Reunion Guest Speaker Representative Jerry V. Paras
We were very excited to have secured the former Representative Jerome V. Paras as the Guest Speaker for our Class 1962 Reunion. The choice has no political bearing but a result of a unanimous accord of some classmates who are not affected by Philippine politics and picked him as a fellow Academian and a former classmate.
Coming from a family of politicians, it is not a coincidence that the political arena was Jerry’s favorite playground. His rise on the political ladder started in 1987 when the signs of the booming Philippine economy took off at the culmination of the people power revolution and the reign of a credible leader, the first woman president in Asia. Jerry’s contribution and service in the first district of the Province of Negros Oriental spanned 11 years of incumbencies as Congressman, years that ushered in freedom, democracy, peace and improvement of the quality of life of his townspeople and the first district as a whole. As Chairman of the Department of Transportation and Communication while in congress, he created the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for development of roads, municipal halls, highways, public markets, bridges, schools, irrigation, waterworks and jobs and agriculture and many more big infrastructure projects for economic upstart.
Known for his positive and motivational attitude towards local and provincial issues, this young competent Congressman from Guihulngan and representing the first district of the province, brought significant improvements due to his advocacies.
On a final note, he is also a fascinating individual, and from his looks, has not changed for the last 55 years. We will forever be grateful for his presence among us at this first reunion.-Emmanuel ‘Art’ Zosa
Weeks before the reunion day, we launched a 30 minute daily program at the local Military Radio Station. This was our program introduction which was written by Emmanuel ‘Art’ Zosa: “Oriental Academy Class 1962, mosugyot ug motabang sa atong ugma! ‘DAKBALANGAY MAGTINABANGAY!’ An Oriental Academy Alumni Association Outreach Program dedicated to making a difference in the community! Lunes hangtud Byernes, alas nueve hangtud alas nueve y media sa buntag. Usbon...’DAKBALANGAY MAGTINABANGAY’ nine to nine thirty kada buntag Lunes hangtud Byiernes, dinhi sa Bayanihan FM!”
FB Chat (conversation starts from the bottom up)
Art Zosa: Hilda, Christopher I believe is a scion of the Ybanez family. Their house was along the highway near the Jopillos and the Vergaras. His grandpa would be an Academian of the 50's. I remember him, I just could not recall his "dagnay". Gido or something. The best person to answer his question is Inday Alice Rodriguez. Remember she was our school Directress during our 3rd year in high school. During our 4th year, Management of the school was turned over to the RVMs. The school's name was retained, that's why our class graduated as Class '62 of Oriental Academy. The Franciscans then took over management of the school and renamed it St Francis School.
January 28 at 3:30pm
Thank you uncle art for this info. I would have said that it had to close but being am alumna of St.Francis College I could now see the significance and the reason behind it.
Freddie Valencia: where do you reside now? Yes, I know your family quite well. I know your aunts Marta & Norma. -
Christopher Y. Sabado I am now living with my family in Malusay,.but I work as an instructor for a State Sollege in Siqujjor .It’s nice to hear that you know my family very well. I am sure that my grandparent studied at Oriental Academy but I am not so sure if he was able to graduate. When I was young I oftentimes I hear my Lola Berning telling stories of lolo playing basketball for his team the Oriental Academy.
Cora VerMonte Christopher Y. Sabado I also know your aunts & uncles
January 28 at 3:36pm
Cora VerMonte I am so happy knowing that. In this world of technological advancement. it brings the community together and it is nice to reconnect and trace our roots specially for us younger generations.
Oriental Academy Class of '62 Alumni Association Guihulngan City I will put this chat in our upcoming OA website. Thanks, Freddie Valencia Cora VerMonte and Emmanuel Zosa for the conversation.
Commented on by Hilda
Christopher Y. Sabado Hello Admin. my grandpa’s name is Herminehildo Ybanez..I am not so sure but I assumed he studied their before world war 2 or after. .I saw a picture of him before in my grandpas house. .I will try to look for it.
Oriental Academy Class of '62 Alumni Association Guihulngan City Who is your grandfather Christopher? The reason why they closed was not too clear to me, except that class of 1962 was the last of the OA graduates. Emmanuel Zosa might know the real reason. If you can tell me more about your grandfather and send us a photo through message, I will post it in our upcoming website and here on FB. Looking forward to hearing from you again. Hilda Mauro, OA Admin.
Christopher Y. Sabado Why did Oriental Academy closed? No one seems to know the real reason, my grandfather once studied at Oriental Academy.