Batch '74 Joins Brigada Closing Ceremony (May 22, 2009)

By Editha Alix Magat Batch '74
Batch '74 Brigada Coordinator
Attended by a number of parents, students, faculty members and staff, and other volunteers, Batch '74 was also priviledged to attend the Brigada Eskwela closing ceremony last May 22nd. Prior to that day, last Wednesday, May 20th when I joined NHSOC's Brigada visit, I was informed by Mrs. Nora Torres that today's ceremony, (scheduled on the last day of the week-long Brigada) will start at 8am. Yet, when most of our Batch arrived past 9am (like myself and Vicky), lucky for us the program has not even started. It was Rey Nepomuceno who arrived first at NHS and saw him seated already, at the bleachers with some of the participating parents and students.

Those who were present in order of their arrival:
Rey Nepomuceno (IV-Cordillera)
Edith Alix Magat (Cordillera)
Vicky Analupa Bigcas (Kanlaon)
Redentor Cruz (Kanlaon)
Danny Daez (Cordillera)
Ed Bautista (Kanlaon)
Connie Santos Germar (Cordillera)
President Anselmo "Moi" Garcia (Makiling)
Sitong Tomas (Sierra Madre)
Romero "Momi" Valenzuela, newfound batchmate(Sierra Madre)
Billy Abesamis (Makiling)
Rey Dumo (Mayon)



Program:

1. Sir Gilore Ofrancia, Guidance Counselor for boys, (also the program host), welcomed all the participants of BRIGADA ESKWELA who were present that Friday morning.
2. Singing of the National anthem
3. Prayer of thanks and blessings led by Joey Boy Gapson, representative from the SSG

4. Short message from Mrs. Nora Torres, Assistant principal for School Affairs, reported on the improvement of the NHS campus.
5. Faculty members reported on what they have accomplished within the week-long BRIGADA ESKWELA.
6. A representative from the student body also reported about their participation.
7. Redentor Cruz, 2008 Batch '74 President-elect - reported on the NHSOC's participation on many NHS activities (which you can also read in details at NHSOC website "Giving Back" webpage at www.nhsoc.info and NHSOC Forums at www.nhsoc.yabbers.com)
8. Anselmo "Moi" Garcia, 2009 Batch '74 President elect - reported on the participation of Batch '74: Donation of computer tables, paints and feeding the Brigada volunteers for the past two years, etc.
9. Before ending the program, I was surprised to be called in front by Sir Gilore to say something about NHSOC. I can't remember the exact words of what i said but this is what I remembered saying:
"An alumna from Batch 86, who is based in America, Chona Villafuerte Go, created a website for the alumni of NHS. It is through this website that we, graduates of NHS once again have communicated with fellow batchmates after so many years and developed friendships with other graduates from different batches. It also created a bridge connecting the graduates to our alma mater. That is why we are now with you during BRIGADA ESKWELAS and other activities. In behalf of the members of NHSOC, we are thanking Miss Chona Go for creating NHS On-line Community (NHSOC) and I would also like to thank my batchmates who are with me today to offer you some help. Thank you too, to NHS faculty and staff for giving us the chance to help in our own little way, and for the improvement of our alma mater. Good morning everyone."
10. Principal Dra. Noemi Moncada had the closing remarks - thanking all those who participated in this year's BRIGADA ESKWELA and appealing for continous support in many NHS activities.