Sunday, January 11, 2004

Scholastican’s Foundation

It was a time to renew bonding and recall days at the St. Scholastica’s Academy. It was also a time to honor women who have become living examples of Scholastican ideals [and] thought [about] their profession as well as community and family life.

It was also a time – Dec. 29 at the Bacolod Business Inn – to launch a foundation “committed to uplift [the lives] of the poor and marginalized sectors of Negros Occidental” in the spirirt of giving back to the community the blessings received by the alumnae.

The St. Scholastica’s Bacolod Alumnae Foundation, Inc. hopes to extend relief to the poor and the sick, provide, encourage, promote and support community development and livelihood projects, help empower the underprivileged sectors of the community, undertake or assist in the amelioration of the living conditions of the distressed, provide opportunities for formal and non-formal education and enhance the teaching profession, particularly in their alma mater to ensure the pursuance of high quality education.

It also wants to engage in medical programs and health education as well as sponsor needs of indigent children who are in dire need of attention, said its president, Pilar Mendezona.

The Foundation, which holds office at Quan Building, No. 3 La Salle Avenue in Bacolod City, is headed by Pilar Mendezona, Board President; Jean Trebol, Vice President; Jarie Yulo, Secretary; Soledad Chua, Treasurer; and directors Susan Locsin, Elena Fermin, Agnes Jalandoni, Ma. Lourdes Valderrama, Nannette Sayson, Pilar Mendezona and Elena Fermin.

Its committees are headed by Christine Vargas (finance in Bacolod), Marivic la’O (finance in Metro Manila), Jarie Yulo (information and membership), Millie Kilayko (PR, media and marketing). Dr. Antonia Gensoli (health projects), Agnes Jalandoni (educational projects), Pilar Mendezona (training and development and Janette Yanson (teachers’ development).

The foundation’s website is www.ssabfoundation.org. It can be reached through secretariat@ssabfoundation.org.