JEDDAH, 15 July — Ambassador Rafael E. Seguis has wound up his “affair” with the oldest and biggest Philippine school abroad by leading a mass induction ceremony at the International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ).
Seguis on Friday swore into office more than 145 officers from pre-elementary, Grades I to VI, First Year through Fourth Year, the Student Council, as well as the officers of the Parents and Teachers Group (PTG).
The officers will serve for schoolyear 2002-2003.
“This is the first time in the history of IPSJ that officers were sworn to office in a grand induction ceremony such as this one,” commented Nilo A. Lucena, president of PTG Grade 3 level.
In his inspirational speech, Seguis cited the school’s parents and leadership “for strides they have made in upgrading (the school’s) facilities and services for its students.”
He pointed to the newly constructed Pre-School Activities Center and the multi-purpose gym used for the ceremony as among the latest improvements.
Founded in 1982 as a Philippine Embassy School, the IPSJ has been managed by parents since it was transformed into a community school about three years ago. Despite its troubles, including endless power struggles that have sometimes ended in life and property being physically harmed, the IPSJ has managed to remain the best Philippine school in the Kingdom, according to its members.
Efren T. Rodriguez, the chairman of the Board of Trustees, said the 20 percent increase in enrolment this year is a vote of confidence for the school.
As a result, he said, the Board has voted to give the faculty and staff a pay raise starting Aug. 1. Rodriguez also cited the return of former IPSJ teachers, notably Mohammad Issa de Leon, further “fortifying the school faculty.”
Still, Seguis in his speech emphasized the need for school officials and the inducted officers of the different organizations to be in tune with their constituents and to resolve disputes in a civil way.
“As a leader, one of your most important challenges is the ability to get your thoughts across and getting people to do them. To be a good leader, therefore, you need to be a good listener and a good communicator. Through effective inter-personal skills, a leader can achieve unity of purpose, unity of command, and unity of action,” he said.
“A leader must be able to show a good example to his followers: that is, a willingness to do difficult or even humble tasks himself before delegating them to others,” he further said.
Among the officers inducted to various offices were: Resty Vanguardia, president of the pre-elementary level; Ronald A. Mangua, Grade I; Lito Lazo, Grade II; Leonila Lucena, Grade III, Rogel Enriquez, Grade IV; Mohammad Bantuas, Grade V; Shamsuddin P. Junaide, Grave VI; Mauricio Marzo, First Year; Fidel Hernandez, Second Year; Reymar U. Guadania, Third Year; Isabelo L. Urquia, Fourth Year; Vito Anthony S. San Diego of the Student Council, each level with their sets of various officers and advisers.
Some parents, students, and teachers alternated in performing entertaining numbers; the night ending with some parents and officers of the school serenading Ambassador Seguis, and persuading him to sing his favorite song; “My Way.”
Seguis was also gifted with a plaque of appreciation, and other tokens of appreciation including a sports sweater exclusively tailored for him using the tri-colors of the Philippine flag, with his name emblazoned at the back shoulder portion.
Seguis will take a new assignment as Philippine ambassador to Indonesia, and will be based in Jakarta. He is scheduled to depart on July 21.
