Centennial slated for SVS, one of country’s oldest Catholic schools

By Juliet B. Saley

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- Preparations are now underway for the centennial celebration of Saint Vincent’s School here, one of the oldest Catholic schools in the country.

The SVS was founded March 1, 1911 by Belgian missionaries and will be commemorating its centennial Oct. 23 to 30 with the theme, “Remembering, revisioning, reuniting and moving on."

According to Paulino Tumapang, SVS alumni president, committees were created last year to plan activities to mark this major event.

Tumapang said already launched was fund-raising through “Search for Mr. and Miss SVS Centennial.”

Proceeds shall be used to finance school projects. Winners of this search will be crowned evening of Oct. 24.

Registration of alumni is Oct. 23 while opening events (which is also known as “Tekwab in Bontok” will be the next day.

Activities will start with a Eucharistic celebration, followed by opening program, then the simultaneous opening of fancy fair, photo gallery, exhibit/showcase room and donation booths.

For lunch, all the alumni will have a picnic at the SVS elementary school grounds.

Sports fest competition will be in the afternoon which will be participated in by students, alumni, parents and community members.

On Oct. 25, a medical and dental mission, also dubbed Sup-ok (native healing practice)” will be conducted and will continue in the ensuing days of the week.

There will be also a variety show on Oct. 26 which will be hosted by the alumni.

Intermission numbers will be presented by sectors in the community.

Meanwhile, on Oct. 27, the fifth day of the event is “tengaw” or rest day but unfinished activities set during the first days shall be conducted.

Oct. 28 will be SVS day with a Eucharistic celebration to pay tribute to ICM sisters.

This will be followed by programs of elementary pupils and high school students.
On same day, a lunch picnic and ceremonial dinner will be held for alumni.

Alumni Day is on Oct. 29 which will start with a Eucharistic mass that highlights tribute to alumni, former teachers and administrators, followed by centennial grand parade around town proceeding to the SVS elementary school compound for the welcome program.

Other activities include a boodle fight, and a concert with bonfire in the evening.

To cap the week-long activities of the centennial celebration, a thanksgiving mass will be held Oct. 30, followed by a “salo-salo” of the alumni before they depart.