President’s Corner

President’s Report for 2024-2025

(This speech was delivered during the Annual General Membership Meeting on March 1, 2025)

My dear CHS Alumni,           

On behalf of the CHSAF Board of Trustees, let me begin by congratulating the Golden Jubilarians, HS-75, and all the other jubilarians—HS-55, HS-60, HS-65, HS-70 and HS-80 and the College jubilarians—on a successful homecoming event last month.

The campus of the School of the Holy Spirit Quezon City was a fitting venue with its spacious accommodations and ample parking. Its ambience evoked a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of CHS Mendiola. The warm hospitality of the SSpS sisters led by the Provincial Leader Sr. Rosario “Yeye” Tayson and their school principal Ms. Flora Carandang made the venue feel even more like our CHSM. The homecoming saw a big turnout and the program was both memorable and entertaining.

Congratulations as well to this year’s outstanding alumni awardees. From just nine awardees last year, the number grew to 17, recognizing excellence in Arts, Communications, Education, Entrepreneurship, Environment, Science, and Socio-Economic Development. Their accomplishments are a testament to the high-quality education they received from the SSpS sisters and teachers. They continue to embody the CHS motto: Truth in Love.

Now, on to my report.

SEC APPROVAL

We had another eventful year in 2024, highlighted by the approval of the amended Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of CHSAF. This is a testament to everyone’s resolve to improve our governance and compliance standards in line with best practices and statutory requirements. Amendments include:

• Name and Address Change: Our official name is now “CHS Alumni Foundation Inc.” with our address at #8 Poinsettia Road, Quezon City;
• Aligning the Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation with the provisions of the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines;
• Clarification of the terms of office of trustees and officers based on the requirements of the Revised Corporation Code;
• Making membership more inclusive;
• Implementing a more efficient system for payment processing and recording of membership dues; and,
• Clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of class representatives for empowerment and transparency.

To keep class representatives informed about CHSAF developments and to seek their support in various undertakings, quarterly meetings were held on May 25, August 3 and November 30 2024. The agenda included financial updates, fundraising events, the 2025 homecoming, scholarship and social action programs and other activities lined up during the year.

SEC DECISION

Another significant development was the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) decision to DENY, for lack of merit, the case filed by Ms. Rosemarie M. Lim. The denial was based on the following findings:

• First, contrary to her claims, Ms. Lim “herself affirmed that the members of the Board of Trustees have called for, and actually conducted” CHSAF’s regular meeting and election. The decision stated that the Trustees “were not remiss in their duty to call and conduct a meeting and election. The Board did not fail nor refuse to hold and conduct an AGMM and election.”
• Second, regarding Ms. Lim’s claim that the election of the respondent-Trustees should be invalidated because it was conducted under the amended bylaws before the SEC approval, the decision clearly stated that her petition contested the validity of an election and sought its nullification—matters outside the SEC’s jurisdiction.

It is unfortunate, however, that the Trustees, acting on behalf of CHSAF, had to obtain legal services, and incur expenses, although kept to a minimum. These included printing costs for CHSAF’s response and supporting affidavits, notarization of documents, and transportation for document delivery. All related expenses have been accounted for by CHSAF’s Treasurer.

For any further concerns, all documents and costs details related to this case are available at the CHSAF office upon submission of a valid formal request, subject to Board approval.

STRATEGIC PLANNING

A pre-planning session on October 4, 2024 facilitated the review of events and activities of the past year, as well as the external environment.  Aligned with its Mission and Vision,  the CHSAF pillars – alumni relations and social services and sustainability and resource development were identified and strategies drawn up to foster long-term relationships with alumni and engage them for support and participation in impactful social programs that bring significant change, thereby strengthening CHSAF’s reputation and attracting new donors and partners who share the organization’s mission.

On October 13, at CHSAF’s strategic planning workshop, the pre-planning goals and strategies were presented to the assembly composed of trustees, other alumni, including young ones who provided fresh insights. This was followed by updates from CHSAF’s Committees on their respective achievements for 2024. 

In alignment with CHSAF’s pillars and strategies for the next three years, the Committees were tasked with developing specific projects and activities for FY 2025 to help achieve their three-year goals. A program matrix was provided to serve as a guide for this process.

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The Scholarship Program Committee continues to adapt to the challenges posed by CHSM’s closure. It actively collaborates with CHSNAF and the SSpS sisters to expand scholarship opportunities.

Currently, we offer two types of scholarships. One is for deserving High School students in five schools run by the SSpS Sisters: BF Homes and Ilang-Ilang Quezon City; Tarlac; Malolos, Bulacan; and Irosin, Sorsogon. We have 18 scholars in this category, with each beneficiary receiving Php50,000 for tuition and other expenses, totaling Php900,000 for the current school year. The scholars range from Grade 7 to Grade 12.

The other scholarship category is for Indigenous Peoples (IP) students pursuing college education. Currently, we are supporting three scholars: two Aeta students enrolled at the Dominican College in Capas, Tarlac, and one Mangyan student at the College of the Divine Word in Calapan, Mindoro. They are under the auspices of the SSpS Missions in Tarlac and Mindoro, with each student receiving Php50,000 in financial aid, totaling Php150,000.

Last year, we also announced the graduation of most of our remaining college scholars who completed their studies at other institutions after CHSM’s closure. Of the nine graduates, four excelled in their respective fields and received special awards, while one passed the Board Exams for Medical Technology.

There were also Board Passers last year from our scholars who graduated in 2022.

Congratulations to all of them!

They are gainfully employed by now and face bright futures, thanks to your generous contributions to the CHSAF/CHSNAF Scholarship Fund.

CHSAF remains committed to expanding the scholarship program, as providing Catholic education to those in need is one of the Foundation’s core objectives.

SOCIAL ACTION

The Social Action Committee carried out a number of undertakings this past fiscal year through its three-pronged program.

• FEEDING PROGRAM AND CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR CHILDREN

The first initiative is the feeding program for 50 indigent children enrolled at Old Balara Elementary School. As in previous years, this year-long activity was conducted under the auspices of the Best Friends Feeding Program (BFFP) run by CHS alumna Nela Almario-Zeta (HS-68). BFFP has been in operation for over 18 years, expanding  its services to 10 schools and benefiting nearly 600 malnourished and undernourished children. The multi-awarded Nela Zeta was among this year’s Outstanding Alumni Awardees.

In conjunction with the feeding program, CHSAF also sponsored a Christmas Party for 80 children under the program at Old Balara Elementary School. CHSAF organized games with prizes and distributed Christmas gift packs and meals of fried chicken and spaghetti. In return, the children performed songs and dances, delighting the trustees and alumni in attendance.

• EMERGENCY RESPONSE

We conducted two emergency response activities last year.

During the peak of summer, a dry spell adversely affected the food supply of Mangyan communities in Mindoro. CHSAF responded by providing food assistance to students in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro through the SSpS Mission Center. A total of 46 students benefited— 12 from Sitio Calamansian and 34 from Sitios Culasisi and Kumiray, Brgy. Batongbuhay.  The total donations amounted to Php32,100, sustaining them from April to May 2024.

These are the thank you letters from the Mangyans.

Another emergency response activity took place in October 2024, when Typhoon Kristine caused massive flooding in the Bicol region. Thanks to the outpouring of donations from alumni, CHSAF and CHSNAF raised P300,000, which was used to distribute relief packs with food and essential supplies, as well as to cover logistical support.

The funds were coursed through the SSpS Sisters of Holy Spirit Academy in Irosin, where the homes of some teachers and students had been inundated by floodwaters. 

Beyond their own community, the Sisters, assisted by teachers and students, prepared and distributed relief packs to barangays in Camarines Sur and Guinobatan, Albay, benefiting around 210 families.

• IP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM – YANGKA WATER SUPPLY PROJECT

The Yangka Water Supply Project is an ongoing effort and is now in its fund-raising phase. Initiated in 2023, the project began with a pre-feasibility study, followed by a comprehensive engineering study supported by Water.Org to determine construction costs and scope. Once completed, it will benefit over 90 Aeta families in Sitio Yangka, Barangay Maruglo, Capas, Tarlac.

The estimated cost of construction is Php2.5 million. CHSAF and CHSNAF have already raised about two-thirds of the required funding from various donors. We aim to raise the remaining amount this quarter and proceed with the construction, which can only begin after the local elections in May.

Before breaking ground, pre-construction requirements related to roadworks, permits and construction related concerns must be met. While hurdles remain, we trust the Holy Spirit to guide and enable us every step of the way. Your continued support and prayers will be very much appreciated.

FUND RAISING 2024

In October last year, CHSAF, through the Events Committee held a fundraising activity called Hype Nights. This was a series of evening performances at Red Rhino Restaurant and Bar by bands such as Rebirth, Milan, and Rockitwell. The event was sponsored by different alumni batches as follows:

• October 9, 2024 — HS-72, HS-74, and HS-76
  October 17, 2024 —HS-71, HS-75, and HS-77
  October 18, 2024 —College Alumni
  October 20, 2024 — HS-68, HS-73, and HS-69

All four nights were a success, with the bands getting everyone on their feet, dancing the night away. The financial details of this fundraiser will be included in the Treasurer’s report.

The Events Committee also organized a “PJ Lhuillier Museum Tour” on September 26 last year.
Two groups of alumni had the opportunity to view and learn about Ambassador Philippe Jones Lhuillier’s remarkable collection of religious artifacts.

RELIGIOUS AND OTHER EVENTS

CHSAF continued to organize events that foster spiritual growth among our alumni.

On March 16, CHSAF held a recollection led by CHSAF Adviser Sr. Eden Panganiban, SSpS. The activity was held at the San Beda University (SBU). The half-day, face-to-face event was well-attended, with alumni gaining rich insights from Sr. Eden’s talk and the discussions that followed.

On November 16, CHSAF held its annual Requiem Mass at the multi-purpose hall of the SSpS Provincial House in Quezon City to offer prayers for alumni and their family members who have passed away in the past year.

A cherished CHSAF tradition, Simbang Gabi was once again held from December 15 to 23 and officiated by Fr. Anselm Manalastas, OSB. Along with his spiritual insights, he delighted attendees with warm, inviting descriptions of Pinoy delicacies after each online Mass—bringing to mind the tradition of enjoying puto bumbong and bibingka after church services.

For the first time, CHSAF hosted Kumustahan on December 15 at the Lydia Tan Sy Hall, SBU, where  members were invited to learn more about CHSAF, fostering connections and encouraging greater participation in future activities.

December also saw the annual CHSAF-sponsored Christmas Party with the SSpS sisters. This is always a joyous occasion filled with games, singing, dancing, gift-giving, and shared fellowship with the SSpS community.

IN CONCLUSION

As you can see, feel, and hear, CHSAF has been busy with so many activities that support our mission and our vision. Moving forward, we remain committed to: promoting our scholarship and social action programs; strengthening alumni relations through  spiritual, social and cultural activities; supporting alumni development through knowledge-sharing initiatives; expanding partnerships to sustain our goals and objectives.

One of the most recent developments to ensure CHSAF’s sustainability is the creation of a Fundraising Committee, tasked with exploring new avenues to generate long-term financial support for our programs. I hope our committee can count on your full support to uphold the foundation.

Thank you very much for your attention.