Former PM working students hold second grand reunion

Former Presentation of Mary (PM) working students gathered on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at the St. Peter’s College of Toril, Inc. (SPCT) Gymnasium for their second Grand Reunion. The reunion was part of the 75th PM School Foundation Anniversary celebration and carried the theme “Looking Back, Giving Thanks, and Honoring.”

The event began with registration and fellowship in the morning, followed by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided over by Rev. Fr. Rene Ribac, DCD. In his homily, Fr. Ribac reflected on the Gospel’s “narrow gate,” likening it to the challenges the alumni faced as working students. He suggested that these difficulties were a form of discipline that showed God’s trust in them, preparing them to become the best versions of themselves. The former working students actively participated in the Mass. Mrs. Glesie Albite gave the introduction, Mrs. Natalie A. Dingal and Mrs. Emilyn M. Divinagracia served as readers, Mrs. Teresita C. Bautista was the psalmist, and Mrs. Rhona P. Quimbo led the Prayers of the Faithful.

The afternoon program was hosted by Mrs. Marilou B. Fernandez, the current SPCT Cashier, and Mr. Jestonie S. Bandoquillo, the SPCT scholarship in-charge, both of whom are former working students of the school. After the opening prayer and national anthem led by home-based former working students, Mr. Albert Griar delivered the welcome address. Benefactors, donors, sponsors, school administrators, and the PM Sisters were also formally acknowledged.

Testimonies were then shared by two former working students: Dr. Isidora C. Cermino and Mr. Joy Cabonita. Dr. Cermino, now a Public Schools District Supervisor in Toril area, recounted her six-year journey as a working student from 1989 to 1995. She shared that she spent her first year at the Provincial House learning household skills before going to St. Peter’s College of Toril, Inc. for college. Dr. Cermino spoke about the hardships she went through, almost quitting but holding on due to the belief that education was the sole route out of poverty. She attributed her current success to the values she developed during her stint as a working student. During her talk, she also acknowledged a fellow alumnus in the audience, Mr. Celso Helborion, who is now a school head under her supervision. The other speaker, Mr. Joy Cabonita, who is currently working for a private company in Digos City, recounted his experiences as a working student and how he had to stop due to acute appendicitis but was supported by teachers and later on a priest who helped him complete his studies.

As part of the reunion, participants also answered a research survey questionnaire. The study, conducted by the SPCT Research and Publication Office, aims to document the long-term impact of the program and its valuable legacy. The survey was explained by Alfie Billion, the Research and Publications Officer, as a way for alumni to share their own experiences, just as the testimony speakers had done.

The program continued with parlor games led by home-based former working students, followed by a voluntary love offering to help cover the costs of the celebration. A thanksgiving message was then delivered by Mrs. Joan A. Ferrando. In her emotional speech, she described the working student program as a “second chance of my life” during a time when her future seemed uncertain. She shared that the sisters gave her a place to rebuild not only her dreams but also her confidence. She gave special thanks to the late Sister Donatela Cruz, pm, who treated her like a daughter, and to Sister Elnora R. Taparan, pm, for being a source of comfort and strength during her personal struggles.

After the thanksgiving message, the Provincial Superior of the PM Sisters, Sister Charito B. Gorgonio, pm, gave her closing remarks. She recalled the first gathering held in 2010 and expressed gratitude to the organizers, specifically mentioning Mary Rose Billion, Glaise Albite, and Lenie Flor Dalanon, and to the participants who came from various PM mission posts across Mindanao. She thanked the former working students for their support of the Mother Rivier Home for Children and for their donation of four microphone stands. She also invited them to choose an official name for their group for future reunions. She concluded her message with an encouragement for everyone to live out the values they learned, saying:

“Finally, let’s carry forward the spirit of St. Marie Rivier, of her Blessed Mother Mary and Jesus Christ, that is the spirit of compassion, resilience, humility, and gratitude that defined you in your working student days — and let it inspire others, too.”

The event concluded with a closing prayer also led by Sr. Charito Gorgonio. (Alfie P. Billion, MAEM)