Empowering a community: St. Edward Integrated School inauguration in Lancaster Estates

MANILA, Philippines - Pro-friends, one of the fastest growing developers today, recently opened the doors of St. Edward Integrated School in Lancaster Estates. The school is under Consultancy engagement with the Lasallian Schools Supervision Office (LASSO), the implementing arm of the Lasallian Schools Supervision Services Association, Inc. (LASSSAI), De La Salle University, Manila.

Green and white colors filled the main building of the St. Edward Integrated School (SEIS) during its inauguration and blessing last April 14, 2012. The school’s blessing and inauguration was attended by representatives from the Department of Education, Lasallian Schools Supervision Office (LASSO), Pro-friends executives and officers, and SEIS Board of Trustees, officers and staff.

The ribbon-cutting was led by Lasallian Schools Supervision Services Association, Inc. & De La Salle University Manila president Br. Narciso Erguiza FSC, Department of Education Regional Supervisor – CALABARZON Danilo Ilagan, Pro-friends president Jocelyn Guzman, Pro-friends Executive Vice President Augusto Leonardo and SEIS Board of Trustee Crisanto Hilario. 

Also present in the occasion were SEIS Board of Trustees Guillermo Choa, who is also the chairman, and Carina Choa. Also gracing the event from LASSO were Dr. Herminia D. Torres, Dr. Maxima Acelajado, and Sr. Teresita C. Octavio, LASSO Superintendent, Luzon Area. Mrs. Victoria Carungcong, Cavite Private Schools Supervisor, President Corazon Salcedo of Cavite Association of Private Schools (CAPS), CAPS Secretary Beth Gaton, and Dr. Prima Nimfa Ruaza also joined this historical event.

Ms. Guzman, in her remarks of circumstance, noted the community that Pro-friends envisions one that will involve all facets of community and neighborhood. That community shall include homes, commercial centers, social and lifestyle amenities, a church, and a school--- the very reason for the establishment of St. Edward Integrated School.   She further stated that the engagement of Pro-friends with LASSO was fit as both shared the mission of providing Christian-quality education to the youth. 

The school’s Audio-Visual Room served as the venue for the celebration of the mass led by   Rev. Fr. Paul de Leon, Parish Priest of Bukandala, Imus, Cavite.

Key speeches were given by SEIS Principal, Dr. John Cabalo, who welcomed everyone in behalf of the school. While, DepEd representative Danilo Ilagan said he was awed primarily by seeing the Mission & Vision of the school which is visibly posted in the 2nd floor lobby. He then reminded the school board to instill in the students the school’s mission which states that “as a humble tribute to God, following the ideals of St. Edward the Confessor, the school promotes quality, human and Christian education to the young and the disadvantaged by providing them with a healthy learning environment in partnership with the academic community.” Likewise, the school vision which states that “St. Edward integrated School is a learning institution, Catholic in character, that transforms lives by nurturing minds to realize their dreams and potentials to become persons of integrity imbued with Christian values in the service of the society.”

SEIS is set to open this school year 2012-2013, initially offering Kindergarten 1 & 2,, Grades 1 to 4 for the primary level, and Grade 7 & 8 ( first and second year courses in high school. Succeeding grade levels shall be offered during school year 2013- 2014. Its opening is the realization of PRO-FRIEND’s commitment to its present and future residents, particularly in Lancaster Estates, where parents can leave the legacy of education to their children without leaving their community.