee on 2005 and that many of us may not have heard about this beautiful plan for SVES. Isn´t this a good project for us to support?

While we sit infront this computer aren´t we gonna do something? I would suggest that we start pledging anything. I believe that big or small amount, inkind or cash will help a lot for the success of this school project.

Whoever are the alumni committe encharge, please accept my humble donation in the amount of $100. Should there be an open alumni bank account number, please let us know so we can deposit what ever help we can solicit from family, relatives and friends.

by **d'bontokinian** Mon Aug 31, 2009 7:10 am

This is a project worth supporting, especially for the graduates. Unfortunately, those entrusted with the responsibilities may have problems with disseminating information concerning the project. It's good this site was put up which would serve as a world-wide base for exchanging info concerning St. Vincent's School. I, for one, have bookmarked this site so I can know what's happening.

by **yang-ew** Mon Aug 31, 2009 4:15 pm

kimdanz, thank you so much for pledging $100. hope through you everybody will follow. your name is now listed in the donation book. nu kayat mu nayunam tu, maymayat manen bro! hehehe... Very Happy

while we wait for others to give their donation hope to hear from any svs alumni officer/representative who can give us the account number.

thank´s d´bontokinian! do you have any idea how we should support this school project? if only all svs alumni who have access via net will actively join in this forum then with out no doubt there will be an overwhelming result. khawis tay inmali kayo!

by **yang-ew** Wed Sep 16, 2009 5:35 pm

¨Obispo Nel, Siana nan esang ay linaylayad mu ay iskwela-an. Isnan maicham inmikhayad ka si manemsemkan mi ken sik-a. Mamati kami ay ad-im chakami ukhayen. Inyaman kami unay isnan inspirasyon mu ken chakami ay inserfi ya mangidnu isnan mission ya vision nan Saint Vincent´s School.¨

by:SVS faculty, staff and students, SVS Alumni Association,
Parish Pastoral Council and SVS Parents & Teachers Association

Atty. William Claver with his background view
of the perspective plan of the St. Vincent´s Elementary
School building; lay-out/design by Architech Felino Lagman,
(same architec of Teng-ab Pastoral mission buildings)

by **d'bontokinian** Wed Sep 16, 2009 9:47 pm

"AFTER YEARS OF
WISHFUL THINKING AND WAITING, MAY WE KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO THE
DONATIONS THAT WAS MEANT TO BE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL BUILDING OF SVS?

This is the best time, right place to discuss where are all the different class inkind donations and cash donations went?

This
is where we continue what we have started. The unfinished business that
we still dream to finish will be accomplished if we truly commit our
sincere support in making that dream come true for SVES."

I concur with the person who posted the above statement. It is only proper that regular reports should be issued and this website would be ideal for disseminating such information and other info related to SVS.

by **yang-ew** Thu Sep 17, 2009 11:07 am

d'bontokinian wrote:
I concur with the person who posted the above statement. It is only proper that regular reports should be issued and this website would be ideal for disseminating such information and other info related to SVS.

Thanks Bontokinian! This is one of the main reason why we created the website for every alumna of this school may come to know where their contributions and efforts are going. I believe this is the time we should act together to a common end.

by **SVS Headliners** Fri Feb 19, 2010 1:21 am

This topic has been totally quiet for few months, WHY? Because no one knows what is really happening in that circle. Some alumni prefer to keep silent rather than questioned. How much time do we have to wait when the school is at stake? If there is a way to save the school from being endangered or gone forever, now is the time. We must do something! Everyone has his/her right to know where all the donations went? Many alumni local and overseas are questioning why there are no updates from any Alumni officers so as to clarify the issues and concerns on this matter.

As to the donations intended solely for the SVES-Bishop Nel´s building, the amount is deposited under the account of Fr. Bong who was then the parish priest of BOntoc during that time. The other signatory was Fr. Noel Bantiyan, the Finance officer of the Vicariate. This was suggested by the school and agreed by the alumni so as to secure the donation. The total amount deposited on 2005 was 122,000Php under a PNB account - Bontoc branch. Until now the money is there safely deposited gaining interest.

The question is where did the other donations and pledges went after the 75th Diamond Jubillee because this has not been accounted.

¨the truth will set us free¨

by maricar Mon Jan 31, 2011 2:14 am

Mary Carmen Madrid-Crost said

January 30, 2011 at 9:31 pm

I love this photo of my beloved elementary school. I was the valedictorian of the elementary class of 1969. I am so thankful for the education and formation of good values at St. Vincent’s. I used to ring the bell early in the morning, lead the flag ceremony once in a while, worked in the gardens, cleaned the rooms with a bunch of kids written up for talking too much (back then it was some form of punishment but in retrospect, it is good physical exercise and a way of building character), exhibited our work product from home economics and art classes, learned to play rudimentary piano with Mother Ludovica (bless her soul) and had lots of fun playing in the school yard with my peers (and no escaping, picking up a fight once in a while - kid stuff).

I would love to return to celebrate St. Vincent's 100th year, give thanks to our teachers, and reconnect with long, lost friends. As part of saying thanks, I would like to contribute to the building of the new elementary school (where do we send donations?) and hope we can implement great extracurricular programs for the benefit of furthering the education, and harnessing the potential, of the youth from the great Mt. Province.

Sincerely,
Maricar Madrid-Crost
(also known as Baby of the former New Bontoc Pharmacy; now an immigration lawyer based in Chicago)
mc@madridcrost.com
Tel. 001 (312) 857-0857
Cell: 001 (312) 672-2570

by **yang-ew** Tue Feb 01, 2011 12:29 am

Welcome Ms. Maricar Madrid-Crost to SVS Alumni cyber homepage! nice to hear from you from that part of the globe. With your desire to help the elementary school you can always contact directly the school pricipal, Mr. Christopher Che-es. We can forward you his email address and telephone number. He would be so much grateful to learn that another alumni overseas has responded to this school project.

Thank you for providing us your contact number, email and location address. We encourage you to please stick around and join us in keeping this site a warm home away from home... I believe you belong to SVHS batch 73 with sir Julian Chumacog, Helen Chinanglas, Alex Castaneda and others... we will update your batch list then. Please check it under Alumni Discussion (Alumni Research)

Thank you once again! best regards kenda kayo amin sisa Chicago...

by Christopher G. Che-es Sr. Fri Nov 18, 2011 4:03 am

To Fargo.Have read your article already. Today i have read it again and again. Thanks so much for that. In due time we will be posting all the list of donations as well as pledges that were made/given during the Diamond Jubilee Celebration. Anyhow, the total amount submitted to the late Fr. Bong which was safely deposited at PNB under the care of the Vicariate of Bontoc-Lagawe is Php 118,396.25. It was time-deposited and over the years it earned an interest ans so now it is Php 128,806.87 ... He (late Fr. Bong) too received dollar donations. 550 US $ and 100 HK $. The Peso donations will be transferred to the Bishop Nel Building Og-ogfo Project Fund while the Dollar donations will be used to open a dollar acoount.

Since it will be in the spirit of Og-ogfo, the School,the Family council, the Alumni, the Parish Pastoral Council will work hand in hand for the realization of this worthy project. We'll be in touch to this forum po.

Yaman Unay...

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