And the best of them is Faith …

Katherine Faith Adalem Maddela-Bustos. Does it ring a bell? At a glance, maybe not. But when you get more up-close and personal, you will discover that there’s more to the name that spells her good fate which is anchored on faith.

Yes, Katherine Faith, surely embodies all the Christian virtues of love, hope and faith, but faith – it is, that catapulted her to the pinnacle of success when she was selected as one of the 10 lucky awardees out of the multitudes of best Philippine mentor nominees to win in the 2016  Metrobank Foundation, Inc. Search for Outstanding Teachers, a nationwide annual recognition program that honors the best shining examples of unstinting dedication, competence and commitment to the teaching profession.

“Excellence begins from ourselves,” thus declared Kathy in her early memory gems which clearly manifests her faith in herself and other individuals.

“A developed individual can help his fellow individual to be as developed as himself. In this case, we can build a developed community until we build an excellent country.”

Does her voice sound familiar? Yes, if we take a closer look at the main objectives of the Metrobank Foundation’s search, we can surmise the gift of her fated message then as a foreshadowing of her fated contribution to the country’s main thrusts through her chosen field of education.

To cap her foreboding visions, we quote her once more: “We, the individuals, are not only considered as the building blocks of our country. We are also compared to the foundation of a building. Without the foundation, the building would collapse easily. With individuals as the foundation, we can attain excellence for our country.”

These prophetic lines are taken from her award-winning essay in the National Youth Congress at Teacher’s Camp Baguio City, where she represented the AC Science High School in the on-the spot essay writing contest besting about 640 other essayists of the country in the English category. Katherine Faith was then the Editor-in-Chief of the H.S. Paragon.

As a Campus Student Organization adviser, coach and Dean of Student Affairs then, I had the rare privilege of witnessing Ms. Madella’s amazing transformation, from prolific childhood in the AC Elementary School where she graduated as First Honors, her teen-blossoming in the AC Science High School as a Salutatorian, to mature adulthood metamorphosis brightly shining in the tertiary school, still at Aldersgate College, where she gained most of her laurels.

Now, let us take her more seriously. She had occupied major positions in different student organizations such as President of the Supreme Student Council, College of Arts, Sciences and Education Supreme Council, Scholars and Service Grantees Society, Speech and Drama Club and Student Crime Prevention Council.

She was inevitably the Editor-in-Chief of the College Paragon for two consecutive years from 2002-2003 and 2003-2004.

At the Louisian National Campus Journalism Seminar-Workshop, Katherine Faith pegged first place in Feature Writing and third place in Sports Writing in the PENSTROKE 2003. Through her leadership, the College PARAGON won as Best Publication in the Newsletter Category.

Then at the Luzonwide Press Conference, she grabbed these awards: 3^rd place Copyreading and Headline Writing (English) while at the Regional Tertiary Press Conference, she settled for 3^rd place in Copyreading and Headline Writing (English), 4^th place in Photojournalism, 8^th place in Feature Writing (English) and Individual Highest Pointer for Feature Writing and Sports Writing while the PARAGON settled for 2^nd place in Best Feature Page (English).

I was with her as her coach-adviser in the National Congress for College Students for two consecutive years from 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 where she won 4^th place in Tuklas Talino (Quiz Bee), one of top 10 finalists in the Impromptu Speech and Essay Writing Contests and one of the editors of the Congress Balita Newsletter.

Because of her outstanding and exemplary feats in academics, co- and extracurricular activities and community-spiritual services, Ms. Maddela proved to be a great booster in the attainment of the goals and objectives of the Student Personnel Services and the school in general during those fateful years of her colorful stint in the College.

Her outstanding and exemplary performance boosted her to gain the top awards upon her graduation in the BSED course of the College of Arts, Sciences and Education in the year 2004. These included: Founder’s Medal for Academic Excellence (for Top Graduate), Curricular Achievement Award in Education, Excellence in Leadership, Excellence in Journalism, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Achievement Award in Leadership, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Achievement Award in Academic Excellence; Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines, Regional Level; and, Top 4 Awardee TOSP Nominee, National Level Search.

These numerous awards and accolades plus many other relatively minor awards and citations she had received which, when we mention them all would take us kilometric pages, were more than enough credentials to ensure her automatic employment in pursuance of her chosen profession.

True enough, for she was instantly absorbed as a Secondary School Teacher at Solano High School for two years and then at the Nueva Vizcaya General Comprehensive High School, Bayombong. At the same time, she enrolled and finished with flying colors her Master of Education Degree at NVSU Bayombong Campus with Best Masteral Thesis Award and finally her Doctor of Education degree at NVSU Bambang Campus garnering with Distinction Award.

Whew! A real whirlwind of achievements!

As if these were not enough, she was also awarded as 2015 Outstanding Master Teacher 1 and a passer of the National Qualifying Examination for School Heads or Principal Test.

Her latest victories include her feats in Community Services that involve her journalism and technological acumen. She was the Editor-in-Chief of the 2016 CAVRAA Bulletin and NV Flash, contributor of IP Voice, and the Brigada Eskwela Bulletin 2016. She is currently a Master Teacher 1 at NVGCHS and a part-time Professor at Aldersgate College Graduate School.

The fate of Faith as one of the Philippine’s Ten Outstanding Teachers was strongly backed up and supported by her innovation in the field of teaching. She advocated the blended learning approach which promotes the integration of online and face-to-face environments. She pioneered the NVGCHS English online Facebook page through which the academic discussions continued on line leading to better performance of the students. She also organized the Tuesday Reading Clinic which aimed to assess students’ reading levels and improve their reading skills.

The Governor of the province congratulated Katherine Faith through a letter that reads: “Thank you for putting our province in the limelight. Your selfless dedication in the teaching profession as manifested in your remarkable accomplishments became instrumental in your garnering one of the 10 slots in the recently concluded search.” MBFI President Aniceto “Chito” Mangahas Sobrepeña likewise congratulated the search winners in his upholding Katherine Faith’s prophetic message in that award-winning national essay earlier mentioned as he echoed: “Teachers are the backbone of nation-building efforts. Through their use of effective teaching strategies and their involvement in community projects outside the classroom, they are able to mold the next generation of Filipinos to work for social progress.”

To which Madam Kathy remarked humbly, “I never expected this award much less to be nominated as MBFI’s Outstanding Teacher. I just did my best in everything I do as part of my job and responsibility. With or without this award, I will continue to press on toward the goal as a teacher – giving not just quality education but a better future for the young people of this nation.” Her motherly figure in the campus augurs well with her students as her children for Kathy is blessed with two kids – Aries Khristian, 19, 4^th year College BSIT student of Aldersgate College and Ascher Keith, 16, Grade 10 also at AC. She is the daughter of the late Ariston L. Maddela and Dr. Prescilla Esperanza A. Soriano, the President of Aldersgate College. Out of a record-breaking 534 nominees in the 32-year history of the Search, Dr. Katherine Faith Adalem Maddela-Bustos joins the ranks of 346 outstanding teachers who have been honored by the foundation since 1985.

The best of times.

Never losing her sight on her dreams, she turned her childlike visions into mature realities by keeping her faith in herself, in people and most of all, in God.

Indeed, the fate of Madam Katherine Faith is anchored best on Faith.#bcd

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AURORA, Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya, June 9 – The newly constructed Aldersgate College Women’s Center in this barangay was officially turned over by Hiroyuki “Hiro” Enoki, First Secretary and labour Attache, Economic Section of the Japanese Embassy in Metro Manila to Aldersgate College represented by former President now Philippine Christian University Dr. Junifen F. Gauuan and Dr. Prescilla Esperanza A. Soriano, President here today.

Welcoming the group was Dr. Soriano who thanked the Japanese Embassy particularly Hiroyuki for donating the Women’s Center worth more or less 4 Million Pesos which strengthens the bond between Japan and the Philippines. Through Japan’s fund assistance, it is hoped that Aldersgate College will be able to pursue its goals to empower rural women and families; to confront the multiple dimensions of poverty; and to attain economic self-sufficiency anchored on their own needs, capabilities, and priorities.

Acting Governor Epifanio LD. Galima Jr., vice chairman of the Board of Trustees of Aldersgate College, delivered the first message thanking the government of Japan represented by Hiroyuki. He apologized for the absence of Governor Ruth R. Padilla who was supposed to grace the occasion because she wen on an extended leave.

The AC Women’s Center is built on a 13-hectare lot of Aldersgate College which was bought in 1998 and it was worth P260,000 according to Dr. Gauuan who was then the President of AC.

Next to deliver a message was Quezon Mayor Aurelio S. Salunat who extended his gratitude to Hiro and AC for this training center for women as well as men. As president of the Nueva Vizcaya PUblic School Teachers’ Association (NVPSTA) for more than 30 years now, he thanked Dr. Romeo Yarcia, Vizcaya Advocate editor-in-chief and NVPSTA officer for supporting him. He is also the president of the Municipal Mayor’s League of Nueva Vizcaya. He apologized for the absence the invited vice mayor and all municipal councilors of Quezon. He said he was elected mayor in 2007 and continued as elected mayor up to the present for almost nine years. With the presence of the FCF Mining Corp. in Runruno, Quezon, he said that hopefully, in God’s time, Quezon will become a city.

Speaking of his accomplishments in Quezon, Salunat said that the provincial and national roads in Quezon are now cemented. A gymnasium in front of the Municipal Hall in Quezon is being constructed with 7.5 million from the funds of Cong. Carlos M. Padilla and P2.5 from Governor Ruth R. Padilla’s funds. Other projects include bridges, and other infrastructure projects.

A final message was given by Hiro who first congratulated Aldersgate College officers for the successful completion of the project. He also expressed his sincere gratitude and respect to all, including Aldersgate College, the provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya, and the Local Government Unit of Quezon, who have committed their time and effort for the realization of this project.

Hiro said, “As you know, Nueva Vizcaya is one of the poorest provinces in the country. As an agricultural province, we are aware that the people of Nueva Vizcaya are heavily dependent on seasonal and traditional agriculture work and we know that it is very difficult to earn a decent income from these small farm activities. Sadly, this situation only worsens the rural poverty incidence in Nueva Vizcaya. To combat the effects of poverty, it is a must that all members of the society, including the women are able to actively contribute to the economic growth of their community. In Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe strongly implements the initiatives regarding women’s empowerment and gender equality because women empowerment is essential for a vibrant and growing society to create an environment where women can demonstrate their power to the fullest extent. ”

He added, “This project involves the construction of women’s training center and procurement of training equipment. The center will be a venue to conduct livelihood training for women not only in organic farming but also in food processing, marketing and organizational development.”

He hoped that this women’s training center will be used for the best interest and welfare of the beneficiaries and will help improve the living condition of the people of Municipality of Quezon, He also wished that this project will serve as a symbol of friendship and strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan.

He concluded that “last week, President Aquino paid a state visit to Japan on the invitation of the Government of Japan. During his visit, the further strengthening of the partnership between two countries has been committed. In this context, I would like t o assure you that the Government of Japan, as the top donor for the Philippines, will continue to remain strongly committed in providing development assistance to the Philippines in any way possible.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was then, held and led by Hiroyuki, Galima, Salunat, Gauuan, and Soriano. A tour of the women’s center was done by Hiroyuki, Glennie Tolentino, Japan Embassy representative, Galima, Salunat, Soriano, Dr. Romeo Bicad, Dr. Divina Gracia Apolonio, Engr. Josephine Jasmin, and EXECOM Committee.

The affair was also attended by Arthur Castriciones, acting head of Provincial Cooperative Affairs Office; Venerando A. Ildefonso, Senior Program Specialist, PCAO; Jennilyn Ballestra, Manager, Quezon United Peoples Credit Cooperative; Elza Malinar, Chairman, QUPCC; Marlyn Salazar, Manager, Calaocan Credit Coop; George Nahhog, Maasin Responsible Parents Credit Coop, Aldersgate College Deans, Directors, and Academic Support.

The program was emceed by Alexis Dumelod from the AC Office of student Affairs. #rjyarcia_Vizcaya_Advocate_VolumeXLIX_No.23

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With the theme “Celebrating 50 Years of Academic Excellence, Social Relevance and Spiritual Nurture” students, teachers, non-teaching staff, administrators and visitors gathered last January 12-17 at the Aldersgate College grounds to immortalize the 50th founding anniversary of the college.

The festive event set the mood for the week-long celebration that showcased different activities. A Thanksgiving Service graced by the United Methodist Church (UMC) Bishop Pedro M. Torio Jr. opened the fete. Church workers of the UMC flooded the grounds with their almost perfect attendance, rendered their song and actively participated during the service. Motorcade around the streets of Solano followed. The Anniversary Program was held afterwards in which the Vice Governor of Nueva Vizcaya, Hon. Epifanio LD. Galima delivered his greetings and message on the said occasion. Flying of Anniversary symbols, fireworks display and releasing of doves were also observed after which a boodle fight for the ACians took place. That afternoon, Spiritual Renewal through Bible Quiz, Bible Drill, Poster Making and other activities were done by the students. A Variety Show, which was conceived to show the talents of the employees and to generate funds for the other activities of the celebration was prepared by the AC employees, hyped the ACians’ first day of celebration which featured the dances and songs of the different decades. The Registrar, Accounting and ManCom Offices showed off in their 1960’s inspired presentation;the Elementary Department with their 70’s; the High School with their 80’s; the College of Engineering & Technology and School of Medical Sciences with their ‘90, the School of Informatics and Hospitality Management and the School of Business and Accountancy with their 2000’s and the College of Arts, Sciences & Education with their 2010’s. In the evening, Mr. Kevin John Maddela and the ABCM Students led the Campus Awakening which was an expose’ of inspirational songs, prayers and exhortation of Bible passages.
The morning activities of Day 2 featured the Talent Search for the Little Mr. and Miss Aldersgate College (Elementary Pupils) and Mr. and Miss Aldersgate College 2015 (High School and College Students). In the afternoon, the “Laro ng Lahi” was enjoyed by all students.The Pageant Proper which lasted for five hours concluded the day with the bets of the College of Arts, Science and Education, Orville Jan Padilla and Jhona Grace Estacio emerging as this year’s Mr. and Miss AC 2015, while Darrion Mighuel Flores, a grade six pupil and Rianni Kyrah Taguinod, a third grader bagged the Little Mr. & Ms. AC title respectively.
Day 3 gave the Faculty and staff a time to relax with their dance sessions and beauty hour with the Nail Insanity and Jayson Chua’s crew at the quadrangle while the students had a Film Viewing at the AVR and the Computer labs in the morning. The afternoon focused on the AC’s Got Talent Program. Students as well as employees showed their talents in a friendly competition on stage. In the elementary category, Mark Allen Munda, a Grade I pupil snatched the first place, Gleann Joy Protacio, a Grade 9 student in the Secondary School, Ma. Elaine Sersenia of the College of Engineering & Technology in the tertiary and Mr. Allan Paul Labog, the school’s property custodian won the heart of the judges in his saxophone rendition of a lovesong among the employees .
A Cook Fest kept the AC environment aromatic on the 4th day, (describe what happened). In the afternoon, AC employees gathered at the AVR to give recognition to the Pioneers of the institution. Former employees of the college as well as past and present incorporators, Members of the Board of Trustees, and other visitors who represented those who were not around and those who are deceased added glamour to the occasion as they listened to Dr. Myrna Viernes, former Vice President for Academic Affairs of the college who reminisced her experiences and observation during her stay at AC.The awardees received plaques of recognition for the services they rendered to AC.
The 5th day started with the Grand Parade around Solano participated in by all employees, students, and alumni with the floats of the different candidates for the Search for Mr. & Ms AC and Little Mr. & Ms. AC. Students were dressed in their festival costumes which made the parade colorful and catchy. Followed right after the parade was the playground demonstration which showcased the different festivals of the Philippines performed by the students at the grounds. The preschoolers danced their way to the quadrangle with their flower dance, elementary pupils boasted their Pahiyas and Pinatados Festivals with their colorful costumes and props, the high school startled the audience with their Maskara, Panagbenga and Buglasan Festivals while the college performed the mother of all festivals, the Ati-atihan.
In the evening, AC employees gathered at Balai Gloria for the GALA Night. Each of the employees was awarded a plaque of recognition for the services he/she rendered to Aldersgate College. The ceremony was highlighted by a ceremonial toast led by Dr. Junifen Gauuan, the Members Boards of Trustees, and  Dr. Prescilla A. Soriano, the President and the slicing of the Anniversary cake. Selected faculty members delivered their responses in appreciation of the awards they received. Gratitude to AC was the common content of their speeches. Dance numbers from the employees heightened the celebration.
The last day was a day for the Alumni. The day was focused on sports. All Alumni groups that came nestled on each of the booths that were prepared for them as they watched the games. Each group prepared their own food and dined together, some booths enjoyed videoke singing. The championship games which was suspended during the Alumni Homecoming last December was culminated that day.PBA players were invited to grace the occasion. The Exhibition Games between them and the Alumni Varsity plaeyrs took place at the Dacayo Community Center. This was sponsored by the High School General Alumni Association President Engr. Eric Van Sesbreño. In the evening was the alumni Night. The alumniwere entertained by the faculty and staff with their dance and song numbers. The alumni in return presented their numbers,and the night concluded with the report of the alumni president.
Earlier, the Anniversary Logo Design making contest was executed and the winning logo was used in the souvenirs, tarpaulin, shirts and other memorabilia that were displayed, sold or given away to visitors and guests. The winning logo was designed by a H.S Alumnus Jobrahm Vincent Gauuan who was awarded a cash prize of Php5,000 donated by Allan Joe Orpia, also a H.S. Alumnus. Second prize winner was Karl Steven Maddela, and third was the tandem of Marlou Felix Cunanan and Erwil David Pasion.
The souvenir program for the said celebration and the coffee- table book will be published very soon and other activities for the the year-long commemoration of the golden anniversary of the college will progress for every ACian to wait.
The success of the celebration is attributed to the concerted efforts of the administration, faculty, staff and students under the leadership of Dr. Prescilla Esperanza A. Soriano, the Chairman of the Management Committee of Aldersgate College.#dwight

To provide students with an insight into the their career paths, industries  and opportunities , the Office of the Congressman, headed by former PRC Commissioner  Ruth R. Padilla  conducted a Career Orientation Program for third year students  with their parents at the school’s Audio-Visual Room on October 19, 2012.

                The COP was launched early last year and gained positive results and feedbacks among schools that benefited the program hence its conduct was anticipated in all high schools like Aldersgate College.

Padilla as the project coordinator of the COP, gave an overview and the objectives of the program at the opening. She said, this program was established by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for fourth year students but since entrance examinations for college have been facilitated in the month of September, October and November, she initiated to conduct it for the third year students in preparation for the courses they would take in stepping to college and what courses need entrance examination.

She also added that this orientation program was established through the cooperation of the DepEd, TESDA, PRC, DOLE, CHED, DOST and the Association of Guardian Facilitator of Nueva Vizcaya.

To further the information to students, the committee presented video clips containing the DOLE Project JobsFit 2020 that proposed the courses and jobs that are needed for the present and what will boom in the future.  It also gave the students a background of the different courses to take and what jobs will lead to these courses.

After the video presentation, Ms. Eva Doniego of the TESDA lectured the ladderized education – which some colleges in the province are already implementing like Aldersgate College. Technical and Vocational courses which could be an alternative to those who will not qualify to degree courses or are not financially capable.

She also explained the significance of the k to 12 policy, stressing that a student who graduated in a five-year high school can already work applying what he has learned. He will receive a certificate coming from the TESDA that will license him to find a job.

Other speakers who are members of the core team enlightened the students and parents about the courses they finished and the benefits they are getting form their jobs.

The parents were given chances to ask questions, verify what they have heard and ask for agencies that could offer scholarships for their children which were positively answered by Doniego of the TESDA.

Dr. Prescilla Soriano, the Senior Executive Assistant for Education (SEXAE) gave her message to the students, parents and thank the core group for sponsoring this activity at the beginning of the program and Dr.Divina Gracia Apolonio, the principal expressed her thanks too to the group in conclusion.

“I gained much from the program, it gave me an idea of what course to take”, said, Elgin Amaranto, a third year student in his grateful remarks.”