A big celebration with a noble mission

By Eva C. Visperas

Alumni, parents, students, faculty and the staff of EDNAS School are celebrating the school’s 40th year anniversary. And they will go out from the comforts of their homes to do service for the community as they join hands in fund-raising projects to build three houses initially for Gawad Kalinga (GK) in Bonuan Gueset here known as the BangusVil.

Maria Edna Soledad Gonzales-Blancaflor, director for academic affairs of EDNAS School, said they want to make this year outstanding as they hope to raise enough funds for the construction of three housing units.

Asked why they chose GK as their beneficiary, Blancaflor nicknamed Candy, daughter of the school owner, said, “We believe in what they do. It’s building community (and it’s) something very practical, something structured.”

She said she hopes this link up with GK will be for the long term. This year is just their springboard, she said.

“For our long term link with Gawad Kalinga, we are building a community with them because it’s not just about housing but also education program and we advocate literacy for kids,” she said.

She added she wants to develop community involvement among the children through an immersion program and “involve even our alumni, parents, faculty and staff in the construction of the houses.”

“Eventually, if we could make it a tradition, like getting together and the kids go and experience it, it will help awaken their social consciousness,” she said.

There are already 70 houses within GK in this city. Four others are under construction.

To achieve its goal, EDNAS School will hold a market fair on Feb. 22 to 25, where elementary pupils and high school students can sell their used clothing and other items ala “ukay-ukay” style. The proceeds will go to the GK. Also, entrance fees and income from the booths where the students can participate in various activities and shows like puppet shows, among others will also go to their beneficiary.

Blancaflor said she knows how difficult life is for some less fortunate people in the community and they want to give back blessings they have been showered with over the years.

THE LORD MADE IT EASY FOR ME

The school owner, Edna Torio-Gonzales said, “I’m very elated, and it’s more than that. There’s that feeling of success and profound gratitude to the Lord because up to now we are still fulfilling our mission to the community.”

Gonzales, an A.B. English and Early Childhood Education degree holder with a doctorate in Educational Administration, put up the school when she was still single at age 22 in 1966 with only 33 youngsters. Over the years, the school, with a reputation for academic excellence for preparatory, elementary and high school for affluent families in Pangasinan, established its branches in the cities of San Carlos and Alaminos.

   Gonzales said maybe it’s God’s will that they have gone this far notwithstanding the stiff competition in the education sector and the trials they went through.

   She said they achieved so much because of their determination to overcome difficulties like the destruction of their school campus caused by the 1990 strong earthquake that hit the city. “Someone is carrying me all the time,” she said.

“The Lord made it easy for me,” Gonzales added.

The Mass on Feb. 22 during the Ruby anniversary celebration will be celebrated by five priests who all graduated from their school. They are Rev. Frs. Allan Abuan, Raymundo de Guzman, Douglas Nicolas, Alvin Platon and Msgr. Benigno Vinluan.

During their big celebration with the theme “Ednas still ablaze at 40”, their outstanding alumni including their faculty and staff, will also be honored.

The awardees, guests, alumni, students and supporters will also be accorded the red carpet welcome as the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra will also come over for the big night.

The program will be similar to the Oscars Awards, she said, adding that they want to make their alumni and their supporters feel very special.

 Madam Edna, you’re really a wonderful woman!

(For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/business-log/)

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