Institutional and Community History

Notre Dame of Makilala, Inc. saw its first dawn in 1960 when the town was only 6 years old making headway to its infant development. With the town progressing and gradually growing in number, an ardent desire for a Catholic Secondary School was also conceived, especially from the devoted Catholic parents who could not afford to send their children to the Catholic schools in the vicinity.

Moved by the peoples’ entreaty, Rev. Fr. Joseph Quinn, OMI, Parish Priest of the town then, together with the first manager of Firestone Rubber Processing Plant and several lay leaders of the Parish, made a petition to the Bishop of Cotabato, Most Rev. Gerard Mongeau. The Bishop, too felt the need of the people and so presented it to the Superior General of the Congregation of the Religious of the Virgin Mary. Since education is one of the congregation’s apostolates, the Mother General understood and heeded the petition. Thus, with its approval, they immediately scout for space and bought a parcel of land from a certain Mr. Eustaquio Traya. This area was of walking distance from the commercial center and very accessible to public conveyances.

It was on May 26, 1960 when the school had its first enrolment of 143 first and second year students. The first day of classes was on June 13 of that year. In the succeeding years, enrollment gradually improved and additional classrooms were constructed. In March of 1963, the school held its very first Graduation with 52 students.

However, in the midst of such a success, the school, however, also experienced trials as the number of enrollees dropped down due to the opening of barrio High Schools and the Municipal High School of Makilala. The greatest of these trials, though, was the FIRE, which was of an unknown origin, that razed Notre Dame of Makilala to the ground on January 17, 1977. The Sisters, headed by S. Ma. Pilar Jorge, RVM and teachers bravely faced the ordeal and held classes in the Church with the permission of the bishop of the Prelature of Kidapawan.

After the fall was the inevitable rise, which was manifested when the school was erected again through the generous help of Most Rev. Federico J. Escaler, SJ, DD, with Rev. Fr. Primo Hagad, other Notre Dame Schools and RVM schools. And so, in the school year 1978-1979, the school, fresh and new, stood up again with pride for it was completed out of the love and unity of the people. The Principal, S. Ma. Estelita Padernal, RVM and the Faculty and Staff truly glowed with joy for not only did they recover but had also acquired laboratory equipment and facilities. Likewise, the acquisition of the Practical Arts Building, used as the center for Non-Formal Education, was from donations from benevolent benefactors from Caritas Verband of Germany.

In school year 1980-81 towards the end of 1982, the SPO with its adviser, S. Ma. Rachel Bernardo, RVM, initiated the construction of the roofing of the pathway from the main building to Practical arts building, construction of comfort rooms and benches, expansion of the stage and to top it all, the construction of the SPO building. With the grace of God, the school continually improved academically and socially. In 1983-84 the school opened its ERDA Kindergarten classes and Operation Headstart for incoming High School students.

In 1985, ND Makilala Inc. turned a new leaf as it celebrated its Silver Jubilee. The Principals and Superiors for the inclusive silver years were S. Ma. Luz Mercado, RVM (1960), S. Ma. Raymunda Reformina, RVM (1960-63), S. Ma. Caridad Monleon, RVM (1964-65), S. Ma. Apolinaria Tambien, RVM (1969-72), S. Ma. Consuelo Pacaña, RVM (1973-75), S. Ma. Pilar Jorge, RVM (1975-79), S. Ma. Estelita Padernal, RVM and S. Ma. Eduarda Belo, RVM (1979-82), S. Ma. Myrna Querol, RVM (1983-85), and S. Ma. Annie Balatayo, RVM (1985-86).

In 1986-87, with S. Ma. Raymunda Cañada, RVM as Principal, the school’s enrolment increased and improvements were made such as an indoor stage in the building and provisions for drinking fountain. In the following year, 1987-88, fence construction was initiated. And despite the free public high school education, the school reached its projected enrolment proving the school’s academic standard.

The entry of S. Ma. Elvira Venturina, RVM in the year 1989–90 came with another wave of improvements such as renovation and painting of the comfort rooms and concreting of the pathway going to the canteen. By the following school year, still with S. Ma. Elvira as Principal, the administration building was built and the teachers were able to have their retreat in Manila.

In response to God’s call exposure/reach-out, seminar, supplemental feeding were extended to Sta. Felomina. Also Non-Formal Education for adults and Out-of-School Youth who wanted to learn tailoring and dressmaking, among other skills, was opened. It was also during the school year of 1991-92 that the completion of the concrete extension of the school’s stage materialized.

The school years 1992–96 with S. Ma. Gloria Gacasan, RVM as Principal were years of Faculty development. Seminars and trainings to enhance classroom education were well participated. They were also years of triumph as the school won several competitions in academics, athletics and DTI contests.

The school year 1997-98 marked the acquisition of NDMI’s first vehicle, a Toyota Tamaraw FX. The school years following up to 2003 was headed by S. Ma. Nelly Aniñon, RVM. During that time, extensive training was given to teachers. The teachers participated in the annual INSET Training given by FAPE-NDEA, RVM-EAP seminars that were sponsored by book companies. It was also during this year that the hall divisions were repaired.

By the school year 2003-2004, the school had a new principal, S. Ma. Cynthia Micabalo, RVM and the school actively joined contests, both in the municipal and provincial levels and won: COPRISAA’s singing, folk dance and pop dance–champion, Makilala’s Anniversary Drum and Bugle Corps– champion, PMT Monitoring, Evaluation and Test–champion and the Provincial HINUGYAW Festival – 2^nd place.

The School Years 2004–09, were years of enthusiasm and energy in the leadership of the Principal, S. Ma. Rosita R. Malonda, RVM. In those 5 years, with her at the helm of school administration, doors were opened for school improvement as well as opportunities for academic, spiritual, and personal growth of the people in the institution. To name but a few of these are the following:

• The implementation of the Sacred Environmental Time (SET), wherein time is allotted to clean the 5-hectare school area with each class having an assigned area once a month;

• Renovation of the library building for students’ convenience in study and research; and the SPO Building, now called Mother Ignacia Multi-Purpose Building and catering as venue for seminars, conferences. recollections, AVR, etc.;

• Mass Sponsorship every M-W-F, third Sunday of the month, first Fridays and other holy days of obligation;

• The full realization of this venue, our school mini-gym, where the Graduation of March 2009 was held;

• Acquisition of new plastic chairs (donation of graduating students)

• Temporary opening of Pre-school

• The construction of the 3-storey academic building

During those years with S. Ma. Rosita R. Malonda, RVM, the school continued to excel academically as evidenced by the consistent inclusion in the top 10 in Cotabato Division since NCAE began (#’s 9, 6, 7, and 5). The school was #6 for the best performing private school in the division of Cotabato, Champion in the NDEA Quiz Competition and the Diocese Vocation Quiz Contest, and COPRISAA’s Literary Musical Champion in folk dance, Pop Dance, Oration, Extemporaneous Speech, and 2^nd place for Declamation.

In the school year 2009-2010, with S. Ma. Jocelyn G. Gerarde, RVM as the school principal, the 3 storey-academic building was blessed by Rev. Fr. Armando Angeles, DCK, Vicar of the Diocese of Kidapawan and Rev. Fr. Arnel Cabrera, DCK, parish priest last September 8, 2009. The school also launched its Golden Jubilee last September 27, 2009. Its culmination is set September 8, 2010.

The following year 2010-2011, with S. Ma. Arcelia J. Enguerra, RVM as the school principal the golden jubilee culmination was successfully celebrated. The RVM sisters, Alumni, parents, students, Faculty & staff and even the local government officials attended it. This year’s academic performance was very much commendable since it was recognized as top 5 achievers in the Division of Cotabato.

The School Years 2011 - 2017 is considered the years of dynamism through the leadership of S. Ma. Yolanda D. Capiña, RVM. In the span of two years, doors were opened for improvements such as the new computer and speech laboratories; the construction of the new kiosks, renovation of offices, computerized grading system, the acquisition of testing materials for both students and personnel; and intensified student services of the school canteen, laboratories, and clinic. As part of the 3-year preparations for the visit of the PAASCU, the school undertook major activities starting school year 2011-2013:(1)Reformulation of the school’s Vision- Mission statement, (2) Revision of the Administrative Manual in consultation with members of the Academic Community, (3) Revision of the Student Handbook, (4) Received the approved Amended By- Laws and Articles of the Incorporation,(5) Received from the SEC the Certificate of the Incorporation of the Notre Dame of Makilala- Personnel Administrative Faculty Association ( NDM- FAPAI) Incorporated, (6) Received the updated Government Recognition for First Year to Fourth Year from the DepEd, (7) The Finance Officer, S. Ma. Divina Consejo E. Billanes, RVM was able to comply the requirements on the proper documentation of the school plant and physical facilities and equipment. There was also an extensive training for teachers and students and granting scholarship for teachers for Post Graduate Education. Furthermore, the school continued the Community Involvement Program (CIP) at the adopted community. Another wave of opportunity for students to become competent individuals was offered such as joining and participating in different contests like NDEA Academic Contest- 3^rd place for two consecutive years, Science Camp, Math Challenge, Math Olympiad, NDEA Meet, COPRISA, Sports, Literary, Academic and Musical Competitions and Sinulog – Champion.

The school, through a loan, acquired a new Isuzu Crosswind XUV. The old Tamaraw FX was sold and the proceeds were used to purchase a multicab unit.

For the school year 2013-2014, the school welcomed S. Ma. Jovita Rebayla, RVM as the new Finance Officer. The school prepared for the Preliminary PAASCU Visit on October of that year. To better organize the school’s preparation, the school sought the expertise of Ms. Evelyn Victor (former Academic Coordinator and PAASCU Accreditor of St. Mary’s College of Quezon City). Based on her input, various alignments and revisions were made in the school policies, procedures, facilities, instruction, and services. The school clinic was moved from the old administration building to the new classroom building. The Preliminary PAASCU visit was fruitful based on the feedback from the accreditors.

In the latter days of March 2014 – the old building, which held various offices and classrooms, was stripped leaving only its foundation and pillars. Barricades were erected around the vicinity in preparation for the building’s renovation.

At the threshold of the school year 2014-2015, S. Ma. Gemma B. Navidad, RVM joined the community as Finance Officer. In that year, the school opened the Our Lady of Assumption Building 2 through a blessing held last June 28, 2014 which was attended by some RVM sisters in the Southern Mindanao jurisdiction. The said renovated building housed three classrooms, nine offices, a faculty room, conference room, storage room, and six comfort rooms. A distinct feature of the building is its spacious lobby with a statue of the Our Lady of the Assumption. Railings were added on elevated areas and stairways as recommended by the PAASCU team. To better serve the students, covered pathways from the OLA Bldg. 1 to OLA Bldg. 2 to MIDES mini-gym were added. Other new features in the school were the new drive way, guard house, and waiting shed in front of the school. Additional blue kiosks were placed near the basketball court.

On May 12, 2014 the school received the formal confirmation and certification from the PAASCU that the Notre Dame of Makilala, Inc. has passed the Preliminary PAASCU Visit. The PAASCU formal visit was scheduled on October 19-20, 2015. The school adopted a new concept of conducting the Intramurals. Instead of year level competitions, students were distributed to four (4) different teams; Excellencia, Sapientia, Amor and Inservio. This brought out the competitiveness of the students and faculty alike as the personnel were tasked to manage the teams.

On February 2, 2015, S. Ma. Luz S. Uy, RVM, celebrated her Golden Jubilee as an RVM Sister. The school sent three (3) Faculty personnel, one (1) parent and four (4) students to witness and act as school representatives for the event.

In the same school year, the school participated in various outside school competitions. Most notable were the four (4) qualifiers for the National Science Quest at Pasig City Elementary School last February 6 – 8, 2015. The school placed 5^th in the Impromptu Speaking, 6^th in the Thermo-Humidity Index Sci-dama and sent participants for grade 9 Individual Quiz and Thermo Sci-dama.

In the end, school-year 2014 – 2015 proved fruitful with the renovations of the administration building, excelling in various in and out- campus competitions, RVM Quality Roadmap and the application to offer academic tracks in the K – 12.

The dawn of school year 2015 – 2016, was met with cautious optimism. New faculty personnel and restructuring of personnel assignments coupled with improving systems and practices was a welcomed challenge for the coming PAASCU Formal Visit.

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of the Philippines found a new home in Notre Dame of Makilala, Inc. Its goal is to further instill nationalism, service, responsibility, discipline and leadership among the students. The school participated in Provincial Jamborees for BSP and GSP. Qualified Boy Scouts were also sent to participate in the National Jamboree held in Tagum City.

In the same school year, renowned athlete and alumnus Peter June Simon fulfilled his promise to rehabilitate the school’s basketball court. A court blessing and short program was done presided by Fr. Rey Villamonte, RCJ.

The school enjoyed success in some events of the COPRISA and NDEA Meet, especially, in the musical and academic contests. Most notable were the school’s NDMI Band and the teacher’s song duet that went on to compete in the Provincial Level.

On October 19 – 20, 2015, the school went through the PAASCU Formal Visit. Parents and members of the community extension became involved in the process. Six (6) months after the visit, the school received confirmation accreditation from the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines (FAAP) and Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) – granting the school Level 1 status for three (3) years.

Prayers for enhanced school security were answered by Batch 1990 as they donated four (4) CCTV cameras with a monitor and CPU. The said batch was host of the 2015 Alumni Homecoming celebrating their Silver Anniversary.

On January 15, 2016, the school received the permit to offer STEM, ABM and GAS in the Senior High School. A massive campaign was done to promote the school’s offering.

In the same school year, the school has again qualified in the National Science Quest and Math Olympiad. The school sent five (5) delegates to Baguio City in Impromptu Speaking, Sci-dama, Grade 10 Individual Quiz and Damath. The same delegates became the school’s witness and representative for the Silver Jubilee of S. Ma. Yolanda D. Capiña, RVM. This milestone was also witnessed by three (3) teachers in the RVM Mother House.

On February 25 – 28, 2016 the personnel had their Educational Tour. Part of their itinerary was Subangan Museum which showcased the lives of the indigenous people and the many wonders of Davao Oriental. The teachers were given well deserved time to unwind and rest in major tourist spots in Surigao del Sur.

On March 18, 2016, the school conducted the first moving up ceremonies in lieu of a graduation rite for the Grade 10 completers.

In the school year 2016 – 2017, Wilfredo M. Quibod offered scholarships for 70 learners, which made a considerable increase in the school’s enrolment along with the addition of the Senior High School.

The NDMI Senior High School opened its doors to 100 Grade 11 students. The school offered ABM, GAS and STEM. In the same year, S. Ma. Rosalina Eroy, RVM replaced S. Ma. Gemma as the Finance Officer. The school farm was now under the care of S. Ma. Lourdes Obenita, RVM.

The alumni Batch ’92 renovated the comfort rooms at the back of the MIDES Gym. The Our Lady of Lourdes grotto was renovated and was landscaped by the same batch.

The Parents – Teachers Association made a significant project through the purchase of six big wall fans and three big stand fans for the MIDES - Mini gym. This addressed the thermal discomfort experienced during programs.

The school community visited the Holy Door at the Our Lady of Mediatrix of all Graces Cathedral in Kidapawan City. This is in observance of the Year of Mercy as instructed by Pope Francis.

The students went out for an Educational Tour in Davao City. The students visited the Museo Dabaweño & The Bone Museum.

The year was capped with the 2^nd Moving Up Ceremonies last March 23, 2017. This is also the last year of service of S. Ma. Yolanda D. Capiña, RVM. She served as the school’s Principal and Local Superior for six and five years respectively.

Academic Year 2017 - 2018