JEDDAH, 10 January 2004 — The election of the board of trustees (BoT) of the International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ) concluded here peacefully yesterday. The elections were held at the school’s social hall in Ghornatah Street, in a well organized and secured proceeding.
The much awaited election had been postponed several times, resulting in much restiveness and infighting among the various parents groups.
The election was overseen by Saudi Ministry of Education officials headed by Yousuf Malibary, director of foreign schools in the Western Region, outgoing director Mansour Ghazali, and Philippine Vice Consul Jose V. Jacob, who is acting head of post.
Only 11 aspirants made it to the finals for the hotly contested seven BOT seats after screening. The finalists were Mokhalid Diagao, Mesug Hadji Omar, Yusoph Taha, Angelito Lazo, Bernardo Tan, Leonilo Lucena, Saibatol Dalos, Josefina Gavieres, Ricardo Briones, Edris Tamano and Mardy Dimalotang.
Ghazali described the election as “peaceful and orderly, and I hope that whoever is elected will truly make a difference for the benefit of the Filipino community and their children’s education.”
Jacob, for his part, said, “this is the first step in improving the image of the school and bringing back the school to its old glory.”
To ensure security during the election proceedings, 26 security personnel were deployed and police cars manned the school’s front gate and surrounding areas.
The first seven candidates with the highest votes were proclaimed into office as follows: Angelito Lazo (197), Mardy Dimalotang (192), Ricardo Briones (187), Josefina Gavieres (186), Mukhalid Diagao (180), Bernardo Tan (176) and Edris Tamano (160).
Taha Yusoph and Leonilo Lucena garnered 157 and 152 votes respectively and would replace any of the seven winners if for some reason they cannot take their board seats.