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A Life Founded on Love and Service to the Community

January 31, 2023 People's Tonight 487 views

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An SBCA 40th Founding Anniversary Dedication

“EDUCATION is an apostolate.” This was just one of the many things I learned from Dr. Felicitas C. Rabonza, the great woman behind St. Bernadette College of Alabang, during my younger years of being a teacher in the institution. Like any budding educator, I explored the profession with hands-on teaching experience and the nurturing guidance of my school administrators back then. I embraced teaching since with the belief that a teacher evangelizes through loving work and service.

As St. Bernadette College of Alabang commemorates its 40th founding anniversary this year with four-day celebratory activities slated from February 8-11, 2023, I continue to cherish this belief that education stands at a platform where love and service are greatly rendered. They say that for any great work to be done, it is important to have the right foundation. This foundation forms the platform on which the future and beyond stands.

Our great Ruby year is also an opportunity for us to reflect on the school’s beginnings and on those that have helped contour this remarkable institution, both past and present, who have influenced the character and values that exemplify its 40 years and counting legacy.

The school immensely owes its existence to Mrs. Gertrudes Vivo – Carlos who allowed the breath of the school find its way through her land property in Alabang, Muntinlupa back in 1983. From its vital inception, our school was fostered by its founding Principal, Dr. Josefina A. Beltran, who then enabled the great visionary in our school president and directress, Dr. Felicitas C. Rabonza and her better half, Mr. Antonio N. Rabonza; to set the foreground of the basic education department. Shortly after, with the able mentorship of the late Dr. Herminia C. Mangussad, the school gained the recognition of the Department of Education, Culture, and Sports which altogether formed the steadfast and meritorious foundation of what we now call St. Bernadette College of Alabang. The rest, as they say, is history.

To date, SBCA has already attuned itself to the pacing of 21st century education by crystallizing its integrated program through Senior High School, the Technical-Vocational Education and Training armed by TESDA, and more additional CHED approved programs in the tertiary level.

As we once again memorialize the birth of our institution, we exalt SBCA as an exceptional institution because of its humble roots and special commitment to the community all demonstrated and inspired by its esteemed founders driven with their love for God and for the community.

All these bring the school’s vision and mission to life!

Now, as I serve my budding vocation as administrator of the basic education department, I am rekindled with the same voice in my head, “To educate is to serve the community.” This is how I should see SBCA zealously anticipating the years ahead regardless of any situation…on the R.I.S.E. (Rallying for Innovation, Sustainability, and Excellence.) I am one with our committed Board of Trustees in ensuring the beauty of life dedicated to service in order to succeed in our vision of forming not only globally competitive individuals, but also young Filipinos with the overall development in the humble thy spirit way. This is the apostolate and legacy of St. Bernadette College of Alabang; an education founded on love and service to the community.

Long live, St. Bernadette College of Alabang! By MRS. MARIA RAMONA C. GONZALEZ

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