Alumnae in Focus
Shaping Values, Inspiring Service: Assumption Alumnae Leading with Purpose
The Class of 1995 stands united in pride and purpose. We strive to lead lives that not only honor God but also reflect the values instilled in us through our Assumption education.
It is with great admiration and respect that we wish to share the stories and journey of two of our classmates who have dedicated themselves to a life of service. They walk among us, embodying the same principles we all cherish, yet they stand out for their exceptional contributions that have brought about positive change within their communities. Their stories are a testament to the spirit of service and the power of collective action, and it is our privilege to recognize and celebrate their impactful work.
Old Girl: Kara Atienza – Decloedt
What are you currently doing?
I’m currently the Principal of AC’s Basic Education Division, which consists of Preschool, Grade School, Junior High and Senior High. It’s exciting to try and bring new practices and innovations to the school while always staying true to our roots, keeping service and faith formation at the heart of our education.
How has your Assumption education helped you and inspired you in this role?
My third year immersion in Baguio and being a volunteer catechist were transformative experiences for me, and I can trace my desire to be an educator to those two activities. Without realizing it at the time, I fell in love with teaching, and after immersion I was always chasing the feeling of fulfillment that I found working with those children. As corny as it sounds, they helped me realize that whatever career I later chose, I wanted it to be in the service others.
My time in Assumption also gave me many opportunities to build my confidence and discover who I am as a leader.
Finally, I grew in faith in AC. It is where I discovered the beauty of Eucharistic Adoration. Even though I mainly used to signed up for it to try to escape Math, Adoration later became a very important part of my faith, especially in times of crisis. Ironically, Math also ended up becoming one of my favorite college subjects—God does have a sense of humor! I also got to know St. Marie Eugenie, and over the years I have come to appreciate more and more what a remarkable woman she was. As you can imagine, it is a daunting and humbling task to be the Principal, and praying to SME gets me through many tough days. I am always asking her to protect and guide the whole AC community that I now serve.
Old Girl : Jackie Crisologo Saguisag
What are you currently doing?
Currently, I am serving my third term as the Executive Judge of the First Level Courts of Makati. I am also a member of the Remedial Law Department and a Professional Lecturer at the Philippine Judicial Academy. Additionally, I hold memberships in the Supreme Court’s Committee on the Revision of the Rule on Summary Procedure and Small Claims Cases, the Committee on Gender Responsiveness in the Judiciary, the Sub-Committee for the Revision of the Code of Professional Responsibility, and the Sub-Committee for the Revision of the Rules of Civil Procedure.
I also teach as a Professor at the Ateneo de Manila Law School and the University of Makati School of Law.
How has your Assumption education helped you and inspired you in this role?
My time at Assumption San Lorenzo was transformative. It was here that I found my love for writing and public service. Joining the school publication, Facets, was a pivotal moment. As a writer and later an editor, I covered school events and outreach programs, which broadened my perspective beyond our campus walls. This experience laid the groundwork for my lifelong commitment to social awareness and responsibility.
Assumption’s ethos of simplicity, humility, kindness, and compassion became my guiding principles. The school’s belief that we each have a unique mission to serve others resonated deeply with me.
My career in the judiciary, though rewarding, is marked by stress and solitude. The weight of making decisions affecting people’s lives and freedoms is a heavy one. Yet, the values Assumption instilled in me provide the strength to persevere. They remind me that this path is my calling from God, and I must approach it with courage, integrity, and grace.
I am eternally thankful to my mentors, particularly Miss Mary Ann Tantoco and Miss Chinie Hidalgo, who encouraged my passion for reading and self-improvement. It’s been nearly three decades since I walked the halls of San Lorenzo, but the Assumption plaid remains a symbol beneath my judicial robe—a reminder to live as a woman of faith and action.
