The newly elected Board of Trustees of the first International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ) has pledged to introduce quality education to keep pace with the rapid advancement of knowledge around the world.

The new board members told Arab News that among the school's priorities is to improve the students' knowledge of Arabic and to ensure that Saudi history is taught in IPSJ.

“My target is to ensure that all graduates are able to speak Arabic fluently,” a board member said, adding that he has asked the chairman to upgrade the status of Arabic in the school curriculum.

Consul General Leo Tito Ausan administered the oath to all of the new BOT members at the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah last week. Among those present were Amron Macabanding, the chairman of the board, and Ben Consolacion, the vice-chairman, along with many members including Albasser Aborong, Rudy Dianalan, Abul H. Ibrahim, Abdulhalim Magarang, Hadji Yusoph, and Mustapha Miraato.

The consul general encouraged them to fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to them by the parents with commitment and sincerity.

“Smooth and peaceful operations of the school for the benefit of Filipino children and other nationalities enrolled at the school are among the high expectations of the mission”, the official said, adding that he believes that the board is committed and determined to serving the IPSJ.

Immediately after the oath, the new board visited the IPSJ compound for the formal endorsement of responsibilities from the previous boards led by Alex Macabanding, chairman, Soraida Macalbe, vice-chairman, and other members including Jamael Diampuan, Bobby Dalos, and Bobby Balindong.

The new team expressed its gratitude for the efforts made to uphold the image and tradition of the school.

“The best thing that we can do as board is to work as a team and agree on issues that benefit the school” said Abdulhalim M. Hadji Yusoph, one of the newly elected board members.