Southwest Philippines Ecumenical School Inc. (SPES)

School Philosophy

Vision

“A transformed and transforming members of the community inspired by the teachings of our Greatest Teacher Jesus Christ”

Mission

“We commit ourselves to provide quality basic education programs aimed at developing the children “in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” (Luke 2:52)

Philosophy

“Train up the child the way he should go and when he grows old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

Motto

“Shepherding the Children for Christian Living”

School Objectives

To serve as an outreach arm of The United Methodist Church by broadening and extending the program of Christian Education to non-Methodist constituents.
To provide quality Christian education which is accessible to all.
To offer the highest standards of training to prepare the children for higher education and career development.
To provide a Christian value-integrated curriculum geared towards the total development of the learner which will enable him/her to think and live as a Christian Filipino.
To facilitate the proper development of the child’s aptitude through a comfortable and systematic atmosphere in work and in play.

Core Values

G-ood Stewardship
R-esponsible Citizenship
A-cademic Excellence
C-hristian Education
E-cumenical Fellowship

History

The United Methodist Church (UMC) being the very first Protestant church in the Philippines as early as 1898 has a great contribution to the present state of ed

ucation of the country. It is The United Methodist Church that pioneered preschool education in the country through the establishment of Harris Memorial College (HMC) in the year 1903. Since then, establishment of preschools has been one of the vital missions of the local churches – a distinguished endeavor which responds to the need of the community for schools that provide Christian nurture, biblical and character education.

Southwest Philippines Ecumenical School Inc. (SPES) is one of the pioneer Christian kindergarten schools in San Jose. SPES is the descendant of The Good Shepherd Kindergarten School (1970’s) and The Good Shepherd Development Center for Children (1980’s-2009), an outreach arm and mission school of The Good Shepherd United Methodist Church – the very first Methodist congregation in Occidental Mindoro founded in 1958.

SPES traced its rich history in 1973, the year when it was established primarily to meet the needs of those little kids of church members of early childhood education. The

first teacher was Mrs. Eufemia Gonzales-Baluntong who was the resident deaconess of the Church then. The old church building in Diego Silang Street, Barangay Pag-asa served as the classroom. It used the name The Good Shepherd Kindergarten School.

Later, it extended its service to the community thus, having the population increased. The complete pre-elementary education (Nursery, Kindergarten, and Preparatory) was put in place. In effect to the rationalization program of the kindergarten schools of The United Methodist Church in the whole country, the new name The Good Shepherd Development Center for Children was adopted.

It was in 2003 when the new school building was erected through the generosity of the church members abroad. The building is composed of two classrooms and an office for the school head. A brand new computer set was purchased in 2006 that became useful both in school and church. Also, a fully-air-conditioned principal’s office was realized that same year. A nook was also constructed to serve the parents while waiting their children.

In 2009, various changes had accomplished pertinent to the identity of the school. In preparation for the opening of elementary and high school levels, the school was renamed as Southwest Philippines Ecumenical School. The school adopted its geographical location in the archipelago that coincides with the name of its annual conference – the Southwest Philippines Annual Conference (SWPAC). The term “ecumenical” was included to stress the inclusiveness of the church to its ministries and mission. To keep abreast with the demands of the present educational system, the school was finally incorporated with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in July 29, 2009. The first incorporators were composed of 15 church members and clergy elected by the Charge Conference.

Likewise, statements on vision, mission, philosophy and core values were made and approved. The official motto “Shepherding the Children for Christian Living” was adopted. Symbolizing the royalty of the Lord, purple became the official color of the school in lieu of former sky blue. The official seal was also refined and adopted. CECED was changed into School Board and later into Board of Trustees after being incorporated with SEC.

In School Year 2010-2011, elementary level was opened with 16 pioneer pupils. Another grade is added thereafter until the complete elementary program is completed. The first graduates will march their way on March 2016.

During the School Year 2012-2013, the elementary level was transferred to the Labangan site where the four-classroom building was built and the preschool programs were maintained at the old site at the Diego Silang Street which later named as “Maglaya Campus” in grateful recognition to the benevolence of the Maglaya Family to SPES in various capacities. It is also during this school year that the two kindergarten schools owned and operated by certain United Methodist Churches in the province were integrated to SPES to establish legal identity and conform to the regulations of the government. This gave birth to SPES-Calintaan Campus and SPES-Sta. Cruz Campus, both offering Nursery, Kindergarten and Preparatory courses.

The school has already attained 40 fruitful years of service in the community by offering value-laden, affordable and quality education. In the past four decades, the school has already produced a number of professionals successful in their respective fields like in education, business, dentistry, nursing, public safety, and law among others.

True to its mandate of being an ecumenical school, SPES caters to a number of children who are living in harmony despite diversity in religious orientation and socio-economic condition.

Grateful appreciation is always extended to the clergy and laity who have extended their support and resources in the operation of the school. Highest recognition will always be made most especially to the deaconesses who are always in the front line of the kindergarten work of the church.

The Logo

SPES Song

Refrain:

S – P – E – S

Southwest Philippines Ecumenical School (2x)

Here we learn to write;

And do what’s just and right.

Here we learn to read,

And hear what God has said.

Here we learn to draw,

By His word we will grow.

Here we learn to count,

To thank for all around. (Repeat Refrain)

Here we learn to sing,

Be caring and loving.

Here we learn to dance

And use these mighty hands!

Here we learn to play,

And be kind as we pray.

Here we learn to share,

Be gentle as we care. (Repeat Refrain)

Imno ng SPES

SPES, paaralang minumutya

Pangalawang tahanan

Nasa ami’y kumalinga.

Kami’yiyong hinubog

Magingtapat na anak ng Dios,

May paninindigan,

Atmay angking kakayanan.

KORO:

Sa iyo, kami’y magpupugay

Paaralang mahal na sa ami’y gumabay

Pagpalain Mo O, Dios

Kaming Iyong mga anak

At ang mahal naming kanlungan:

SouthwestPhilippines Ecumenical School!

The Leadership Helm

List of Presidents of the Board of Trustees

Melvin Sayco Domingo (June 1, 2009 - present)

List of School Directors

Melvin Sayco Domingo (SY 2009 - 2010)
Teresita E. Benoza (SY 2010 - 2011)
Rev. Silverio D. Importante (SY 2011 - 2013)
Rev. Nehemia Punzalan-Allera (SY 2013 - present)

List of Principals

Nelly P. Bautista (SY 2011 - 2012)
Gloria D. Pangilinan (SY 2012 - 2013)
Teresita E. Benoza (SY 2013 - 2014)

SPES has metamorphosed significantly. Though it has undergone a lot of changes, those changes are for good. And one thing remains: the indelible mark it left in the total being of its graduates through quality Christian education.

Category:Christian schools in the Philippines Category:Methodist Category:Ecumenical school Category:Private schools Category:Kindergarten school