SMCS steps higher as Ateneo
de Iloilo
Neil Andrew Llorente
CLIMBING the stairs of excellence for the past
years, SMCS takes step higher as it becomes the first Ateneo school in the Visayas and one of the pillars in the expansion
of the Ateneo community
Outgoing Jesuit Fr. Provincial Romeo J. Intengan
SJ, Victor F. Pison, a representative of the land donor – Kauuturan Pison Development Corporation (KAPIDECO) and Fr.
Manuel A. Uy Jr. SJ, Director of Santa Maria Catholic School (SMCS), signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) last April 30,
at the Iloilo City Hall for the establishment of the school with Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo and Mayor Jerry P. Treņas
as witnesses.
For the school year 2004-2005, the school will
carry the name SMCS-Ateneo de Iloilo. But effective SY 2005-2006, SMCS will primarily carry the name Ateneo de Iloilo. It
will be relocated soon to a seven-hectare property at Diversion Road, Mandurriao with the two hectares donated by the KAPIDECO
and the remaining five bought by AdI.
The Ateneo estate will include complete facilities
for kindergarten, elementary and secondary education. An ecological park and a swimming pool will also be constructed among
others for environmental awareness and physical exercises.
The school, which may cost Php 90-120 million,
might eventually offe college courses.
Half a hectare will also be given by the said
corporation for the construction of the new Santa Maria Parish.
However, the present site at General Blanco will
still remain and function as a satellite campus for the new Ateneo, a center for evangelization and pastoral activities.
To note, Jesuit Fr. General Peter-Hans Kolvenback
SJ who is based in Rome, has already approved the school’s establishment./Ripples
