First Catholic school opens in Sabang Sibunag, Guimaras, Philippines
On June 9, 2003, the doors of Notre Dame Academy were opened for the first
time to welcome eager kindergarteners. Notre Dame Academy is the first Catholic
school in Sabang Sibunag, Guimaras. The Sisters of Notre Dame first came
to the island of Guimaras on October 1, 2000 in response to the request of
the Archbishop of Iloilo to work among the poor people of the area.
The sisters began their missionary outreach among the poorest in Sabang
Sibunag, the southeast part of the island of Guimaras. They first needed
to become
acquainted with the people and culture and to begin learning the language
and needs of the islanders. Many families lacked education for their children
and the basic needs of literacy and health. The sisters began their ministry
of teaching by initiating non-formal education for out-of-school children.
The opening of the kindergarten began the first phase of formal education
in Sibunag. The classes were held in a bamboo and nipa hut until the
completion of the school and the sisters’ house, which were dedicated in early
2004. At present, there are classes for kindergarten through third grade
in the school with plans for more grades to be added in the future.
