Divine Word College of Laoag DWCL
DWCLaoag Family celebrated a thanksgiving mass in commemoration of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the 143 years of the Society of the Divine Word, the 72th Foundation Anniversary of the Divine Word College of Laoag, and the loyalty to service of eight (8) awardees.
Rev. Fr. Romeo Fajardo, SVD, PHN Provincial, the Presider and Homilist was joined by his confreres, fellow SVD Priests and Diocesan Priests. Excerpt of Rev. Fr. Fajardo’s homily reflected reiteration of the school’s mission, appreciation of the employees, more particularly the awardees, and ardent love for the Divine Word. “… Our society through you and through your dedication there will be justice, peace, truth and love because we develop intellectual expertise of our students, our co-employees for God and country…” “…In the educational institution the word FOREVER is described as “until RETIREMENT do us part” and that is forever! So Forever is not an impossibility but a possibility…” “… It is the love of the Divine Word, It is the love of Christ that impels you to commit to His mission and to the mission of the Divine Word College of Laoag…”
DWCL gave recognition to eight (8) employees for loyal service. Mr. Victor Esteban A. Agno and Ms. Lucia M. Juan – 35 years, Ms. Joselyn G. Ballesteros – 30 years, Ms. Shey Pia G. Abaya and Ms. Margarita A. Galat – 20 years, Ms. Joanariza A. Aceret, Mr. John K. Chan and Ms. Sharon V. Sabado – 10 years.
Ms. Josie G. Ballesteros who represented the awardees expressed their collective sentiment on this momentous affair with the following lines culled from her dedication “…Divine Word College of Laoag is like a garden where we were all planted and nourished…” “…At this very moment there are just two very important words we would like to leave behind and express heartily – THANK YOU! Gratitude makes sense in our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow. Thank you so much for this great opportunity we were given, not just to work here for a living, but more importantly, to grow in wisdom and be nourished abundantly in all aspects of life…” “…It is my fervent prayer that we always aim to work as one family and truly live by our Vision and Mission as witnesses to the Divine Word, practicing the values of integrity, social resposibility, excellence, evangelization, spirituality, honesty, teamwork and hard work. As nurtured divinians, may we never get tired of spreading and evangelizing HIS WORD, making life brighter in the light of the WORD…” “…Let us be greatful to people who continuously support, inspire and make us happy… and above all, the GREAT GARDENER who makes our souls bloom, the DIVINE WORD…”
Rev. Fr. President Nerio Joseph A. Artienda, SVD likewise inspired the awardees with his very personalized commendation of each awardee. Miss Asuncion Bumanglag, the master of ceremonies kept the awarding rite well organized which made this event a remarkable one.