AL-KHOBAR, 19 December 2006 — Food fair, garage sale, videoke singing, palosebo, sack race and other Filipino parlor games were among the highlights of the Family Fun Day of the International Philippine School in Alkhobar (IPSA).
Aimed to promote camaraderie among students and strengthen family ties, IPSA’s Fun Day was well attended amidst cold and gloomy weather.
“The parents and students have common reason to celebrate and that’s the reduction in tuition fees which would take effect in June 2007,” said Delfin R. Lumberio, incumbent chairman of the school governing board (SGB).
Lumberio clarified that IPSA has reduced the tuition fees to SAR375, SAR350 and SAR325 for the first, second and third child, respectively. “The school is also the defending champion in the Middle East and African region’s talent, academic and skills competition participated by 14 schools,” he added.
Last year’s Young Maria Clara Champion and best orator was awarded to Aylwin Maria S. Valenciano, an IPSA student. Joshua Rey R. Lumitao, from the same school, was adjudged Young Jose Rizal first runner-up. This year’s competition will be held in Bahrain on 28-30 December 2006.
Currently IPSA has a population of 843 students and 72 faculty members and staff, with around 550 parents supporting the Parents Teachers Association Supreme Council (PTASC) and the SGB in the management and administration of the school.
“IPSA is the only school in the eastern region that is owned and operated by the Filipino community,” confirmed Lumberio.
Formerly known as Philippine Embassy School at Alkhobar (PESA), IPSA formally started its academic operation in June 1989 through a temporary permit signed by Secretary Lourdes Quisumbing of the Philippine Department of Education, Culture and Sports.