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The Association of
Benedictine Schools (ABS) Student Leaders’ Congress (SLC) was held
last February 3-5, 2006 at SSC. Student leaders from twelve (12)
ABS schools
(St. Scholastica’s Academy, Tabunok; St. Agnes
Academy, Legaspi; St. Scholastica’s Academy, Bacolod; Holy Family
High School, Bacolod; St. Scholastica’s College of Health and
Sciences, Tacloban; St. Scholastica’s Academy, San Fernando; Holy
Family Academy, Angeles; St. Peter’s College, Ormoc; St. Alphonsus
Catholic School, Lapu-Lapu;
St. Scholastica’s College, Westgrove; St. Scholastica’s Academy,
Marikina; and
St. Scholastica’s College, Manila) gathered
together to participate in a three-day program that allowed them
to enhance their leadership skills and draw out their strengths.
The theme of the congress was “Benedictine Servant Leadership in
the 21st Century: Responding in the Spirit of Ora et
Labora.” The assembly opened with a Mass celebrated by Fr. Anselm
Manalastas, OSB
Registration was
organized at the Sr. Caridad Barrion Hall where delegates were
introduced by Ms. Rhodora Angela F. Ferrer, Dean of Student Affairs.
This was followed b a thematic address of SSC President Sr. Angelica
Leviste, OSB.
Sr. Celine Saplala, OSB, Chairperson of the ABS Tertiary Commission,
gave a talk entitled, “Linking with the International Benedictine
Academic Community: The ICBE and the IBYC.”
Two former SSC Student
Council (SC) Presidents arrived to discuss their unique
interpretations and experiences on student-leadership. Former High
School SC President (1987), Ms. Norma Torres and former College SC
President (1989),
Ms. Pamela Felizarta Yabut also entertained questions during the
forum. Mother Prioress Mary John Mananzan, OSB gave a presentation on
globalization and other important issues plaguing the nation like
poverty.
The student leaders,
during their group and individual reflections, were able to produce
feasible plans in response to the guide questions prepared by the SC.
A crew from the popular youth-oriented program, “Y-Speak,” came to
cover the event.
The delegates were
brought to Riverbanks, Parañaque where they mingled with the urban
poor. They also passed by Forbes Park and went to Glorietta to
observe the business district and to visit the SSC Centennial
Admissions and Job Fair booths sponsored by the school. Exposed to
such extremities, the students returned to the school for sharing of
experiences and teaming up to produce a plan of action.
The young leaders were
treated to an enjoyable and rich cultural experience in Intramuros.
The Lights and Sounds Museum took everybody back in time with its
creative narration of our history.
The High School Campus
Ministry ended day two with a solemn ritual called “Peace Walk” with
the delegates blindfolded and led around the campus until they reached
the Peace Garden for the closing prayer.
The last day of the
event started with a 7 am Mass at the School Chapel.
After breakfast, the delegates began their two-hour travel to visit
St. Scholastica’s House of Spirituality (SSHS) in Tagaytay City. The
student leaders were welcomed by SSHS administrator
Sr. M. Bellarmine Bernas,
OSB who gave a talk on Benedictine Spirituality.
Sr. Bellah emphasized that Benedictine Spirituality should be
Christ-centered spirituality. Lay Apostolate Coordinator Ms. Lilith
Usog followed with a talk on Women and Ecology in preparation for the
trip to SSC’s Mendez Farm.
The delegates of the
congress had their lunch and presentation of cultural program at the
Women and Ecology Wholeness Farm in Mendez. The short
program highlighted the students’ diverse talents in performing songs
and dances native in their hometown.
The three-day congress
ended with a fruitful sharing of experiences, reading of the
solidarity statement
led by the Student Council ’06 President Ms. Joy Guillermo, exchange
of souvenirs, picture-taking sessions, closing prayer and the singing
of the College Hymn. n
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