Literary

 What are on this page:

C. Philippines: "Brain drain" then, "diaspora" now

B. "Turning back the hands of time"

A.  C59 H.S. graduation speeches

A1. Valedictory Address by Jose E. Gonzales

A2. Salutatory Address by Amelia Olegario

A3. Class Prophecy by Balbino Ramos

A4. Class History by Rogelio Mondala

A5. Last Will and Testament by Filemon Olegario

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C. Philippines: "Brain drain" then, "diaspora" now

     by Roger M

       The seeds of “brain drain” (aka ‘human capital flight’ --- an emigration of ‘trained and talented individuals’ to other nations or jurisdictions, due to…..lack of opportunity,…..where they are living) took roots right after the Philippines gained its independence in 1946.

       Sowed on a rich top soil of smooth processing of post-Independence visa applications and later to be abundantly watered and fertilized by rhetoric of a foreign land of ‘milk and honey’, continuous showing of excellently produced Hollywood movies, yearly singing of Christmas songs like “Dashing through the snow…..” and “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas…..”, the seedling grew into a robust plant which today is now called “diaspora” (scattering abroad of all types of Filipinos).

       Most recently, a story has it that when two Filipino explorers reached the summit of Mt. Everest earlier this year, they were given a warm reception by Katmandu’s Filipino community consisting of two Filipinas married to Nepalese.

       On board a ship which used to transport logs from Coos Bay, Oregon to Japan in 1970s, a Norwegian ship officer had experienced loading in one settlement in the area with a population of only 200 people: 199 native Americans and one Filipino.

       In late 1970s, groups of Filipino ‘beach-combers’, mostly ‘jump shippers’, alternated monthly between Hamburg, then W. Germany and Amsterdam, Netherlands. They took advantage of these cities’ lenient immigration laws which allowed foreigners to remain on land for up to one month without any visa.

       While on board a ship which docked to load frozen lamb’s meat at the port of Bluff (near Invercargill, southernmost tip of South Island, New Zealand) in mid-1977, we were surprised to find a Filipino ashore. Discharging the same cargo a month later at Khorramshar (at the confluence of the Karun River and the Shatt al Arab at the top of the Persian Gulf), Iran, we were equally surprised to learn that a number of overseas Filipino contract workers, some with their families, have been living in the city and have even invited us to visit their small Catholic chapel.

       While discharging iron ore in Mizushima, Japan one evening in 1976, I went ashore with some shipmates to go shopping. Lined on the sidewalk of one thorough-fare were Filipina ‘japayukis’ inviting us to be entertained in their respective clubs.

       Beginning this year (2008), a new breed of Filipinos is poised to ‘invade’ Japan. Because of declining number of entrants to the profession, the Japanese government has changed its laws to allow the employment of Filipino nurses.

       If we consider today the phenomenon of hordes of Filipino doctors re-enrolling to take nursing course in order to increase their chances to go abroad, their desire to scatter themselves outside the Philippines is, indeed, so intense.

       Based on my experience, the type of Filipinos making up the diaspora run the breadth of the “holy” and the “unholy”. The “holy” applies to the least known of Filipino “human exports” --- the Catholic priests. On board a bulk ship in mid-1970s, we used to load gypsum in Barahona, Dominican Republic, in the island called Hispaniola in the Caribbean Sea. There was a Filipino priest there, an Ilocano, who taught the poor people in that city how to eat ‘malunggay’ leaves and ‘camote’ tops, which grew abundantly in the locality. Previously, they didn’t know that these plants were edible.

       I learned of the “unholy” type in mid-1980s while loading LPG in Cartagena, Colombia after a failed cocaine smuggling attempt to Puerto Rico. During the meeting at a secluded place ashore involving one ship member and a small time drug trafficking syndicate to thresh out what went wrong, one member of the syndicate was a Filipino.

       Today, the “brain drain” seedling has grown into a sturdy “diaspora” tree.

       In Europe, Italy topped all the other countries with an estimated 200,000 Filipinos, followed by Britain 80,000, Spain 50,000, Greece 40,000, Germany 40,000, Austria 20,000, France 18,000 and Netherlands 18,000. If the presence of Filipinos in the other 8 European countries is considered, the total number of Filipinos in Europe would be about 500,000.

       In the United States, the number of Filipino expatriates is estimated to be between 2.3 and 2.5 million.

       One may ask: Is this Filipino ‘diaspora’ good or bad? Economy-wise, it is good. According to Rolando B. Tolentino, a Visiting UP Professor at the National University of Singapore, “so massive is the export of subcontractual human or Filipino/s labor that eight million OCWs accounted for some US$9 billion remittances in 2005. The amount is roughly 52 percent of the 2005 Philippine national budget of Php957.56 billion, and could have covered three-fold the Philippine government’s national deficit of US$3.2 billion for the same year,”

       With Filipino cooks, singers, entertainers, seafarers, fishermen, domestics, technicians, teachers, nurses, enlisted personnel in the U.S. Navy, priests, etc, scattered all over the globe, no less than F. Sionil Jose, a world-renowned Pangasinense writer, was moved to say: “We have become the proletariat of the world.”

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B. "Turning back the hands of time"

[A poem packed with emotions which was published in the graduation issue of the school organ "The Mango."]

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A1. Valedictory Address

by

Jose E. Gonzales

How Can We – Graduates of The High School – Be Leaders

       Since the very beginning of human evolution the constant demand for leadership keeps going ahead with its potential supply. Various fields especially community leadership multiply in a super-speed process. The demand keeps ballooning day by day as our society becomes more intricate, so fellow graduates  of this year, being a part of the allotted supply. I implore you to develop this vital trait for it is the imperative need of the hour.

       Leadership is a talent, an executive ability that can be developed. It is the power to manage large and critical enterprises, the power to handle men and facts, the power to carry a scheme or a purpose into immediate and telling effect, the power to run things and make them go. I compare this to a reservoir into which all the streamlets of personal power empty themselves. Fellow graduates, have this as one of your aims in life, develop the prerequisites leading to it, and you will be a mortal who will be living in everybody’s heart when you are in the region of no return.
       Self-reliance is the first important quality of a would-be-leader. He should learn to think for and rely upon himself, and learn to be guided by his own conclusions; but before this can be done with entire safety, one must learn to think correctly, and to reason out soundly. However, this is not enough, he should bear in mind that while too great intellectual dependence on one hand results to weakness and servility, a too great intellectual confidence on the other hand is the root of rashness and folly.
       His resolution also plays a vital role, for he who resolves upon doing a thing by that very resolution often scales the barriers to it and secures it achievements. The leader’s will must also be strong to have an unbinding resolution capable to command, guide, control, preserve, or blast and ruin.  The impulse of this endows both body and min with heroic spirit. It is the immune will power that keeps one’s spirit upright while making life-long efforts.
       Almost all men and women who possess this trait have an inexhaustible patience and perseverance. They began life at the foot of the ladder, and worked for their way up through hardships. The waged a war of patience and perseverance against both winds and tides. At last they succeeded, they are not like those men and women who sink down by the wayside, give up in despair and come to nothing. Co-graduates, make up your mind, be patient and persevere, never lose sight of the radiant beacon.

       A man wanting leadership must never lose track of this proverb: “What a man does is the real test for what a man is.” He should never limit himself to theories alone but should go ahead and act, do things from the smallest to the largest detail with the utmost care.

       Also, without his power to decide in the best way, a leader is no leader. He should know when to sacrifice a little to win a great deal, when to abandon minor objects to accomplish a great end, and when to give the soundest judgment at a moment’s thought without resulting to any adverse and detrimental effects.
       Far-sighted leaders are the best loved men in the history of leadership. They think ahead of time and prepare for any coming circumstance. It is their far-sightedness that gives them the power to deal with the smallest matters essential to success with almost unerring judgment and rapidity.

       Lastly, a leader must be well disciplined. A leader can never expect t6o lead without first disciplining and polishing his ways. It is wise to remember in this respect that a leader must also be a good follower for a leader has always his own leader. Now fellow graduates, carry on, be a leader in your respective communities. Work for the welfare and happiness of others. Banish all the selfish motives in your mind for a greater diadem of glory is waiting for us in the field of human leadership.

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 A2. Salutatory Address

by

Amelia Olegario

Wanted! – High School Graduates Worthy of the Name

       We are graduates of the high school at last! We must be happy! Our parents must be happy, too! Our friends and in fact the whole community, including the government, fell happy during commencement days. To our parents, friends, the government officials and our teachers we express our gratitude and thanks.

        There are two questions I would like everyone of us to ponder: (1) Why are we happy? (2) Do we really deserve to be happy?



       Regarding the first question, my observation is this: Parents are happy because high school graduation means to them that they will no longer worry about the school expenses of their son or daughter. This is especially true to the parents who look upon the high school as a university. That is, high education is a terminal education. They believe that they are relieved of their responsibility to further educate their child. These parent(s) believe that their son or daughter is now ready to enter the great battle of life. Moreover, it means that the son or daughter can help the parents in their daily chores. To the students, graduation in the high school means the termination of the four years of struggles under teachers who gave them grueling assignments to accomplish. To the government, it means that it has accomplished one phase of its responsibilities, the giving to boys and girls high school education. To the friends, it means that they rejoice to see their friends add one more fathom to their list of victories.



       Do we really deserve to be happy during commencement exercises? Let us begin by reading the comments of some of our thinking men in our papers. Some say (t)hat our schools are not producing graduates who are worthy of the name. Some say that they are not prepared to assume work in higher institutions of learning. Still others claim that our graduates are not prepared to help our country solve one of its greatest problems, that of unemployment. There are some parents who believe that although their attainment is lower than that of their children, still they are better than their children who are high-school graduates.



       Let us not try to enter this great controversy about the schools. We must try to examine ourselves to see whether as high school graduates we deserve to be happy.



       Our Constitution contains this mandate: “All schools shall aim to develop moral character, personal discipline, civic conscience, vocational efficiency and to teach the duties of citizenship.” In other words, our schools are charge with the duty to produce good citizens, and good citizens according to our Constitution are men and women who possess good moral character, personal discipline, civic conscience, and vocational efficiency.

       Let us examine each of these objectives and test our graduates, whether or not they possess the desired character traits.

       The schools shall aim to develop moral character. Do we as graduates, have a clear idea of right and wrong; and do we do only the right and never do the wrong? One great Filipino once said: “We need good men not wise men.” In other words, do we graduates posses that good moral character, the virtue that belongs only to “good men”? As graduates, are we ready to be called boys and girls who posses good moral character?

       Another aim of the school is to produce boys and girls with personal discipline. People who posses this virtue have self-control. They can be entrusted with responsibilities. You can be sure that boys and girls with personal discipline will never do that which they know is wrong. If boys and girls can develop this trait there will be less criminals, less grafters, and less corrupt officials. As graduates, can we say with emphasis that we have personal discipline?

       The schools also aim to develop boys and girls with civic conscience. I have the idea that boys and girls with well-developed civic conscience know their responsibilities to themselves, to their country, to their fellow men and to God. Therefore a boy or girl with well developed civic conscience can be given responsibilities and will not fail to do them. Are the graduates of today conscious of their responsibilities to themselves, to their country and fellow men and to their God? Boys and girls who have no civic conscience do not care about what is going to happen in everything they do.

       The last objective of our schools is to produce boys and girls who are vocationally efficient. Students as they graduate from the high schools should be able to earn their own living. They should have been trained in one vocation so that after they graduate they will not join the army of the unemployed and thus become economic liability of the community. One sad thing that we observe is that some high school graduates still depend upon their parents who unfortunately have lower education that the graduates themselves. As graduates, are we ready to earn our living if we have no more chance to further our education?

       Summing it all, let us test our high school graduates with these questions:

1.     Do we have good moral character? That is: do we have clear idea of right or wrong and do we do that which is right?

2.     Do we have personal discipline? That is: do we have strong self-control? Can it be said that we will always do the right no matter who tries to influence us to do what we know is wrong?

3.     Do we have a well-developed civic conscience? That is: are we conscious of our responsibility to ourselves, to our country and fellow men and to God?

4.     Are we vocationally efficient? That is: can we earn our living if we don’t have any more chance to pursue our studies in higher institutions of learning? Or shall we still depend upon others for a living?

        Fellow graduates, can we call ourselves worthy of high school graduates? Have we made ourselves men and women who are worthy members of the community? Let us prove that we are worthy high school graduates to our family, to the community, and to our Lord God!

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A3. Class Prophecy

by

Balbino R. Ramos

1st Honorable Mention

       Daybreak! The summer sun begins to show up. It’s wonderful! I wander in the realm of fancy and visualize the group of young, ambitious lads and lasses. They have all a place under the sun, somewhere in the Vale of Hope.

       In a brief span of years, having realized my goal, I feel a strange feeling and an indescribable joy consumes me like a flame. Traveling takes a short tie, but there’s always the feeling of anxiety to meet each and everyone as known in these glimpses. I reached Camp Ongket, and as I alighted from my car a husky, well-built officer saluted. He’s Raymundo Collado --- the C.O. “Atten –tion ---nn! Right hand, s-a-l-u-t-e!” This caught my attention. The row consisted of the well-disciplined and courageous defenders of our country, Sergeants Jose Arellano, Benjamin Peralta, Bernardo Pimentel, Alberto Arellano and Feliciano Aguilar. They had just finished their maneuver on Mt. Nagbukel. At the rear of the camp was the Signal Building. Nombro Artatez, a radio operator, sends and receives messages from different departments, like the Philippine Navy where I saw Teodulo Milo, also a radio operator.
       On the shore a chasing came to an end, thus saving trade and commerce, the lifeblood of our country. The smugglers were caught aboard the S.S. Zamora. I congratulated the ship captain Antonio Tuzon, and his crew who were introduced by Captain Antonio Jugueta, the chief of the Customs Area. The members of the crew are Antonio Frias, Jr., assistant; Miguel Serivl and Ludovico Corpuz, ensigns; SP-2 Rodolfo Casuga and SP Rodolfo Aquino, the radio technicians of the ship, who were ever alert to transmit the happenings on the sea to the Customs, and received by Gualberto Artatez and Narciso Budol. Inside the Customs General Office, I met Felix Vince Cruz, the Customs Commissioner, with his secretary, Teresita Olegario. I also met Martin Saura and Angelita Bugarin, importers and exporters, who have their offices at Pias and Gen. Luna Sts. Respectively.
       I heard a news that the modern farmers of the Philippines, Cesar Sacopla and Carlito Sindaydiego, are preparing their products for export. They are assisted by their respective secretaries, Zenaida Guiang and Perla Eugenio.
       The dry goods store of Lita Basto, the proprietor; Pulido’s Grocery Store, owned by Leticia Pulido; and Cañedo’s Sari-Sari Store, owned by Consolacion Cañedo, purchase and distribute the goods to the final consumers.
       There’s a signboard which reads: “This Way to Mangatarem” Zoomstag --- tsag --- tsag --- Now I entered the municipality of Mangatarem. Down the slopes of the Manleluag Mountain is the Forest Reservation Camp. Here I met Arturo Bautista and Rodolfo Garcia, Jr. busy with their forest work. They told me that they were assigned there by the Bureau of Forestry. They are the forest savers and are confident that with proper care of the forest around the town, Mangatarem will not be another “Mabini of Pangasinan.”
       Radio operators, Jaime Pertudo and Maximo Bañaga, were up-to-date in announcing my arrival. I headed for town, and I was entertained by the towns-people headed by Atty. Jose Bugayong, the town mayor, and Ligaya Alaysa, his secretary. The town is unique. It is well improved and developed. There are lots of changes. It’s the result of the optimism of the people and their leaders who faced the challenges with confidence and fortitude. We went strolling around the town. I met Victoria Ferrer, the indefatigable social worker, who attends to every need of the people, especially the victims of natural calamities. Se said she is happy with her daily routine. At one of the corners stands the Pinto’s Beauty and Dress Shop. It’s managed by Nimfa Pinto. At the other side is the Office of the Mining Engineer. He is Angel Ramones busy with his secretary, Flora Labrador, identifying minerals. A few steps from here is the Radio Station DZMP, managed by Jose Santos, Jr., Rogelio Ordonia and Feliciano Rosal. Employed here are Julia Jazmin, female announcer, and Aurora de Guzman, the secretary. They provide the whole town with up-to-date news and music.
       I headed for the newly-built university --- The University of Mangatarem. Fernando Mendoza is the president, Linda Candelario is the Dean of the Women’s Department. Many more others who have distinguished themselves in their chosen fields of endeavor are there. Alodia Jazmin is the P.E. supervisor. The Vocational supervisor is Perfecto Pinzon. The principal of the elementary department is Josefina Agliam. I was introduced to the different teachers. They are Edna Bajo, Norma Bato, Febe Valdez, Nora Pinto, Martina Carpio, Lea Blanco, Ely Solis, Estrella Seril, Natividad Soriano, Virginia Bañaga, Jesusa Niño and Gertrudes Bañaga. The vocational instructors are Felix Santos and Vicente Peregrino for agriculture and agronomy, and Artemio Guado and Bartolome Peralta for poultry and swine. They told me that there’s a close cooperation with the district agriculturists, Geronimo Mondala and Roberto Sinlao. The mechanical department is headed by Jaime Mondala, the supervisor; Domingo Saura, Jr., the assistant-supervisor; and Arsenio Gutierez, the principal. The head of the diesel-machine shop was Prudencio Quitaleg, with Orlando Budomo and Hermenegildo Reynoso as the instructors. The instructors in auto-mechanics are Pedro Collado and Basilio Escaño. They can assemble a jeepney or a truck within six hours. They also invented cars with supersonic speed, and are providing the whole country with models of different types. Of course there’s a scientist. He is Rogelio Mondala. Someday, he may perfect his rocket-ship for the interplanetary trip which may soon begin.
       I finished the tour of the newly-built institution, and I headed for refreshments. Suddenly shots broke the silence and led to commotion. I went out and I saw Oscar Martinez, the best criminal tracker of the country, right on the spot investigating the alleged shooting and those who defied the authority. The victim was placed inside an ambulance and brought to the hospital. I proceeded to the hospital where I was welcomed by Dr. Jose Gonzales, the director of the Mangatarem General Hospital. He led me around. While we were walking along the corridor of the operating room, I looked down and saw Drs. Jose Cagampan, Jr. and Filemon Olegario, Jr., the assistant directors. Dra. Sylvia Aviles was performing the operation with Josefina Lledo, the head nurse. We continued going around. I saw the modern hospital facilities and other equipment, thus making it one of the best hospitals in the Philippines. I was later introduced to the midwives, Virginia Visilias, Esmenia Budomo, Alegria Muega and Rafaela Martinez. I asked why there are too many midwives nowadays, and the answer thrilled me. They said that now being the “Sputnik Age” everything goes on in rapidity. We burst into laughters. I ended my hospital visit with pride.
       I visited the puericulture center. I met Dr. Ernesto Gonzales, the rural health and sanitary officer. He introduced me to Remedios Calderon, the head nurse, and Magdalena Guarin and Oliva Vinluan, the midwives. Together with them is the head of the nutrition department, Ligliwa Dalimot. I went over the names of other nutritionists and their respective destinations. They are as follows: Juliet Agacite, Arellano-Marivilla District; Gilberta Fuertes, Pogonlomboy District, Brenda Carpio, Bogtong District, and Faustina Lamsen, Gomburza District.
       Majority of those I came to know who are upgrading themselves in their choosen careers are the midwives. They work hand in hand with the people. They are distributed in all nooks and corners of the country as heads. They are Elena Rosario for Sulu, Laura Miguel for Mindanao, Lita Munar for West Visayas, Emilia Ubarro for Central Visayas, Clarita Dacanay for East Visayas, Lolita Tolentino for Panay and Palawan, Josefina Bugarin for Southern Tagalog, Virginia Bañaga for the Bicol regions, Deodita Nafrada for Pampanga, Delia Ayento for Tarlac, Yolando Dapon for Pangasinan, Lolita Gonzales for Nueva Ecija, Virginia Valencia for the Ilocos regions, Remedios Fabros for Baguio, and Marcelina Gordovin for the Mountain Province.
       Down the road, I met the savers of animals. They are Veterinarians Juanito de Vera and Clemente Asperin, Jr. They said that even though they smell like animals, they enjoy their vocation for they are saving the people by saving the lives of the thousands and thousands of animals throughout the country.
       After a while I was invited to attend a parley. One of those present was the elected congressman of the second district of Pangasinan, Att. Romeo Lalas. I saw Estrellita Reyes, his secretary and Erlinda dela Cruz, the assistant-secretary. The congressman told me that he is not like the professional politicians who squander the people’s money. He is a benevolent one and is always ready to help his people.
       In another parley I was asked to attend, I came face to face with Amelia Olegario, the defender of the press. She is the editor-in-chief of “The Mangatarem Times”. She has the courage to expose the undesirable and evil things through the paper. Critics and literary men all over the world are raving over her immortal pen.
       I drove my car, but after a few hours of traveling, it stopped and I could not do anything. Luckily, Mr. Luis Eisma driving his wreck-car passed by. He asked me to go with him and to leave my car under his care. I was fully excited when we arrived at the mobile lubrication and station located at Dorongan, the first of its kind in the province. I was introduced to his secretary, Lolita Asperin. He said he has associated with other mechanics. He introduced me to Diego Bueno, Jose Bardiaga, Feliciano Castro, and Rogelio Seril, investors. The line of alert mechanics consts of Renerio Munar, Raymundo Bautista, Herodito Gutierrez, Remigio Quibal, Felizardo Arambulo, Fidelito Olegario, Robert Asperin and Juan Dacanay.
       After a while my car was repaired. I continued my journey. I reached my own place as my car ran out of gas. I went down, but as I did so I felt the blistering heat of the summer sun. The heat brought me to my full sense and I murmured: “O Lord! Grant that my vision be a reality, that all of those I had just met will reach their goals. Let continued success be theirs in the courses of their lives.”

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 A4. Class History

by

 Rogelio Mondala

2nd Honorable Mention



       History repeats itself. Today a group of 134 promising young boys and girls will react on this memorable place, time and occasion what happened thirteen years ago --- a drama with complete cast of characters and events. Its presentation, therefore, will be a fitting symbol of our struggle for secondary education --- a saga in our lives worth remembering.       It all started four years ago on a bright, sunny morning of June, 1955 when a batch of 200 small boys and girls hardly of the high age as most people think, trod their way to the Mangatarem High School, unknown to most of them, except to a few who lived nearby. As expected many parents had to be with their children to see to it that young John is enrolled and his obligations requisite to enrollment are all settled. The teachers were with all smiles as they advanced to welcome the new crop of freshmen. The first week was quite monotonous because most of us were strangers to one another. It was not long until friendship was cultivated and everyone became a friend of everybody.
       After a few weeks, the students were divided into sections with a section adviser assigned to help them chart their destinies. Election of officers came, this new group became acquainted with their elders in school’ and some actually became candidates for positions in the Student Government. Among the few who landed berths in the Student Council were: Amelia Olegario, representative of I-1; Dennis Flores, I-3; Filemon Olegario, jr., I-2; Jaime Puquiz, I-4; and Felizardo Arambulo, I-5. In the provincial election romeo Lalas was elected governor. The board members were Angel Ramones and Balbino Ramos. The enrolment at the beginning of the school year was 117 males and 86 females, thus making a total of 203 freshmen. At the end of the school year the number of males went down to 106 and the number of females to 84 making a total of 190 freshmen who continue their schooling that year. 11 boys and 2 girls dropped out before the end of the school year 1955-1956.

       Miss Adoracion Benavidez was the adviser of I-3 and at the same time, the class adviser. Mrs. Carmen Mislang was in charge of I-2; Mr. Dominador Sadora, I-3; Mr. Jose Sampol, I-4; and Mr. Simplicio Orense, I-5. Induction of officers followed nd the young officers were given a fitting ceremony before they could start the tasks entrusted by their constituents. Hrdly had the smoke screen of the first activity subsided when in less than a month a challenge to the freshmen officers was hurled to help manage the freshmen convocation. All responded to the call, the students financed their affair, the numbers of the program were well rehearsed; and the result was a big success. The program was scheduled to be held in front of the main building but because of the rain it was transferred inside the halls of the school.

       December came and a short simple program was held to celebrate the season. Taking it as a whole, the program was successful because of he full-hearted cooperation of the freshmen. After December, New Year came and no doubt some members of the class had turned over a new leaf. Then came the town affair where the students of the Mangatarem High School joined the parade and mass demonstration. The freshmen had contributed much for the success of the playground demonstration.

       The school year ended with all of us determined to come back the following year. After two months vacation, enrollment came and new faces were seen. There were some who transferred to nearby towns. Others stopped schooling. One of those who transferred was Dennis Flores, an amiable student leader. Among those who came back the feeling of comradeship and fellowship was further cemented and strengthened. A few of those who joined the class in the second year were Perla Galano, Renato Llaguno, Perpetua Sanchez, Lourdes Poyaoan and Linda Candelario.

       This time we were no longer neophytes but a little more mature in thinking and in doing things. After the enrolment, classes were organized and regrouped. There were four sections. The enrollment records listed 106 males and 73 females at the beginning of the school year, making a total of 170 sophomores. At the end of the school year, the enrollment dropped to 97 males and 69 females giving a total of 166. W were less in number, but with a more determined courage and optimism in any activity we planned to undertake. Again, election of officers to fill the vacant positions in the Student Government came. In the national election, the following were elected representatives: Amelia Olegario, II-1; Filemon Olegario, Jr., II-2; Arturo Bautista, II-3; and Romeo Lalas, II-4. The provincial elections gave the following results: Jose E. Gonzales, governor; Josefina Agliam, Lourdes Poyaoan, Estrella Reyes and Linda Candelario, board members.

       The class adviser was Mrs. Natividad Serrano who was concurrently in charge of II-1; Mrs. Lourdes Acosta, II-2; Mr. Crispulo Pilar, II-3; and Mr. Jose T. Sampol, II-4. This time a more aggressive crop of sophomores was expected. Days passed unknowingly. November came, and the Sophomore Convocation was presented. The theme was “Personal Discipline,” and our guest seaker was Rev. Father Jesus Chua Mendoza. Then there was a Christmas program sponsored by the Literary-Musical Club. Some sophomore actors and actresses participated. During the town fiesta, the sophomores added color by participating in the parade and in the playground demonstration. March came and the school year was once more ended.

       Roses grew in April, and pleasantness lingered around when May came. After these two months of summer heat, the students were in a hurry to go back to school. Strong as ever they went to school one rainy morning of June. Enrollment was made easy on their part because of their two successive years of stay that gave them a clear view of the in and outs of the school. Enrollment records showed 80 males and 62 females, all in all 142 third-year students. At the end of the school year the number of males turned down to 71 and females to 59 making a total of 130.

       This group of third-year students were divided into three sections. Some transferred to other schools like Perla Galano, Perpetua Sanchez, Lourdes Poyaoan and Renato Llaguno. The class adviser was Mrs. Carmen J. Mislang who was in charge of the III-1; Mrs. Esperanza de la Cuadra, II-2; and Miss Adoracion Benavidez, III-3.

       Josefina Lledo, Hermenegildo Reynoso, Rodolfo Aquino and Fidelito Olegario joined the class. After two days of organization the first school day of the school year began. The teachers did not find difficulty in conducting the first lessons for everyone with few exceptions were thrice acquainted with their classmates. “What had two years done for us?”, we asked as most of us measured our height and bulk. Well, the liliputians have now become near giants. The some became more friendly with one another that made us suspicious. Our advisers, however, were quick and firm in their determinations to guide us. Thanks to them, we were able to channel our mischievous tendencies to wholesome school activities.

       Election came for the third time in our stay in this school. As a result, the following officers were inducted to office: Amelia Olegario, representative of III-1, Romeo Lalas, III-2; and Filemon Olegario Jr., III-3. In the provincial election Jose B (sic) Gonzales was elected governor and Angel Ramones, Jaime Mondala and Angelita D. Bugarin were chosen board members. Perla Eugenio was elected secretary-treasurer, and Rodolfo Garcia auditor.

       December came. Instead of having a program a contest was held among the students and the Juniors greatly participated. Prizes were donated by civic-spirited students of this school. In the division press conference which was held in Dagupan, Romeo Lalas, Balbino Ramos and Amelia Olegario were our delegates. Romeo Lalas placed third in Sports Writing. As were done in the past years the Juniors that time participated in the contests and exhibitions during the town fiesta. We were happy indeed to have prepared a convocation where every number was highly appreciated by the crowd. Just before the closing the the school year an English Festival was held at Lingayen where contests were conducted. The Mangatarem High School was represented by yours sincerely in the dramatic monologue, Romeo Lalas and Filemon Olegario jr in the oratorical tilt. Speaking of the result we grieve not for the defeat for it had given us a grand experience.

       The year ended with more optimism and ambition that somewhere in a distance the promise land can be found. The Junior year taught us student leadership and responsibility. Talents never before known came out spontaneously, perhaps, as an outburst of emotions.

       After nostalgic emotions were supplemented by a two-month vacation, we found ourselves back to school. This time we were not mere followers but militant leaders. As the cream of the high school we sensed it our responsibility to act as models of the lower years.

       Enrollment in the fourth year records 69 males and 61 females, a total of 130 seniors. Before the end of the school year 3 students dropped out, a girl and 2 boys. Jose Bugayong, a lanky and intelligent fellow from Ozamis City High School, was added to the group. Organization of the class was made and the fourth year was divided into two sections. Mrs. Juana Orense was the class adviser and at the same time in charge of the IV-1 and Mrs. Consolacion Seril of IV-2. Mrs. Juana Orense went on maternity leave, and Mrs. Natividad Serrano took over the advisorship. The same thing happened to Mrs. Consolacion Seril, Mrs. Felicidad Leocadio took her place.

       The results of the 1958 elections show Jose Gonzales as president of the Student Government and Balbino Ramos, the vice-president. Balbino Ramos is also the editor-in-chief of our school organ, “THE MANGO”. In the election of provincial officials, Jose Bugayong was elected governor, Gertrudes Bañaga and Angelita D. Bugarin, board members. Filemon Olegario, Jr. was elected representative of IV-1 and Linda Candelario, of IV-2. Yours sincerely and Amelia Olegario were elected P.R.O. of the Student Government. Jose Cagampan was chosen Bus. Manager and Bernardo Pimentel, St.-at-Arms. The municipal election results listed Antonio Jugueta as mayor of IV-1 and Narciso Budol, of IV-2.

       December came and a Christmas program was sponsored by the Student Government. As usual we participated in the Eternry? And musical contests. Before the Senior Convocation Program, the 1959 NSSPC was held in Dagupan. The four delegates to this conference were Romeo Lalas, Jose Gonzales, Balbino Ramos and yours sincerely. Preparation for the convocation program commenced. The them was “Vocational Efficiency” and Atty. Benedicto Mislang was our guest speaker.

       Lest we forget the Mangatarem High School Class ’59 has produced student leaders, writers, prospective military officers and outstanding athletes. I am referring particularly to Balbino Ramos who passed the entrance examination for the PMA, and Brenda Carpio and Ely Solis, our interscholastic players.

       We are destined to make and remake history not for personal glory alone but for the greater prestige and honor of our Alma Mater, our parents and our community.

       Until then, Class ’59 marches on!

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A5. Last Will And Testament

by

Filemon Olegario

3rd Honorable Mention

       The school bell rings but not to summon us inside our respective classrooms but to tell us that our stay in our beloved Alma Mater is over. Four years ago, we were mere neophytes ever hesitating as to where we should go. We did not know the ins and outs of the Mangatarem High School. We did not know what education really means. However, the gradual passing of four brain-wracking and exciting years wrought a great metamorphosis in us. Yes, we have achieve a lot. We have attained that position which is worthy of being occupied only by the strong of heart, thinking power and physique. We, the Seniors of the Mangatarem High School after having been declared full-fledged high school graduates, leave the portal of this institution to search for more knowledge and to dig deeper into the mysteries of life. As we bid goodbye we hand over our LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT to our legitimate heirs.

       Casting off mental reservation, we, the thirteenth batch of the Mangatarem High School graduates, solemnly bequeath all our possessions as embodied in the LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT with the hope that they may in one way or another serve as inspirations to those whose names appear within this legal document.

       To our beloved Alma Mater --- the sure refuge during the four years of indecision, the fountain whence we quenched our thirst for knowledge and the grantress of the diplomas certifying our completion of the secondary course --- we bestow our heartfelt gratitude and our hopes for her continued success in educating the youths.

       To our self-sacrificing and energetic principal and to our benevolent and understanding teachers, who opened our minds and eyes to the ways of the world, who made us realize the values of possessing a well-rounded personality, and who enabled us to analyze ourselves and make the necessary reforms, we confer our sincerest thanks, infinite love, and a promise of upholding all the virtues inculcated by them.

       To our loving and untiring advisers, Mrs. Natividad Serrano, Mrs. Felicidad Leocadio, Mrs. Agripina Olegario and Mr. Andres Seril, we give our boundless loyalty and untarnished spirit of cooperation although we are far away from them.

       To all the students and most specially to the Juniors, we leave the rein of leadership, the mantle of responsibility, the traits of industry, perseverance and loyalty. We write in black and white our hopes for their success in carrying out what are expected of them and in initiating other activities which will expedite the progress of our school. Take care of our school grounds, school buildings and everything within them. Always illumine the ideals which personify our Alma Mater and our mentors.

       Jose Gonzales, the dynamic president of the Student Government and a scholar who never misses a point, endows his capabilities to Armando Jazmin.

       Amelia Olegario bequeaths her mental power to Rosalinda Benzon, her artistic talent to Melendre Torio , and her dignity to Fe Corazon Casiano.

       Balbino Ramos, a kind and industrious lad, transmits his reliability and industry to Leonardo Mari, Ludovico Petaca and Simeon Castro.

       Rogelio Mondala, the seniors’ philosopher, bequeaths his power of reasoning to Antonio de Vera, and his mathematical ability to Pedro Vergara and Hipolito de Vera.

       Ligaya Alaysa, a silent and soft-spoken belle, donates her ability in writing Tagalog stories and poems to Rosalina Balucating and Nora Menor.

       Romeo Lalas, a fiery politician with an eye for beauty, appoints Alberto Viray to follow his footsteps.

       Felix Vince Cruz, a hardworking lad, bequeaths his patience to Jesus Villanueva, Jaime Evangelista, and Angel Velasquez.

       Jose Cagampan, Felizardo Arambulo, and Basilio Escaño bequeath their stentorian voices to Lorenzo de los Reyes, Ricardo Pinto and Santiago Pascua.

       Angelita Bugarin and Josefina Agliam, the most serious girls among the seniors, bestow their diligence to Estrella Rosario and Teresita Padaoan.

       Lita Basto bequeaths her unsurpassed ability in delivering a tula to Lydia Duque.

       Ligliwa Dalimot and Alodia Jazmin, the directresses of the seniors, bequeath to Corazon Dumlao and Aurora Fernandez their abilities to create and direct numbers for programs.

       Perfecto Pinzon, Prudencio Quitaleg, Raymundo Bautista and Arsenio Gutierrez assign Nicasio Puquiz, Federico Padlan, Alejo Budomo and Dionisio Alumbro to carry on their skills in constructing different pieces of furniture.

       Fernando Mendoza, Martin Saura and Vicente Peregrino bequeath to Manolito Tuzon, Antero Ramos, and Aladin Ayento their talents in playing musical instruments.

       Virginia Visillas, Raymundo Collado, Juliet Agacite, and Robert Asperin donate to Araceli Benavidez, Alejandro Ayeras, and Ricardo Campos their singing talents.

       Sylvia Aviles, the most active treasurer of the seniors, transmits to Milagros Orense her tact which spelled her success in collecting legal school obligations.

       Oscar Martinez and Jose Arellano, the Luther Burbanks of the seniors’ agronomy class leave their green fingers to Rogelio Ayap, Elpidio Espirito, and Jose Duque.

       Jose Santos and Antonio Jugueta beq1ueath their knacks in painting to Nicandro Papa and Feliciano Galano.

       Roberto Tuzon, Rogelio Pine, Jose Bugayong and Domingo Saura bequeath to Tito Valle, Domingo Tolentino, and Alfonso fuertes their abilities in shooting the ball and their splendid teamwork.

       Josefina Lledo, Estrellita Reyes, Victoria Ferrer, Remedios Calderon and Esmenia Budomo, the social-minded damsels of the senior class, bequeath their lady-like manners to Teresa Garlit, Ligaya Pagdilao, Rafaelita Olegario, Violeta Bañaga, and Emerita Kawile.

       Brenda Carpio and Ely Solis, the interscholastic players, leave to Melba Bacerra and Fortunata Vinluan their techniques in playing ball games.

       Febe Valdez, Estrella Seril, and Lea Blanco bequeath their Min – haha laughters and keen sense of humor to Aurora Puquiz, and Rosario Valenzuela.

       Nombro Artates, Ernesto Gonzales, Orlando Budomo and Bartolome Peralta leave to Antonio Tadeo, Luis Cospuz and Pacifico Apostol their skills in taking care of pigs and chickens.

       In closing, we, the Seniors of this school year 1958-59, hereby declare our class advisers the sole executors of this LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT.

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