Assumption Academy of Mawab: Brief history of Assumption Academy of Mawab

Assumption Academy of Mawab: Brief history of Assumption Academy of Mawab: The establishment of a religious secondary school in Mawab was a vision of a handful dedicated men and women some forty years ago. In the b...

Brief history of Assumption Academy of Mawab

The establishment of a religious secondary school in Mawab was a vision of a handful dedicated men and women some forty years ago. In the beginning, it was more of a dream that somehow transformed into a reality. Mawab then was a gloomy community bare with a secondary institution that could help mold its youth into ideal citizens in the light of Christian education and values.

Fr. Frederick Crispo, the parish priest of Mawab initiated the project, which commenced with the solicitation of signatures of petition to open a Catholic Secondary School through the efoorts of Mrs. Victoria Geolina and the late Juana Perias, the active prime mover of the Catholic Women's League in Mawab. The support of the local officials headed by Mayor Atty.Ruperto Gonzaga, Sr., was harnessed. In the inscription of the school's annals, the late Antonio Macadangdang Sr., should be given due honor for his donation of a one - hectare lot where the Assumption Academy of Mawab now proudly stands.

With only four rooms to start with the school was opened in July 1995. These rooms were divided into faculty room, registrar and Principal's office and the remaining two for its 80 pioneering first year students. Sr. Rita Laundry of the Daughters of Mary of the Assumption served as the first principal with Mrs. Luz S. Cordova, Mr. Felipe S. Saquian, Jr. and the former Miss Teresita Perias as the first teachers. The absence of the sister's convent forced the school administrator to commute to and from Nabunturan daily. During its infancy, programs and extra-curricular activities were held in an improvised flat form. Two years late, five rooms were annexed to the original building. These additional rooms were intended for library, laboratory and three rooms during the subsequent years. As population increased, the need for additional classrooms increased.

The school produced its first batch of 48 graduates in 1969. It was during this period when the Assumption Academy of Mawab began to give Honors to the community when its students excelled in various scouting and athletic competitions among other schools in the province of Davao. In passing, it must be noted that Mawab is rich in agricultural products as their means of livelihood. Then the following years, the number of graduates increased. In 1970 , 53 graduated; 1971, 68; and in 1972 55 students graduated.

1973 was a break year! Due to heavy rains, farms were less productive. Consequently, with a more 246 students, the school suffered a setback in population. The laboratory room, this time was the occupied. There was a crisis too in the religious order. The scarcity of the  Assumption Sisters prompted the congregation to turn over the stewardship to Lay administrator. The zealous Mrs. Luz S. Cordova became the first lay principal from 1973 until 1982. But despite of the problem, the school still produced 44 graduates.

1974 was a year of plenty. The laboratory and the library made room to 100new students.  This prompted Bishop Joseph Raegan to order the construction of additional classrooms.The generosity of Mr. Francisco S. Dizon in donating 100 bags of cement facilitated the early completion of two other rooms. Sand and gravel were also made through the courtesy of Mr.Henry Chiu of the Algon Construction. By this time, 51 students of this year had graduated.  Brought about by the favorable condition, major projects were undertaken in 1975 such as the construction of concrete fence and concrete basketball court. The 1975 batch had 68 graduates. In 1976, a home economics building was also constructed through the P.T.A. under the leadership of the president, Mr. Antonio B. Ortiz, Sr. and well meaning donors in Mawab. These improvements are but signs of a blooming school and its administrators, teachers and students. It was also in 1976 when the school opened a night Secondary Course to crater the needs of working students who were in thirst of higher education. There was 73 graduates who successfully marched down this year. Then the number of graduates increased. In 1977, 81 students graduated. But it decreased a little in 1978 having 76 graduates only. The school had continuously paced onward. With the night Secondary Course had its first graduates with11 students  and 105 graduates from day department with the total of 116 graduates for batch 1980. Then in 1981, there were 118 graduates.

The school strive to exist despite financial constraints, continued to sail on to have its mission achieved. Since the implementation of the National College Entrance Examination, it has maintained above 85% passing record. Its graduates too have attained remarkable distinction and achievement in other schools and universities.

1982 was a breakthrough! The change in leadership int he prelature brought changes in policies. Bishop Pedro Dean established a policy of self-reliance and self-sufficiency among a prelature schools. To get rid of financial problems, which are perennial and chronic, the good Bishop offered some of the schools to be taken over by some religious congregations.

It was at this juncture that the Dominican Sister of Molo, Iloilo took over the administration of the Assumption Academy of Mawab from a lay administration. The first batch of Dominican Sisters who set foot in 1983 was headed by Sr. Mary Juliana Sabion, O.P. and Sr. Mary Domitilla Sendino, O.P. who  became the first Dominican Sister Principal, from 1983 until 1988 and headed the first batch of Dominican Sisters to set foot in Mindanao in 1982.

The Dominican administration has accelerated further the growth and development of the Assumption Academy of Mawab in almost all aspects. Student population has increased tremendously with the opening of elementary and collegiate course. Construction of major buildings such as sister's convent, administration and another two additional buildings including the cementing of thoroughfares were undertaken. Service vehicle was also acquired through foreign aid donations. Spiritual advancement can be gleaned with the influx of graduates to religious lives here and abroad. The first of graduates under the reign of the Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of Molo, Iloilo had produced 110 graduates in 1983. It was a great blessing for the year 1984, for it produced a big number of graduates with 138 students. Then followed by 95 students for batch 1985. But it soared up in 1986 with 114 graduates. For batch 1987, 122 graduates; batch 1988, 110; then followede by 134  graduates for batch 1989.

As part of the Dominican policy ad practice of reshuffling school administrators , new administrator had been assigned to handle the continuing process of the school's development. This is in the person of Sr. Mary Amata Iturralde, O.P. She served as Principal from 1989-1997.

A remarkable event was celebrated during her administration, 1990 marked the 25 years of the school since its foundation way back in 1965. Colorful activities were made to grace the event participated by students, pupils, teachers, parents and alumni. Batch 1990 had produced 145 graduates. Then followed by 162 graduates for batch 1991; 148 graduates for 1992; 1993 with 125 graduates. Then the school had garnered the biggest number if graduates in 1994 with 166 graduates.

Since then, the school continuously moved on fulfilling its mission and vision to serve the people of Mawab despite the financial instability that threatened its way. Like a boat sailing on a stormy sea, the Assumption Academy of Mawab successfully docked it's another year of success in 1995 as it celebrated the Pearl Julibee. It's an evidence of endurance and stability. 1995 had 115 students graduated. On the last term of Sr. Amata Iturralde, O.P. as principal in 1996, there were 151 graduates.

After eight fruitful years of service as principal, Sr. Mary James Jade, O.P. took place of Sr. Evelyn Oqueza, O.P. and began her assignment here in Mawab from 1997-2000. It was at that time when a public school was opened in Poblacion, Mawab. The school suffered setback of population. Despite this problem, the school had been constantly maintaining its satisfactory performance.

Millenium year had come! 2000 was a year on change, as the school celebrated its 35th year, the Coral Julibee. A celebration enhanced with the theme "Rejoicing with the Lord for 35 years of journey onward to the millennium". The newly assigned principal initiated this momentous event int he school's history. This is in the person of Sr. Mary Evelyn M Oqueza, O.P. whose administrative proficiency and expertise can move forward beyond expectation. She inherited several digits of accounts payable but still managed to uplift the status of the school. Her enthusiastic attitude and willingness to send students in various competitions, gatherings and conference as well as a faculty development of teachers despite the financial constraints has served as inspiration for them to strive hard to gain fame and honor of participation in local, division and even in regional academic competition in the field of Mathematics and Science. But the school this year 2000 had really reached its lowest number of graduates with 40 students only. And 45 graduates for the batch 2002.

NSAT records shows that in 1998-1999, the school ranked third among 45 schools in the Division of Compostela Valley. Then in 1999-2000, the school ranked second and in 2000-2001, the school ranked first. NEAT this year, ranked 3 among private schools in the devision. The elementary department won third place in the Regional Search for the "Most Effective Private Elementary School for 2001-2002. What a Great performance for Assumption Academy of Mawab is on its 36th years of quality service. As of March 2002, the school had produced 3,224 graduates for secondary course who are having successful careers int he different fields of endeavor. From 2003, the enrollment was nailed down to 41 in 2003; 42 in 2005.

Economics crisis had been striking hard the enrollment status of the school since 2003 until at present. Despite this trial, the school has retained its name and fame in Christian values formation and academic. A salute to Sr. Evelyn Oqueza, O.P. who really keep a strong hold in her administration in times of crisis and depression and to the parents who remain loyal to the school by sending their children for elementary and secondary education. They serve as the pillar of success and existence of Assumption Academy of Mawab. God has also blessed the school with teachers who really deserve to be appreciated for their untiring efforts endless patience, humility and struggle to uplift the standard of learning for the students as started int he mission and vision on the school. Evidently, the school and students in different competitions garner numerous awards, medals and recognition.

Fortunately after having passed series of trials and hardships; financial constrains and shortcomings, Assumption Academy of Mawab proudly stands for four decades of existence. The school celebrated its Ruby Jubilee last December 2005 with its theme, "We remember... we give thanks. We celebrate with Mama Mary. A grand Alumni Homecoming from batch '65 to 2005 graced this remarkable event. Various activities were undertaken such as thanksgiving mass, float parade by batches, dinner and evening program. The succes of the said celebration was, of course, given due to credit through the effort of the Assumption family headed by Sr. Ma Consolation Esmejarda, O.P., Mrs. Eleverita Luste, Mrs. Rosa Bautista and Mrs. Leticia Monleon.

School year 2006-2007 has begun with a new administrator int he person os Sr. Ma. Lolita L. Llaso, O.P. an adept int he field of school management. Within few months of her stay at Assumption, improvements and beautification of the school  were conducted. School discipline was strictly implemented. Spiritual consciousness among teachers and students was uplifted through daily rosary,attending masses, recollection and retreat. The BEC curriculum was fully implemented. Teachers were sent to seminars, conferences and gatherings to update teaching skills and strategies. Evidently, some students and pupils had garnered awards and recognition in the Division, Regional and National competitions.

Although, enrollment rate has kept in declining due to undermined factors, the school still manages to exist. The administration with the cooperation of the PTA has been able to find means to continuously support the teachers' salaries and operational needs of the school.

At present, with the blessing of the Almighty God and the Blessed Virgin, the school is having another leap of advancement towards educational success!

Beloved Assumption... Soar High! God Bless!