St. Mary's Academy of Kidapawan
Encyclopedia
St. Mary's Academy of Kidapawan formerly Notre Dame of Kidapawan/ Notre Dame of Kidapawan for Girls is located at the foot of Mt. Apo
Mount Apo
Mount Apo is a large solfataric, potentially-active stratovolcano in the island of Mindanao, Philippines. With an altitude of , it is the highest mountain in the country and is located between Davao City and Davao del Sur province in Region XI and Cotabato province in Region XII...

, the Philippines' highest mountain peak, which is 10,311 feet above sea level. Kidapawan City is in North Cotabato
Cotabato
Cotabato , is a landlocked province of the Philippines located in the SOCCSKSARGEN region in Mindanao...

, in the island of Mindanao, and is midway between Cotabato
Cotabato City
The City of Cotabato is one of the cities of the Philippines located in Mindanao. Cotabato City is an exclave of the SOCCSKSARGEN region found within the boundaries of Maguindanao province, but is independent of that province...

 and Davao
Davao City
The City of Davao is the largest city in the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. Its international airport and seaports are among the busiest cargo hubs in the Philippines....

 cities. SMA-Kidapawan is a Catholic
Catholic
The word catholic comes from the Greek phrase , meaning "on the whole," "according to the whole" or "in general", and is a combination of the Greek words meaning "about" and meaning "whole"...

 Educational Institution run by the Religious of the Virgin Mary (R.V.M.)
Religious of the Virgin Mary
The Congregation of the Religious of the Virgin Mary is a ecclesiastical community of vowed religious Roman Catholic women of pontifical right and approval founded in Manila, Philippines. The community was founded in 1684 by Venerable Mother Ignacia del Espíritu Santo, a Filipino Roman Catholic...

, the oldest and largest Filipino Congregation. The school is also a member of the Notre Dame Educational Association (NDEA)
Notre Dame Educational Association
Notre Dame Educational Association, Inc. is a network of Notre Dame Schools in the Philippines, under the patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary, owned and administered by:-History:...

, which is a network of Notre Dame Schools in the Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...

 all under the patronage of Blessed Virgin Mary
Blessed Virgin Mary (Roman Catholic)
Roman Catholic veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary is based on Holy Scripture: In the fullness of time, God sent his son, born of a virgin. The mystery of the incarnation of the Son of God through Mary thus signifies her honour as Mother of God...

.

History

The school was founded in 1948 by Rev. James McSorley, OMI, the first parish priest of Kidapawan. Bishop Gerard Mongeau, OMI, the prelate of Cotabato City to which Kidapawan belonged at that time, gave the approval for the opening of the new school.
The Church through Bishop Mongeau and Fr. McSorley bought two hectares of thick-forested land for the parish and the school site with an area of 19,813 square meters. The construction of the first high school building was done through "Bayanihan Style"
Bayanihan
Bayanihan is a Filipino term taken from the word bayan, referring to a nation, country, town or community. The whole term bayanihan refers to a spirit of communal unity or effort to achieve a particular objective...

 by the civic spirited parishioners of Kidapawan and nearby parishes.

In the School Year 1948-1949, one hundred forty-four (144) students enrolled from First Year to Third Year High School. Father James McSorley, OMI was the Director and Mr. Norberto Comendador was the principal.

On December 29, 1948, the school was registered in the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Board of Trustees were: Rev. Gerard Mongeau, OMI, Rev. James McSorley, OMI and Rev. Robert Sullivan, OMI. The Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws were approved on February 2, 1949. The following school year 1949-1950, Fourth Year Program was opened with a total enrollment of 264. On March 1950, the FIRST HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION was held and Leticia Evengelista, now an RVM Sister, was the valedictorian.

In 1951, Bishop Gerard Mongeau, OMI requested the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM) to open an Elementary School in Kidapawan. This was approved by Rev. M. Ma. Andrea Montejo, RVM, Superior General.

In 1951, the RVM Sisters came to Kidapawan and took charge of the school. The school was named OUR LADY MEDIATRIX
Our Lady, Mary Mediatrix of All Graces
Our Lady, Mary Mediatrix of All Grace is the alleged Marian apparition that took place in the Carmel Monastery in Lipa City , Batangas to a novice, Teresita Castillo.- September 12,Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary :...

 in honor of the Patroness of the Parish in Kidapawan.

On June 15, 1953, Government Recognition for the complete ACADEMY SECONDARY COURSE was awarded by the Secretary of Education.

On July 1954, the Oblate Fathers
Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate
The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate is a missionary religious congregation in the Catholic Church. It was founded on January 25, 1816 by Saint Eugene de Mazenod, a French priest born in Aix-en-Provence in the south of France on August 1, 1782. The congregation was given recognition by Pope...

 turned-over the school to the MARIST BROTHERS with the RVM SISTERS assisting them in the administration of the school. Brother Maurus, FMS was the rector and Sister Ma. Beatriz de Aquino, RVM was the Principal.

On March 1956, the FIRST ELEMENTARY graduation was held with 14 pupils, 6 boys and 8 girls. Finally, on June 11, 1956, the COMPLETE ELEMENTARY COURSE was recognized by the Secretary of Education. The name of the school was changed to Notre Dame Elementary School of Kidapawan.

When Rev. M. Ma. Catalina Dychitan, RVM was the Superior General and Sister Ma. Andrea Montejo, RVM, the Regional Superior of Mindanao, Bishop Gerard Mongeau, OMI, segregated sexes, and a contract was made to the effect that the girls will be educated by the Sisters and the boys by the MARIST DEPARTMENT of Kidapawan City.

On June 1965, the Notre Dame Elementary School was transferred from the old lot to the present site.

In 1976, a two-storey wooden elementary building was constructed and the RVM Congregation applied for the change of the name of the school to NOTRE DAME OF KIDAPAWAN FOR GIRLS.

On June 14, 1977, the school's new name, NOTRE DAME OF KIDAPAWAN FOR GIRLS was recognized and the Kindergarten Course was also awarded "Recognition" by Hon. Juan Manuel, the Secretary of Education. Notre Dame of Kidapawan for Girls celebrated its Silver Jubilee in S.Y. 1974-1975.

In 1982-1983, a mini gym was constructed using the sides as classrooms and music room.

On December 18, 1991, Sister Ma. Josefina Fran, RVM received the funding she requested from RASK OB FOUNDATION for the Non-Formal Education program amounting to Php.280,000 to purchase TYPEWRITERS. This was being used by the Mother Ignacia Community Services Program every Saturday and the Third and Fourth Year students in their typing classes.

The S.Y. 1993-1994 brought the Academic Community in touch with modern facilities which were deemed as important components of learning and the school's response to the DECS Program of a curriculum that would prepare the students for the "PHILIPPINES 2000". Computer classes were offered from Elementary to High School.

The new and modern Speech Laboratory, which was acquired in 1990's, has a master control that holds fifty (50) microphones with headphones, offered to Elementary and High School Students to improve the quality of their voice and speech. This is a joint project of the school and the Supreme Family Council (SFC).

ND Kidapawan has taken the thrust and accepted the challenge of contributing through its services, a wholesome integrated system of academic, moral and spiritual formation of its students. The school continuously aligns its programs towards developments and changes in Philippine Education.

In school year 1994-1995, ND Kidapawan became a co-educational institution. On March 28, 2000, the name Notre Dame of Kidapawan was officially changed to ST. MARY'S ACADEMY OF KIDAPAWAN.
In S.Y. 2004-2005, Marians became active in a prayer program in DXND, as well as on a morning primer of DXDM fm. Journalism has continued to pave through the corridors of SMA in this school year. As proof, it was in this year that Rodrigo Granzo, Jr. was hailed Most Outstanding Campus Journalist in Region XII. Furthermore, Rodrigo Granzo, Jr. was also hailed One of the top 16 Most Outstanding Campus Journalists in the Philippines in the National Schools Press Conference.

The Science Fair Activity was reborn in s.y. 2004-2005 with guest speaker Hon. Rodolfo Y. Gantuangco, City Mayor. The Science Fair became a thrust for students in showcasing their experiments and instrumentalities, including the unforgettable Motorized Lechon Prototype.

St. Mary's Academy of Kidapawan was so historical that the school launched the Very First Variety Show in Kidapawan City. The school also strengthened the English Fest dominance.

In S.Y. 2006-2007, St. Mary's Academy of Kidapawan competed and placed in the Kidapawan City's Timpupo Fruit Festival's Streetdancing Competition, which was early choreographed by Mr. Dalman Mendoza. The school's first Earthquake Drill was also launched by S. Ma. Charita P. Cabunoc, RVM, school year's pricipal/directress.

Kidapawan City's First and Only Variety Show (2nd run) was also presented on this school year.

On February 1, 2008, Manila Archbishop Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales promulgated that Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo be accorded as "Venerable", so as the celebration continued in St. Mary's Academy of Kidapawan.
The school year came in Grandiosity and made St. Mary's Academy of Kidapawan etched in History again when it launched the Kidapawan's First School-organized Acrobatic Show. St. Mary's Academy of Kidapawan also became active in Kidapawan's goal to be part of the Guinness Book of World Records as the City which lined the longest stretch of fruit display, during the City's Fruit Galore.
In S.Y. 2009-2010, the school conjured the construction of a new building in line with the strong-standing SEAT OF WISDOM BUILDING as well as the New Modern-phased Gate. On April 10, 2010, the new Administration Building was finally blessed..

School Model

Venerable Ignacia del Espiritu Santo
Ignacia del Espíritu Santo
Mother Ignacia del Espíritu Santo is a Filipino Venerable of the Roman Catholic Church. She led a religious life in 1684 and the founder of Beaterio de la Compañía de Jesús, now known as Congregation of the Sisters of the Religious of the Virgin Mary , the first Filipino congregation for religious...



"Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo is the genuine product of the nation in the highest order" runs an article in the September 7, 1863 issue of the Weekly Paper, Las Illustracion Filipina . She was the foundress of the religious institution that still lives its pristine spirit vigorously two centuries after its foundation.

Data on the early life of Mother, now Venerable, Ignacia are very sketchy; the whole summary is recorded in her baptismal entry. The "Libro de Baustimos de la Iglesia de los Santos Reyes de Parian" states that she was the daughter of Jusepe Iuco and Maria Jeronima; baptized on March 4, 1663 by the Dominican, Fray Alberto Collares, with Catalina Malinang as godmother. The same record gives her devotional name, del Espiritu Santo, a providential choice which may have the officiating priest.

The next record we have of this Charismatic figure which is given by the Jesuit historian, Fr. Pedro Murillo Vellarde, is a comprehensive account of the grown-up Ignacia. In 1684, when she was 21 years old, her parents decided it was time for her to get married.

However, matrimony held no attraction to Ignacia. She was more inclined to a life of total dedication to God. The Beaterio de Santa Catalina seemed to be the answer. Seeking direction from the Jesuit, Paul Klein, she was advised to make the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius so that God's Will may be known to her. At the end of her retreat, her inspiration took form in the resolution: "to remain in the service of the Divine Majesty... and to live the sweat of her brow...". This personal decision of Ignacia did not remain a sterile ambition, for her death, courage, generous self-sacrifice, and charity became the inspiration of other native girls to join her. What resulted was a steady increase of members whose lives attracted other members. With the growth of the community there arose the a need for some structure and order of life. This was provided by the Jesuits who directed the group with a set of rules according to Ignatian Spirituality. Thus, the "Beaterio de la Compania" was born. Later, it developed into the Congregation of the Religious of the Virgin Mary (R.V.M.) of the 20th Century. The spirit of poverty, humility, penance, confidence in God, and unbounded charity that characterized the long life of Venerable (Mother) Ignacia became the distinguishing mark of her daughters.

Service towards neighbors was manifested in the Beatas' contribution to the spread of the retreat movement for the women in the country. Soon the institution started to accept young girls as resident pupils, and the Beatas expanded their apostolate to education.

Vision

An Ignacian-Marian Professional Learning Community who witness the Gospel
Gospel
A gospel is an account, often written, that describes the life of Jesus of Nazareth. In a more general sense the term "gospel" may refer to the good news message of the New Testament. It is primarily used in reference to the four canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John...

 Values through genuine service in solidarity with one another towards a transformed society.

Mission

As a Catholic Institution, St. Mary's Academy of Kidapawan upholds the Church's philosophy of education as expressed in the declaration of Vatican II
Second Vatican Council
The Second Vatican Council addressed relations between the Roman Catholic Church and the modern world. It was the twenty-first Ecumenical Council of the Catholic Church and the second to be held at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. It opened under Pope John XXIII on 11 October 1962 and closed...

 which recognizes the dignity of the whole person, body and soul, and the entire reality natural and supernatural. Basically, as a Catholic institution, she commits herself to help her students:
  1. Develop as Christian leaders
  2. Be exposed to innovative programs and educational strategies for their growth as competent and productive members of the community and the world
  3. Imbibe Christian Values, especially love, justice, and peace
  4. Respond to the needs of the poor

The School Seal

"AM" stands for "Ave Maria" in praise of our Blessed Mother Mary
Blessed Virgin Mary (Roman Catholic)
Roman Catholic veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary is based on Holy Scripture: In the fullness of time, God sent his son, born of a virgin. The mystery of the incarnation of the Son of God through Mary thus signifies her honour as Mother of God...

, the Patroness of the RVM Congregation. The stars which surround the monogram "AM" represent the God-given prerogatives of Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church. The rays signify the light and wisdom from God through Jesus Christ
Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth , commonly referred to as Jesus Christ or simply as Jesus or Christ, is the central figure of Christianity...

, the Light of the World. The sampaguita
Jasminum sambac
Jasminum sambac is a species of jasmine native to South and Southeast Asia. It is a small shrub or vine growing up to in height. It is widely cultivated for its attractive and sweetly fragrant flowers. The flowers are also used for perfumes and for making tea. It is known as the Arabian jasmine in...

 beneath the book symbolizes the purity of heart of Mary and Mother Ignacia and the Filipino origin of the school. At the center of the seal is an open book which bears the Latin inscription, "Initium Sapientiae Timor Domini". The line means "The fear of the Lord is beginning of Wisdom"(Prov. 2:6). It expresses filial fear, a disposition of profound reverence, awe and love for God, the Source of all wisdom, grace and life.

Gov. Emmylou "Lala" Taliño-Mendoza
Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza
Emmylou J. Taliño-Mendoza is a Filipino politician. As a member of the KAMPI party, she has been elected for three terms as a Member of the House of Representatives of the Philippines, representing the 1st District of North Cotabato...

  • Gov. Emmylou "Lala" Taliño-Mendoza is the incumbent governor of the North Cotabato Province. In 2001, she became the youngest district representative of North Cotabato for the House of Representatives
    House of Representatives of the Philippines
    The House of Representatives of the Philippines is the lower chamber of the...

    . She was also re-elected in the same position in May 2004 and May 2007. Mendoza studied in Notre Dame of Kidapawan for Girls from 1978-1989 to complete her primary and secondary education.

Aprilyn Dizon-Matsui

  • Aprilyn Matsui is a co-administrator of the Mindanao Children's Library Foundation, Inc., a foundation that helps the unfortunate children of Mindanao and its surrounding communities. Being recognized by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2003, MCL continues to uplift the lives of our treasures in Mindanao.


Artela Lamban-Amoguis

  • Artela Amoguis is the current dean of the College of Nursing in the University of Southern Mindanao- Kabacan Campus. She is part of the batch 1982.


Jan Michael Evangelista

  • Jan Evangelista is currently working as a Review Coordinator in St. Louis Review Center- Kidapawan City. He is part of batch 2004.


Rodrigo Granzo, Jr.

  • Rodrigo Granzo currently works at Hewlett-Packard(HP) Philippines-Taguig. He is part of batch 2005.


Sheena May Tonio

  • Sheena Tonio currently works at Vibal Publishing House. She is part of batch 2005.

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