NEWS ARCHIVES:  SY 2004-2005  |  SY 2005-2006  |  SY 2006-2007  |  SY 2007-2008 | SY 2008-2009 |
                                    SY 2009-2010 

High School Senior's Extra Experience - Marikina (January 8-9, 2010)

By Noel Norien Isidro
Posted: Tuesday March 2, 2010 04:16 PM

September 29, 2009:  As the news of the devastation in Marikina and Pasig caused by Typhoon Ondoy filled the airwaves, along with the thoughts of pity and sympathy, a small thought lingered in the mind of Patty Isidro, Year IV Level Facilitator: “Can we still hold our fourth quarter major integration at Marikina?”  Several weeks and several frantic phone calls later, she had her answer: Yes.

Fast forward 3 months, the Seniors were on their way to that “little Singapore” in the valley unsparingly inundated with rain runoff from the nearby hills of Antipolo and Quezon City.  What would they see?  What stories of horror and heroism would they hear?  What lessons would they learn?

Packed off into seven buses, the seven sections first stopped at the Marikina City Hall to pick up their respective tour guides.  Even here, the flood’s remnants could still be seen.  The heretofore clean streets were very dusty, probably the remnants of the mud that covered the city last September.  However, as testament to the resolve of the city’s inhabitants, there was no litter in sight.

The students’ were brought to St. Scholastica’s Academy’s adopted community, Sitio Iwahig.  It was one of the worst hit areas in the city, with flood waters rising well above 10 feet.  Mud splatters on the houses’ walls stand as mute evidence of the tragedy.  But even here, the signs of recovery were unmistakable.  What is debatable is whether this recovery is due to the help of the city government or the residents’ sheer will to survive and desire to overcome adversity. 

The other destinations of the Scholasticans that day were the Novia Soap Factory, the Mar-Italia Shoe Factory and the Nangka High School.  The Nangka High School was also heavily damaged by the floods.  Traces of mud cascading from the third floor could still be seen that day.  The school's equipment and materials were also damaged by the raging waters.  As a gesture of goodwill and gratitude for their hospitality, SSC, Manila donated a coil of welding cable to the school.

All in all, it was undoubtable that Marikina is well on its way to recovery.  It was an eye-opener for the students as well as a source of hope for their respective cities.

Part of the SEE Marikina activity was an overnight stay at the St. Scholastica’s Academy campus.  Due to the effects of Typhoon Ondoy, this part of the activity was redesigned into a half-day activity at SSC, Manila.  Here, the students practiced and executed their cheer/pangkat movements and accomplished their academic challenges. 

Once again, another hallmark of high school education was over.  From the Lakbay-aral in their first year to this activity, even as they forget their classroom lessons, they will not surely forget the life lessons learned in Marikina.