St. Paul's Episcopal Church Centennial

12/02/2026

: Video travelog of Fr. Moki Hino's trip to the Philippines in January 2026; the trip to Balbalasang in Kalinga Province was to help represent the family of Fr. Alfred Griffiths and his wife Nessie (Ernestine) at the Centennial of the Episcopal mission of St. Paul. Father Griffiths was a missionary priest who served at St. Paul's before and after WWII, and also founded St. Paul's School after the war. During the war, because he was a military chaplain and involved with the guerrilla resistance, he and Nessie and their daughter Katy hid in the forest above Balbalasang until they were captured and eventually sent to Bilibid Prison in Manila.

Video travelog of Fr. Moki Hino's trip to the Philippines in January 2026; the trip to Balbalasang in Kalinga Province was to help represent the family of Fr...

10/02/2026

10/02/2026

HISTORY OF BALBALASANG

By Augustus Ulat Saboy

[EDITOR’S NOTE: This article written by the late journalist and former Kalinga Provincial Administrator Augustus Ulat Saboy in 1996 was originally published in Jalipong.Com (https://jalipong.com/history-of-balbalasang), a blogsite of Scott Magkachi Saboy, the author’s son who is also a writer, book author and an academician. ]

Historical accounts of early foreigners who crisscrossed the length and breadth of the Cordillera region reveals that Balbalasang was a mountain settlement that existed before the Spaniards set foot on the island of Luzon.

In 1877, a team of Spanish engineers and military personnel conducted a survey of the forbidding mountain borderlands of the eastern part of the province of Abra. This survey was ordered by Governor General Domingo Moriones as part of the plan of the Spanish government to connect the Cagayan region with a road linking the Ilocos region cutting through the provinces of Abra and Kalinga.

The survey party started out in March that year with one army engineer, two officers and 40 soldiers from Bucay, Abra passing through the mountain range of Mt. Lamonan where the group encamped. They finally reached the headwaters of the Saltan River and rested in the village of Balbalasang.

The report, bolstered by other eyewitness accounts of the existence of Balbalasang by succeeding foreign discoverers of this primeval human settlement, gives credence to the fact of Balbalasang as a sedentary community long before the Spaniards stepped into Philippine soil.

Later documents of foreign writers reveal that Balbalasang was visited by writers and anthropologists, foremost of whom were Hans Meyer (1882), Alexander Schadenberg (1887), and the American anthropologist Fay Cooper Cole (1902) at the start of the American occupation of the Philippines.

The location of the primitive Balbalasang village, however, is not the present site where the “modern” village now stands. The old Balbalasang settlement, now abandoned, is located about one kilometer downstream of the Saltan River at a riverside bluff hemmed in by the Maatop Creek and the Saltan River.

The Spaniards who were engaged in their road construction project established their garrison at Binolgan some two kilometers up the pine-forested mountain to the northeast of present Balbalasang village. Another outpost was established by the Spanish troops on a hillside promontory at Docligan overlooking the confluence of the Mapga-Tapao Creek and the Saltan River. This is now the site of the Community Picnic Park being developed by the Balbalasang barangay government.

When the Philippine Commission through Act No. 1876 on August 18, 1912 created the Mountain Province as a distinct political territory, Kalinga was among these seven sub-provinces created along the ethnic groupings of the people in the Central Cordillera mountain range. The province was to be reorganized into five sub-provinces. Kalinga was later organized into municipal districts and among these first four municipal subdivisions was Balbalan.

For Balbalasang, this political administrative set-up was pivotal in its historical development. For when Lt. Governor Walter Hale, an American politico-military administrator who first served as Lieutenant Governor of the defunct sub-province of Amburayan, was assigned to Kalinga, he appointed Presidentes (municipal mayors or administrators) and Juan Puyao, a Kalinga Banao tribal chieftain form Balbalasang was appointed as the Presidente of the Balbalan municipal district.

At the time that Puyao assumed the municipal administratorship, the political territory of Balbalan – aside from its present barangay composition – included some barangays of the present municipalities of Pasil and Pinukpuk. But Lieutenant Governor Hale had special admiration for Juan Puyao for his magnetic personality as a leader and uncompromising stance in his administrative decisions.

Puyao was a native of Balbalasang who, through his strong and visionary leadership among his people, saw not only the future progress of his fellow tribespeople but also the whole municipality of Balbalan. Puyao had, first of all, sought the re-settlement of the people of Balbalasang from its old site to where Balbalasang is presently located. At the time of its nascent development, Balbalasang was among the far-flung villages allotted the so-called “Settlement Farm Schools” in the Mountain Province. These settlement farm schools had a triune curriculum that offered vocational, agricultural and academic work from the first grade to the intermediate grades. Thus, came the Balbalasang Settlement Farm School which was built in the new village of Balbalasang.

In 1925, American missionaries scouting for missionary outposts in the Mountain Province learned about Balbalasang from students studying in the La Trinidad Settlement Farm School at La Trinidad, Benguet. These students who were mostly from Balbalasang used to drop by at Bontoc in the Boys’ dormitory of the Anglican (Episcopal) Mission for accommodation. The students who were now oriented to the Anglican faith had asked these American missionaries to visit Balbalasang.

In 1922, an American Episcopal missionary, the Rev. Edward B. Sibley, set foot for Balbalasang to look for a land on which they would build their church in relation to the expansion program of the Episcopal Church in the Mountain Province. In June 1925, the American Episcopal Bishop of the Philippines, Governor Frank Mosher,* visited Balbalasang together with other American missionaries and established the Anglican Mission in the place named, The Saint Paul’s Mission. Juan Puyao’s leadership was demonstrated once again when he and the leaders of Balbalasang donated to the Anglican Church the premises on which the church properties are located.

Leaders come and go. So do religious missionaries who had prepared the people of Balbalasang for full leadership of their people. Father Leonard Wolcott, Father Arthur Richardson, Father Alfred L. Griffiths and the indefatigable and intrepid woman missionary-nurse, Miss Charlotte G. Massey, who founded the church clinic and at the same time served as a Deaconess of the Church were among the illustrious missionaries who had served and made Balbalasang not only a bastion of Christianity but also a microcosm of modern civilization in the Cordillera Region. In 1946, after bowing to the wishes of the people, the St. Paul’s Memorial High School was established, furthering the educational growth of the community. Today, Balbalasang ranks high in literacy among the villages in the Cordillera region – and for that matter, the Philippines – with professionals of various fields from the village serving in all levels of both government and non-government sectors.

In 1973, Congress enacted a law declaring a portion of the Balbalasang peripheral forests as “National Park” and the village of Balbalasang a “National Tourist Resort.” [Editor’s Note: Balbalasang-Balbalan National Park is now part of the Banao Protected Landscape (BPL), a larger area created in 2022 by Republic Act No. 11688, which merged the national park with the Banao watershed to form a single protected area, often called the "Green Heart of the Cordillera". ])

ORIGIN OF THE NAME “BALBALASANG”

Interpreted in literal terms, “Balbalasang” in the Banao dialect is a woodland dominated by a cluster of trees called “Balasang.” In Banao orthography, repetition of the first syllable of the word (in this particular case, “BAL”) denotes multiple number. So, Balbalasang means an area where there are many Balasang trees.

The Balasang is a terrestrial tree with heights ranging from six to fifteen meters of pinnate simple leaves. Its young leaves are light red, and its flowers bright red and willowy. The long, willowy flowers arranged around the tree like the flowing hair of a woman measure up to one meter in length. Significantly, these trees are only found within the Balbalasang region but at present, it is now an endangered species with only a few trees seen in certain places. The flowering season of the Balasang tree is on the dry months of the year (i.e., February to May).

THE LEGEND

Legend has it that a beautiful maiden (balasang) once lived in what is now known as Balbalasang. In the ancient Banao times, beautiful maidens were the prime and price objects of courtship by dashing young warriors who return triumphantly from war with a number of human heads as trophies from headhunting exploits.

One day, the maiden found to her disheartening that her warrior lover married another lady in a far away village. In the depth of her despondency, she transformed herself into a beautiful tree. That is why this tree was called “balasang.” The tree multiplied in a certain region which was to be called “Balbalasang.”

06/02/2026

SPMS WAS FOUNDED IN HONOR OF WAR HEROES

Did you know that St. Paul's Memorial School (SPMS, now SPMSKI) was founded in honor of soldiers from Balbalasang and Talalang who lost their lives during World War II?

It's not just three or four, as earlier thought, but eight men, according to an article on the school's founder — The Rev. Alfred Griffiths — published in The Philippine Chronicle in 1968.

Also read: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14d9fruMPrP/

Four of them died during the early years of the war. They were part of the US-Philippine forces who took a stand in Bataan. The other four died at the close of the war in Ifugao province where Japanese forces under General Yamash*ta took a last stand.

The eight are all listed in the St. Paul's Mission's record books. They were:

1. Thomas "Lacbawan" Magayam, born in 1916 to Magayam and Talogay of Talalang, was killed in action in Bataan in 1942. His siblings were Inggowatan, Malimag and Latawan. Lacbawan left behind with his wife Jalene of La Union a daughter named Aida. Aida is the mother of Francis, Amboy, and Marriet Gamay.

2. Laurence "Bangkeg" Gupaal, son of Graham Gupaal and Delia "Dalayon", was among those who died during the Bataan Death March in 1942. His siblings were Rita "Gintawan" Cabbotot, Daniel Dannang, Philip "Pagtan" Gupaal and Gertrude "Awwanon" Laguicao.

3. Anastacio "Ngaya-an" Lingayo, son of Lingayo and Banaya, also died in Bataan in 1942. Born in 1922 in Paswal, he was the younger brother of Bernabe "Banganan" Lingayo, the father of Francisca "Jingon" Malaga, former Balbalasang Barangay Captain Brent "Ilin" Banganan, and Geoffrey "Valinag" Banganan.

4. Philip "Gaan" Sawadan, son of Sawadan and Jumanyag, survived the Bataan "Death March" but died at Camp O'Donnell concentration camp in Capas, Tarlac, also in 1942. Gaan's siblings were Segundo Bagwan, Lux Taclawan (father of former Easter School teacher Monroe Taclawan), Ambrosio Alunday Sr., and Rosalia "Vilukan" Dannang, mother of the late former SPMS school math teacher Alfred Dannang.

5. Johnson "Baliling" Lingayo, son of Eugene Lingayo and Solidad "Vingguwan" Malna, was killed in action on March 15, 1945 in Ifugao. His siblings were former schools district supervisor Osmeña Lingayo, who was also a USAFIP-NL soldier; Fr. Thomas "Pasujag" Lingayo, Leonard "Cos-agon" Lingayo, Edward "Vonggawon" Lingayo, Simona "Apinan" Panod, Michael "Vayujang" Lingayo and Romeo "Jaipan" Lingayo.

6. George Baguiwong, son of Billo and Boctot, was killed in action in Ifugao in 1945. Baguiwong was married to Ana "Ki-is" Bugawit, with whom he had seven children: Alfonso "Manangbaw", Amelia "Banganay", Espirita "Atting" Ayabo, Teresa "Imanay" Malaggay, Priscilla "Tunnay" Taclawan, Sylvestre "Gawilan" Baguiwong and Grace "Vugaay" Baguiwong.

7. Titus "Bilingon" Wadwadan, son of Walter "Magul" Wadwadan and Mayad, died in battle in Ifugao in 1945 at the young age of 24. His siblings were: Isaac “Jugayon”, Beatrice “Aggonay” Gupaal, Pamela “Piyang” Calwitan, Julio “Livangan” and Adaline “Lagam”.

8. Saturnino "Sagmayao" Diwayan, son of Alfred Diwayan and Ablongan (Antonio Bagni), was one of the four Balbalasang soldiers killed in action in Mayaoyao, Ifugao, in 1945. Sagmayao, born 1915, was the elder brother of Cecilia "Saling" Gumabay and Richard "Lomiwan" Diwayan.

(Sources: St. Paul's Mission records + additional information from Leonard "Gawilan" Gamay, Gabriel Tangpap Dalipog, Sarah Laguicao Baybay and Leslie Diwayan Gumabay)

03/02/2026

The Founding of Saint Paul’s Memorial School: A History of Faith, Resilience, and Community Spirit

[Synthesized from the writings of Mrs. Ernestine Griffiths, Valentina Attolba, Nancy Fonbuena, Augustus U. Saboy and Lloyd Tangbawan.]

As we celebrate the Centennial of Saint Paul’s Mission, we look back with profound gratitude at one of its most enduring legacies: Saint Paul’s Memorial School (SPMS), now SPMSKI. While records often fade with time, the discovery of handwritten notes on yellowed paper by the late Lloyd Tangbawan, combined with the memoirs of the Griffiths family and Augustus Saboy, allows us to piece together the remarkable story of how this institution came to be.

The story of SPMS is not merely one of academic necessity; it is a story of a community rebuilding itself after the ravages of World War II, driven by a desire for peace, education, and honor.

THE POST-WAR VACUUM

Following the surrender of Japan and the end of World War II, the mountains of Kalinga were silent but scarred. Education had been disrupted for years. Young men and women from Balbalasang, eager to resume their studies, faced a daunting landscape. The nearest high schools — St. Teresita’s School and Kalinga Academy—were in Lubuagan, more than a day’s hike away. Lagangilang High School in Abra was an even more arduous three-day journey.

For many students, the distance was not the only barrier. As recounted by the late Augustus U. Saboy, the political climate following a congressional election had severed the Bodong (Peace Pact) between the Banao and Lubuagan tribes. With the threat of vengeance killing and tribal conflict looming, it became unsafe for Balbalasang students to trek to Lubuagan. The youth were trapped — hungry for education but hemmed in by conflict and geography. It was this combination of longing for education, dangerous travel, and the harsh memory of war that prepared the ground for a new idea in Balbalasang.

A PROPOSAL IN THE MISSION HOUSE

On June 9, 1946, in his residence at St. Paul’s Mission, Rev. Griffiths called together a small group of village leaders, teachers, and young people to discuss an important proposal: the opening of a high school in Balbalasang itself.

Those present included Frederick Dao‑ayan, Eugene Lingayo, Mariano Gumabay, Henry Abbacan, Henry Dao‑wan, George Malaggay, Samuel Saboy, John Dao‑wan, Mariano Sim‑ang, and Lloyd Tangbawan. For some of them, the discussion was not just about “a school” in the abstract — it was about whether they and their children could continue their own education without the danger and cost of long journeys to distant towns.

The idea was quickly and warmly received. For the youth of Balbalasang, it held the promise of continuing their education “in their own village,” only a short walk from their homes instead of grueling days on the trail. On the civil side, Kalinga Sub‑Provincial Deputy Governor Mary Puyao‑Cuesta pledged her support and promised to help secure government recognition for the proposed high school. Local leaders, notably Municipal President Juan Puyao, also expressed their backing.

The response in that June meeting was immediate and enthusiastic. The question was no longer whether to have a school, but what kind of school it should be and how soon it could open.

CHOOSING THE KIND OF SCHOOL

The first debate centered on the type of school Balbalasang needed. Some argued for an agricultural or vocational school, believing that such a program would be more directly suited to the life of a farming and tribal community. Others, led by Mr. Frederick Dao‑ayan, pointed out that an agricultural school required more land, capital, and equipment than the community could presently provide. There were also more teachers available with academic training than with agricultural specialization.

In the end, the group agreed that an academic secondary school — with strong Christian, practical, and community components — would best serve the youth and could realistically be started with the people and resources at hand.

A NAME IN MEMORY

As the plans for the new school took shape, another important question arose: what should it be called? Several names were proposed, including St. Paul’s Academy and Balbalasang High School. Rev. Griffiths, however, urged the community to consider a name that would embody both the mission’s patron and the village’s recent history: Saint Paul’s Memorial School.

The name was chosen as a memorial to the men from St. Paul’s Mission who gave their lives in the Second World War — among them eight soldiers from Balbalasang and Talalang. The high school would stand not only as an answer to the educational needs of the youth, but also as a living monument to the courage and sacrifice of those who had fallen “for the sake of freedom during the war.” (Read more here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DL6ywZYJm/ )

The community embraced the idea. Thus was born Saint Paul’s Memorial School (SPMS), a school whose very name is a reminder that education is both a gift and a responsibility, paid for in part by the sacrifices of an earlier generation.

FORMAL OPENING: JULY 15, 1946

From the “yellow pages” of Mr. Tangbawan’s notes and other supporting documents, we now know that St. Paul’s Memorial School formally opened on July 15, 1946, and classes began in 1947. Twenty‑six students enrolled in the first and second year levels. With no dedicated classrooms yet, the church building served as the main venue for instruction.

The pioneer faculty were a small but remarkable group: Rev. Alfred L. Griffiths himself; Mrs. Ernestine C. Griffiths, who taught English; Mr. Frederick Dao‑ayan, who also served as the first principal; Mr. Lloyd Tangbawan; and Mrs. Anne Wasay Dungo. They understood that a fledgling private high school in a far‑flung mountain village might not attract many students from distant places.
Yet they believed that if it served faithfully the youth of Balbalasang and neighboring communities, it would survive and even thrive. Time proved them right.

In recognition of this documented opening date, it is now fitting for SPMS/SPMSKI to celebrate July 15, 1946 as its Foundation Day, even as some earlier commemorations used official government recognition dates, such as April 27, 1957, when the Department of Education authorized the school to operate a full secondary program.

EARLY LIFE AT ST. PAUL’S MEMORIAL SCHOOL

From 1947 to 1950, Mrs. Ernestine Griffiths’ letters and manuscripts paint a vivid picture of life at the young high school. Students came “from far and near… some two and a half days distant,” bringing their own rice and living in the dormitories so as not to burden the villagers still recovering from war and repeated famines. Classes were conducted in English, as required by the Bureau of Private Schools, with additional requirements in Tagalog and Spanish. Alongside academic courses, students took religious education, athletics, and industrial work.

The girls learned sewing and knitting, while the boys made brooms, wove baskets, and cared for chickens and pigs. All students worked in the school gardens, which produced abundant vegetables—pechay, cabbage, radish, beans, tomatoes, and camote—that nourished both body and community. One outstanding contribution of those early classes was the writing down, for the first time, of the legends and stories of their people, preserving Kalinga and Tingguian heritage for future generations.

Music, too, was at the heart of the school’s life. St. Paul’s choir, trained by Rev. Griffiths and mission nurse Miss Dorothea Taverner, became renowned for its four‑part a capella singing during church services and festivals. Annual fiestas for St. Paul’s Day (January 25), along with Christmas, Holy Week, and other great feasts, wove together liturgy, athletics, community feasting, and indigenous cultural expressions into a powerful experience of shared life “where all were of one mind and one spirit in Christ.”

BUILT BY FAITH, SUSTAINED BY SERVICE

The school’s development in the decades after its founding continued to reflect the same spirit of self‑help and service. After Mr. Dao‑ayan’s retirement, he was succeeded as principal by Mr. Lloyd Tangbawan, whose careful notes preserved much of the school’s early history. In 1968, while Mr. Tangbawan was on study leave, the Rev. Alejandro R. Tauli served as principal and described St. Paul’s as a school “erected gratis in 1945 by the village people… a labor of love and faith,” serving primarily the Tingguian and Kalinga communities at the edge of the Kalinga–Abra region.

Leadership passed in time to Mrs. Rose C. Mangaoang (principal from 1970 until her retirement in 1992), Mrs. Virginia Mangaoang (TIC), the Rev. Allen Aligo (headmaster), Mrs. Bernadette Rose M. Page (TIC, 1997–2009), and then to Mrs. Valentina Attolba, Ph.D., who was appointed principal in 2010 with the task of reorganizing staff, curriculum, and facilities and was later named Executive Director.

In 2013, Mrs. Rachel A. Panod, Ph.D., became principal, working alongside Dr. Attolba to modernize the school while preserving its mission identity. SPMS became Saint Paul’s Memorial School of Kalinga, Inc. (SPMSKI) in the early 2000s.

Today, Saint Paul’s Memorial School of Kalinga, Inc. (SPMSKI), as it is now known, stands as one of the enduring fruits of St. Paul’s Mission. It was born from war, yet dedicated to peace; born from local initiative, yet open to the wider church and world; born as a memorial to the fallen, yet committed to forming the living.

As we mark the centennial of Saint Paul’s Mission, we honor with gratitude the visionaries, teachers, students, benefactors, elders, and villagers whose faith and courage brought Saint Paul’s Memorial School into being in 1946. Their legacy endures every time a young person from Balbalasang and beyond walks up the hill to class, hears the Gospel, discovers the joy of learning, and takes a place in the long story of God’s work through St. Paul’s.

28/01/2026

MY MISSION TO HELP A MISSION…
By Viccy Harper

[ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Since first arriving in the highlands of Kalinga in 2003, Viccy Harper has become a pillar of support for St. Paul’s Memorial School of Kalinga Inc. (SPMSKI). What began as a teaching placement through the Anglican Board of Mission evolved into a two-decade journey of philanthropy, infrastructure development, and student sponsorship. In this reflective piece, Viccy shares the story of how a small community in Balbalasang captured her heart, and how the Harper family continues to work hand-in-hand with the school to bridge the gap between rural education and global opportunity.]

It was in July 2003 that I first set foot in Babalasang to teach at St. Paul's Memorial School of Kalinga Inc. (SPMSKI), unaware that this small, yet education-focused community, would change the course of my life. The school, though full of eager learners, struggled to keep up with the demands of modern education. Buildings needed refurbishing, resources needed to be refreshed, and access to technology needed to be introduced. Recognizing these needs, and with the blessings of The Right Reverend Bishop Renato Abibico and the faculty, I took on the challenge of raising funds to help the school move into the 21st century.

One of my guiding principles has always been: If one can’t take students to the world, one must bring the world to the students. With that in mind, I began to talk with people back home in Australia hoping to find financial support to make improvements in infrastructure, introduce technology into the curriculum, and create opportunities that would allow students to dream beyond their expectations. However, while I have played a role in raising funds, it is the school, parents and the community who have truly embraced and owned the changes that continue to be made.

Their dedication and hard work ensure that every improvement becomes a lasting part of the school's growth and development.
My journey as a benefactor at SPMSKI started on a different path. I was sponsored by the Anglican Board of Mission (ABM) in Australia to teach English. It was one of their partners being the Episcopal Church in the Philippines (ECP) that took me on board.
The Reverend Allen Aligo served as a dedicated guide for my husband, Richard, and me for several years, looking after us and introducing us to many communities across Northern Luzon. A wonderful way to meet the priests and others attached to the Episcopal Church of Northern Luzon (EDNL). And so, I ended up in EDNL’s only institution.

While my initial purpose was to teach English, my time in Balbalasang transformed into a long-term commitment. From 2003 to 2018 I returned to the school for close to three months every year. The community’s dedication to education inspired me. Parents, though some living modestly, prioritized their children's schooling, fostering an environment where learning was valued above all else.

In 2004, I began sponsoring tuition fees for indigent and deserving students. What started as a small initiative gradually grew, and many students continue to benefit from this support. For these young learners, education is not just a privilege but a lifeline to a brighter future.

I was fortunate enough that our close friend Simon Dickie heard and understood my ‘cry’ for assistance and he was one of the first to sponsor a student. His concern and interest turned into a long association with the school when he started to teach Christian Education in 2008. For ten years he spent a couple of weeks a year in the village teaching; … “I immediately became part of the community, they knew I was there to work and share knowledge to assist with the students’ development. What a community, enthusiastic to learn, caring, polite and very spiritually aware.”… His contribution continues today as the students enjoy his Christian Education program “Stepping Stones for Life”.

The people of Balbalasang also welcomed me with warmth and hospitality. Their spirit, rooted in cooperation and mutual respect, showed me that even in the most remote locations, education can thrive when there is a collective will to uplift the next generation. It was humbling to witness students walking long distances, crossing rivers, and braving the elements just to attend classes. Their commitment, and that of their families, continues to be a source of my deep admiration and motivation.
Over the years, I have experienced a spectrum of emotions — inspiration, and frustration along with much joy and satisfaction. My greatest aspiration has been to see SPMSKI students rise to their full potential, equipped with the knowledge and skills to succeed. The resilience and enthusiasm of these students has been my greatest inspiration, fuelling my determination to continue despite the many obstacles. The journey has not been without its frustrations. Limited resources, the challenge of sustaining financial support, and the slow pace of systemic change have often tested my patience! Yet, each hurdle has only reinforced my belief in the importance of persistence and unwavering commitment by everyone involved.

The school, parents, Alumni members and community have celebrated many small victories along the way. With the help of donations, classrooms have been refurbished, the school has been equipped with computers and internet access, and a dormitory has been built. These are more than just material improvements — they represent hope, progress, and the beginning of a broader transformation in the way students learn and engage with the world.

Despite the progress that has been made, much remains to be done for the school to continue to flourish. Sustainable funding for scholarships, continued modernization of facilities, and the integration of more advanced educational programs are important.

Additionally, fostering partnerships with organizations that can provide mentorship, training, and career opportunities for students is essential in bridging the gap between education and real-world applications. We also need to ensure that teachers are continuously supported through training and development so that they can offer the highest quality education.

Strengthening the school’s ties with its Alumni is an important factor for the future of the school. The former students of SPMSKI, many of whom have gone on to lead successful lives, are the living testament to what education can achieve. By reconnecting them with the school, we can create a sustainable cycle of giving back — mentorship, resources, and scholarships that directly impact current students. This network can become one of the school’s most powerful assets.

My vision for SPMSKI is not just to be a school that survives, but one that cares about the pursuit of excellence, thrives and becomes a model for rural education in the Philippines. I imagine a future where every student, regardless of economic background, has access to the tools and opportunities needed to succeed in life. I envision graduates eventually returning to their communities as tradesmen, doctors, engineers, teachers, policemen, soldiers, attorneys and leaders — carrying with them the values of perseverance, service, and compassion that were nurtured at SPMSKI.

Achieving this vision requires more than just funding. It requires belief in the potential of every child, in the power of education, and in the strength of a united community. The work is ongoing, and there are still many challenges ahead. But I am heartened by the progress that has been made and by the unwavering spirit of everyone involved.

Reflecting on this journey, I am reminded that change doesn’t happen overnight, but every effort - no matter how small - creates ripples that extend beyond what we can immediately see. With continued support and dedication, in particular from the Alumni Association, we can ensure that the students at SPMSKI receive the education they deserve, empowering them to become the leaders and change makers of tomorrow.

The Harper family (my husband Richard and sons’ Tom and Alec) is fortunate to be associated with the school and as the years go by, we will continue that association alongside ABM and ECP.
And so, we continue hand in hand with the school, parents and community that believes in education, growth, and the future. Together, we are not just building a better school; we are building a better world, one student at a time.

Remember parents are a child’s first teacher and it takes a village to raise a child. Education, when truly inclusive, becomes a powerful equalizer.

That is the dream the Harper family continues to work towards.

Peace and blessings to you all.