La Primavera

SY 2019-2020 The Official Student Publication of the Our Lady of the Snows Institute Issue No. 1

-Revival Edition-
SY 2019-2020
La Primavera Issue No. 1

-INTRO-
Table of Contents
News…………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………………….…………………...…..1-2
Editorial………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….....….3-4
Feature……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..….…5-6
Literary…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….....…7-8
Artwork………………..………...………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…....…9
Centerfold/Photo Essay…………..……………………………………………….………………..………………………………………..…...….10-11
Artwork…………………………..…………………...………………………………………………………………………………………………...…....…12
Photos
Editorial Staff & Nursery…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………..13
Kinder 1 & 2…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…....…14
Grades 1 & 2…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………..…..…15
Grades 3 & 4……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……....……16
Grades 5 & 6…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….…...17
Grades 7 & 8………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………........18
Grades 9 & 10………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...…....…..19
Grades 11 & 12……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………20

Message
“La Primavera” is the name given by the late Ma’am Zenia Macalipay to the OLSI School Publication 18
years ago (2002). By that time, she was our School Publication Adviser and I was its Editor-in-Chief. “La
Primavera” is the Latin word for “Spring Time”. As I can remember, Ma’am Zen wanted that name for our
publication (formerly, OLSI Newsette) because she regarded those times as the season of “Spring” for OLSI.
But in year 2009, after OLSI’s tragic burning, we have heard of our school’s dramatic falling into pieces.
Its devastating decline hovered like a storm in the town. We, Alumni, were shocked and downtrodden for her
sad fate.
A decade after, upon my return to OLSI (not anymore as its student, but as one of its teachers), I’m back
not just for the mere purpose of teaching or educating. I’m here to contribute to OLSI’s rising up from its ashes.
The simple little share I can do is to help resurrect some of its glorious aspects in the past (like its school
publication).
Ma’am Rosalie Halaba encouraged the revival of “La Primavera”. And in grateful memory of & recognition
to Ma’am Zen, I (now no longer as its Editor-in-Chief, but as its Adviser) consented without hesitation. With
high hopes & by God’s grace, behold La Primavera’s “Revival Edition” with the tagline/motto of “OLSI 2020:
Bring Back the Glory!” (Jose Radin L. Garduque, OLSI School Publication Adviser)

Editorial Staff
Arjun M. Allaga………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………..Editor-in-Chief
Bea Marie V. Esquerra……………...…………………………………………………………………….…...Associate Editor/News Writer
Kyla H. Villazana………………….……………………………………………………………….…Managing Editor/Feature Researcher
Khea Lee H. Halamane…………….………….…………………………………....…..……Circulation Manager/Feature Researcher
Navem D. Alonzo…………………………………………………………….......................................................……..Feature Researcher
Arnie James D. Alalin………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………Photojournalist
Rianne Jaye O. Hinguillo……………………………………………………………………………………………….………………….Cartoonist
Joshua R. Hablero………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………….…Staff Assistant
-i--I-INSIDE FRONT COVER-
SY 2019-2020
La Primavera Issue No. 1

-TOP NEWS-

OLSI Initiates Parade of the Saints

in All Saints’ Day

Contrary to the folk tradition of parading and showcasing mythical and monstrous creatures during All
Saints’ Day, OLSI this year celebrated Nov. 1 in another way – “The Parade of the Saints”.
To be true to its name, “All Saints’ Day”, Clare (Pre-School), St. Vincent Ferrer (Grade 1), St.
November 1 must not be a day of supernatural beings. John the Baptist (Grade 2), St. Mark the Apostle
It is a day of holy people, particularly the saints. That (Grade 3), St. Anthony of Padua (Grade 4), St.
is why OLSI deviated from the paganistic culture and Augustine of Hippo (Grade 5), St. Francis of Assisi
shifted to the real meaning of this commemoration. (Grade 6), St. Joseph the Worker (Grade 7), St.
Instead of parading myths and monsters, OLSI Lorenzo Ruiz (Grade 8), St. John Paul II (Grade 9), St.
initiated the parading of the holies – in its so-called Therese of the Child Jesus (Grade 10), St. Mary,
“Parade of the Saints” which started at 3:00 PM of Mother of Jesus (Grade 11), and St. Pedro Calungsod
November 1, 2019. With our school’s Drum and Lyre (Grade 12) with a student from every grade/year level
Corps, the Order of Parade is as follows: Angels, St. representing their saint, followed by the 12 apostles.
This new religious ceremony was succeeded by the presentation of each saint, while reading their
hagiographies, inside the Our Lady of Snows Parish. It concluded with a Holy Mass officiated by Fr. Erwin
Bombaes (Bea Marie V. Esquerra).
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SY 2019-2020
La Primavera
-NEWS-
OLSI Solemnizes the
Month of the Holy Rosary
For every Catholic, October is the “Month of the
Holy Rosary”. This year, OLSI launched the said
solemnity in October 7 in OLSP.
On that day, OLSIANS knelt down and prayed
the Holy Rosary, led by Justine Gajo and Kyla Orpilla,
both Grade 10 students. The following days after the
launching, each grade/year level prayed the Holy
Rosary in their classrooms daily until October 31. Of
course, OLSI did not forget to join the nationwide
Catholic movement called, “The One Million Children
Praying the Rosary for Unity and Peace” that was
done in October 19 inside our parish church.
This month-long religious solemnity terminated
with a Culminating Activity called the “Living
Rosary”, wherein a living person (in our case, a
selected OLSI pupil/student) represented each rosary
bead while praying the Holy Rosary (Esquerra).
OLSI Spearheads Religious
Activities in Dumarao Town Fiesta
Annually, Dumarao celebrates its Town Fiesta in
honor of the Our Lady of Snows. This municipal and
religious activity runs from August 1-5 of every year.
This year, the 5 days of celebration commenced
with a Holy Mass in August 1. It was attended, of
course, by OLSIANS. In August 2, there was a Grand
Parade of Agricultural Floats by every sector and the
Drum and Lyre Corps by every school. In August 4,
OLSIANS spearheaded the holy procession and
attended the vesper mass officiated by the Capiz
Archbishop Jose Advincula. Finally, in August 5, the
fiesta day, OLSIANS once again led the procession.
Selected pupils were wearing angel costumes while
some female students were clothed like Mama Mary.
The religious activities for this year’s fiesta
culminated with a Holy Mass officiated by Msgr. Cyril
Villareal. Of course, OLSIANS were still once again
there (Esquerra).
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Issue No. 1
OLSI Celebrates the
Birthday of Mama Mary
In September 9, 2019, OLSIANS gathered in
front of the statue of Mama Mary to commemorate an
annual event for her – her birthday.
Pre-school and elementary pupils brought with
them flowers while highschool students had with them
candles. The celebration began with a reading of
Mama Mary’s hagiography by Justin Gajo (SPC Vice
President in Worship). It was followed by the offering
of prayers starting from pre-school until highschool.
Subsequent to it was the offering of flowers and
candles from the lowest to the highest grade level.
Intermission numbers from student catechists also
graced the program.
The said religious event finished with the singing
of “Happy Birthday” song to the Blessed Virgin
Mother whose birthday is held on every September 8,
which fell on a Sunday this year (Esquerra).
OLSI Welcomes S.Y. 2019-2020
with Mass of the Holy Spirit
In the 10th day of July 2019, OLSIANS attended
the “Mass of the Holy Spirit” which signals the
official opening of the school year.
This year, pupils from St. Anthony de Padua
Parochial School (of Cuartero, Capiz) joined the said
event. The High Mass started at 7:00 AM. It was
officiated by Capiz Archbishop Jose Advincula along
with OLSI School Director Fr. Ryan Barrios and
OLSP Priest Fr. Erwin Bombaes. Matthew 10:1-7 was
the Gospel Reading and the Homily was rendered by
the archbishop. Somewhere in the middle of the mass
was the Oath-Taking Ceremony of the newly-hired
teachers namely: Aime Pacardo, Sheryl Casimero,
Tiffany Joyce Escalera and Jose Radin Garduque.
The said religious celebration ended at about
11:00 AM with OLSIANS feeling blessed as they
enter another school year of their life in OLSI
(Esquerra).
SY 2019-2020
La Primavera Issue No. 1

-EDITORIAL-

Our Faith in Mary

& the Saints
We, Christians, know that the Blessed Virgin Mary or “Mama Mary”
is the Mother of Christ. Yet, not all Christians give much honor to her.
There are actually those who disregard her or even dispose her off from
the circle of holies. In short, they do not include her in their
profession & practice of faith.
That is not the case for us, Catholics. We are the primal
Christians who put so much regard on her (Mama Mary) since time
immemorial. She is not only part of the pantheon of our saints – she is
above them all! As the Theotokos (God-bearer), Mary is not only the Mother
of God the Son (Jesus Christ), she is also the Mother of our Church, the
source of our Christian faith.
As Christ emanates from Mary, so is our faith. Of course, our
highest faith is due only to the highest/supreme being – to God alone. It
is Him alone whom we worship (Latria). But for us, Catholics, there is
nothing wrong if we also give reverence to Mama Mary (Hyperdulia) and
respect to the saints (Dulia). The honor & veneration given to them
actually boosts our godliness… because they are of God. We consider them
not as God, but as instruments and intercessors of God.
Our faith in Mary & the saints are being questioned, being put
into test, being tried, being challenged and worse, being desecrated… but
that faith matters. That faith endures!(Arjun M. Allaga)

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SY 2019-2020
La Primavera Issue No. 1

-COLUMN-
2019: Year of the Youth
in the Eyes of an OLSIAN
As a youth, an OLSI student can
relate much to himself/herself when
the Catholic Church of the
Philippines declared 2019 as the
“Year of the Youth”.
For OLSIAN youth, this year is
their appointed moment to actively
participate in the profession &
propagation of their Catholic faith.
It is the time for them to
become God’s active instruments. It
is a time for action! The Catholic
Church calls on its youth to
mobilize. As the logo connotes, they
are both given the “hand & foot” to
spread God’s words & works all
throughout the world! (Allaga)
An OLSIAN’s Hope
for OLSI’s Revival
Being an OLSIAN of this
generation, I have an earnest desire
for my Alma Mater “OLSI” to totally
“revive” or recover from its
catastrophic downfall since its
dramatic burning in 2009.
Now, it’s 2019! It is the 10th
Year Anniversary of that disaster!
For more than half a decade of being
here, what have I done so far to
help OLSI recuperate?...
…Being a good student! That’s
all! I have my own several ways of
being that and you also have yours!
We are the “Light & Salt” of this
institution. Just think that way and
everything good follows! (Allaga)

An OLSIAN View 2020: Year of the Bible

about Suicide in the Eyes of an OLSIAN
Because of the insinuation of Protestants all over the world
our La Primavera adviser, I wrote are celebrating 2020 as the “Year of
about this sensitive topic timely the Bible”, while Catholics
this month of September – “The World announced 2020 as the “Year of
Suicide Month”. Ecumenism”.
As I said, this is a sensitive 2020, indeed is a year of
issue (especially nowadays) because double-double... a double
of the alarming rate of suicide commemoration from both sides!
cases here in our province of Capiz. Whether Catholic or Protestant –
It is even more debilitating that both are Christians... and both
more & more young people are considerations are significant.
becoming involved in this fiasco. We can celebrate both at the
As a Catholic, we are being same time! The Bible is the holy
taught of the sanctity of life. And book of all Christian sects.
no matter what life brings us, Ecumenism is the movement that
suicide must never be an option. We unifies all Christian communities.
have to face life’s adversities with It is a Great Jubilee Year of the
all hope & courage. (Allaga) Christian religion! (Allaga)

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SY 2019-2020
La Primavera Issue No. 1

-FEATURE-

Admin, Faculty & Staff

Rev. Fr. Ryan Francis F. Barrios………………………………………………………………...………………..…….School Director
Mrs. Rosalie S.Halaba………………………………………………………………………..….Teacher-in-Charge/School Registrar
Mr. Virgilio M. Hapitan…………………………………………………………..……...…Administrative Officer/Prefect of Discipline
Mrs. Brigida P. Patriarca…………………………………………………………………………………………………Finance Officer

Mr. Razel C. Villanueva……………………..Grade 12 Adviser Mrs. Cherry B. Lumio………………..……….Grade 6 Adviser

Mr. Jose Radin L. Garduque……….…..…..Grade 11 Adviser
Ms. Marvie Me D. Distor…………………….Grade 10 Adviser
Ms. Jackelyn C. Castaño…………………….Grade 9 Adviser
Ms. Angelyn F. Santos……………….……….Grade 8 Adviser
Ms. Joelyn B. Rubio…………………………..Grade 7 Adviser
Ms. Tiffany Joyce A. Escalera……………….Grade 5 Adviser
Ms. Mary Grace V. Eder…………...…………Grade 4 Adviser
Ms. Sheryl F. Casimero………………..……..Grade 3 Adviser
Mr. Jay-r Faja………………………………….Grade 2 Adviser
Ms. Rienalyn A. Igdanes……………..………Grade 1 Adviser

Mrs. Aime Pacardo………….………….……Pre-Elem Adviser Sr. Angela Suni, OSBS………………....…Spiritual Counselor

Ms. Liezl Domingo…………………….……Volunteer Teacher Sr. Giuditta Penuelo, OSBS…………….…..Religious Studies
Ms. Clairol Joy Damian……………………Volunteer Teacher Sr. Emerenziana T. Elecierto, OSBS…..….Religious Studies

Mrs. Jennalyn T. Bering……………….…………………………………………………………………………………...…..…..Bursar

Mr. Fernando B. Errabo……………………..…………………………………….…………………………..………………….…Utility
Mr. Joedan Ehiga………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Security Guard
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SY 2019-2020
La Primavera
-PROFILES-
Aime Pacardo
A native of Bungsuan, Dumarao, Capiz, Ma’am Aime “Aim-Aim”
Palomo Pacardo was born in 10/27/1992. Her Father is Estanislao P.
Palomo & her mother is Vergenia G. Palomo.
She had her elementary & secondary education in Bungsuan
Elementary School & Bungsuan National Highschool, respectively. She
graduated her Bachelor of Elementary Education from Capiz State
University in year 2014.
Her 1st & 2 nd jobs were in Gaisano Capital as Checker & Verifier,
respectively. A LET Passer, her 3rd & 4th job was being a Volunteer
Teacher first in Immaculate Heart of Mary Child Learning Center, then
in Salcedo Elementary School before becoming a teacher here in
OLSI.
A badminton player, when asked about her motto in life, she
simply answered: “If others can, why can’t I?”(Kyla Villazana)
Tiffany Joyce Escalera
A resident of Tamulalod, Dumarao, Capiz, Ma’am Tiffany Joyce
Abalecio Escalera was born in Iloilo City on Aug. 22, 1996 as the
daughter of Wilfredo Escalera & Flordeliza Escalera.
A graduate of both Catholic Schools in her elementary (IHMCLC)
& highschool (OLSI), she completed her college at West Visayas State
University-Main with the course, Bachelor of Secondary Education
(BSEd) – Major in Physical Science.
Another LET Passer, she landed her first job as a Call Center
Agent in IQOR before becoming a Science Teacher in her highschool
Alma Mater.
Here once again as a loyal OLSI Alumna, she is giving her full
commitment & dedication as Grade V Adviser & as Drum & Lyre Corps
(DLC) Coordinator. When asked why she wanted to teach in her
highschool Alma Mater, she simply claimed she just wanted to help
her (OLSI). (Khea Lee Halamane)
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Issue No. 1
Sheryl Casimero
Ma’am Sheryl F. Casimero hails all the way from Dumalag. Born
in Brgy. Consolacion (of the said town) in June 13, 1996, she is a
daughter of Elinito T. Lariosa & Dominga C. Febrada.
She graduated her elementary from Consolacion Elementary
School, her highschool from CCGNHS and her college from Colegio
Dela Purisima Concepcion with the degree, Bachelor of Secondary
Education.
Also a LET (Licensure Examination for Teachers) Passer, it is
her 1st job being a Teacher here in OLSI! With “pink” as her favorite
color, this lovely & loving adviser of OLSI Grade 3 pupils, Ma’am
“She”, is also being called by her pupils as “Ma’am Gwapa” and by her
co-teachers as “Ma’am Casi” (in reference to the pretty antagonist of
the TV program, “Kadenang Ginto”). (Navem Alonzo)
Jose Radin Garduqe
Born in Makati City on September 10, 1987, Sir Jose Radin “Rad”
Llorca Garduque is the son of Wilfredo H. Garduque (a native of
Dumarao, Capiz) & Leticia R. Llorca (a native of Oas, Albay).
Among the graduates of “Millenium Batch” of Dumarao Central
School in year 2000 (elementary), he was also among the graduates
of OLSI Batch 2004 (secondary). He finished his tertiary education
from the University of the Philippines with double majors: BA
Broadcast Communication & History.
After graduating from college, his 1st job was as a Laborer in
Capiz Provincial Capitol, then as a Tutor in Fermat Academy. He then
became a Teacher in CapSU-Dumarao for 5 years and worked as an
Encoder in the Local Government Unit of Dumarao.
A LET Passer (BSED Social Studies) and having earned 36 units
of Master of Arts in Teaching Social Science from Filamer Christian
University, this OLSI Alumnus was destined to return to his highschool
Alma Mater now as a Teacher.
SY 2019-2020
La Primavera Issue No. 1

-LITERARY-

Distress into Success

Since I was a child, the Blessed Virgin Mary has been part of my prayers everytime before I go to sleep and after I wake up.
There are times my invocations focus only on her. Sometimes, when I am asking for something, I ask it from her…

“…there was one day when I became very weak & exhausted, I cannot forget it when I blamed Mama Mary & spoke a
lot of bad words to her. One night, I felt very tired. I cannot resist to close my eyes & sleep, despite being aware nga wala pa
ako nakatuon for our long exam which would be on the following day. As I closed my eyes, I prayed to Mama Mary to wake me
up early (mga 5 AM) so I can study. The next day, I woke up at 7:18!… 7:00 AM ang amon long exam. Una nga naguwa sa
heart ko ang mga masakit nga salita sa pagbasol kay Mama Mary, kaangay sg: ‘Wala ka kaluoy!’ Wala kapaligo, wala
kapamahaw, wala kapanghimos mayad, wala katuon, nagdiretso ako sa school. Pag-abot sa classroom, nakapungko na ang
tanan. Sir Kevin Piamonte was fixing something on the TV. Sa CD kuno ya amon test. Moments later, he declared that there
was a technical problem. Wala nadayon ang amon test! Then, he gave us a perfect score! I looked guiltily & said sorry to the
picture of Mama Mary hanged above the blackboard of that room. Humanities AVR – that was the only room in our
department nga may picture ni Mama Mary!” (Excerpt from the College Memoir/Autobiography of Jose Radin Garduque)

And so… my unforgettable real-life eye opener, wake-up call, realization or learning experience about Mama Mary
happened not during my highschool in OLSI… but during my college in UP.

-7-
SY 2019-2020
La Primavera Issue No. 1

-POETRY-

Exaltation to Mary: Adoration to Mary:

Queen of Heavenly Hosts Mother of Virtues

To God be the glory Our Mother in Heaven, we adore you

For enthroning you, Mama Mary Our Mother Mary – Mother of Every Christian Virtue
As Queen of Heavenly Host Receive this adoration from your children
Among all queens– you are the foremost An adoration next to that of our Father in heaven

You are the Most Blessed Queen Oh Mama Mary, source of our Christian Virtues
The Queen of Heavenly Hosts, free of sin Of all the mothers, you are the one we choose
The heavenly hosts bow down to you, oh Queen Mary Your virtuous children will adore you forever
Oh Heavenly Queen, to you also glory be. Glory be to you also, our Heavenly Mother.

Amen. Amen.

Adoration to Mary: Exaltation to Mary:

Mother of Christianity Queen of the Universe

We adore you, our Heavenly Mother Glory to God in the highest

We adore you next to our Heavenly Father For crowning Mama Mary among the rest
Oh Mother of Christianity As Queen of the Universe
You are our Holy Mother, oh Mama Mary Queen of all Catholic/Universal believers

Holy Mary, Mother of Christianity You are the Queen of all terrestrial & celestial entities
Mother of the religion of Christian community The planets, the moons, the stars & the galaxies
You are holy, you are immaculate God bless the Universe for having Mama Mary
Glory be to you also, the Mother we consecrate. Oh Universal Queen, to you also glory be.

Amen. Amen.

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SY 2019-2020
La Primavera Issue No. 1

-ARTWORK-

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La Primavera Issue No. 1

-PHOTO ESSAY-
Just like the children before thee

We are at thy feet

-CENTERFOLD-
SY 2019-2020
La Primavera Issue No. 1

-PHOTO ESSAY
We trudge both rain & heat

Just like a Living Rosary

-CENTERFOLD-
SY 2019-2020
La Primavera Issue No. 1

-ARTWORK-

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-PHOTOS-
Editorial Staff

Nursery – St. Clare

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La Primavera Issue No. 1

-PHOTOS-
Kinder 1- St. Clare

Kinder 2 – St. Clare

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La Primavera Issue No. 1

-PHOTOS-
Grade 1- St. Vincent Ferrer

Grade 2 – St. John the Baptist

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-PHOTOS-
Grade 3 – St. Mark the Apostle

Grade 4 – St. Anthony of Padua

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-PHOTOS-
Grade 5 – St. Augustine of Hippo

Grade 6 – St. Francis of Assisi

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-PHOTOS-
Grade 7 – St. Joseph the Worker

Grade 8 – St. Lorenzo Ruiz

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-PHOTOS-
Grade 9 – St. John Paul II

Grade 10 – St. Therese of the Child Jesus

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La Primavera Issue No. 1

-PHOTOS-
Grade 11 – St. Mary, Mother of Jesus

Grade 12 – St. Pedro Calungsod

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SY 2019-2020
La Primavera Issue No. 1

-EXTRO-

Our Lady of the Snows Institute

The Catholic School of the Archdiocese of Capiz
Poblacion, Dumarao, Capiz

Vision
Our Lady of the Snows Institute, as a member of the Archdiocesan Schools of Capiz, is a Christ-centered
learning institution engaged to two-fold mission of giving quality Christian education and formation in
Catholic faith based on the virtues of Our Lady of the Snows, reaching out to others as an active agent of
evangelization and a catalyst towards the transformation of the church and society according to the ideals of the
gospel.

Mission
Our Lady of the Snows Institute is committed to:
1. Provide holistic education and faith-based formation in order to develop graduates who are
MAKA-DIYOS, MAKATAO, MAKA-BAYAN at MAKA-KALIKASAN.
2. Uphold the standards of excellence in faculty, personnel, programs and services.
3. Cultivate communion among stakeholders through Basic Ecclesial Community.
4. Develop empowered and competent faculty & staff.

Goals and Objectives

1. To offer program in basic education.
2. Provide opportunities for academic growth and development of students, teachers & staff.
3. To address health, economic, political, socio-cultural environment and religious challenges through
community service and extension program.
4. Foster to our students, teachers and personnel the moral & spiritual oneness.
5. To preserve and appreciate the rich cultural history and religious traditions of the municipality.

Core Values
 Love of God and country
 Honesty & Integrity
 Service through Education

I-INSIDE BACK COVER-

 Cover Story:
With high hopes & by God’s grace, that’s how we are going to bring back OLSI to its former glory…
or much better! Look at the dark clouds… they are going away. The bright ones are coming. No wind
and rain can bring us much pain. No earthquake can prevent our remake. No fire can raze our desire.
Like a phoenix in demise, from the ashes of our past we shall arise. The morning sun’s new glory shall
soon radiate in OLSI! All together, let us shout, “OLSI 2020: Bring Back the Glory!”