A Legacy of Freedom and Faith: Assumption HS Batch 1981 Brings Hope to the Heart of the Philippines
In celebration of Independence Day, members of Assumption High School Batch 1981 took flight — not just to reunite, but to reaffirm their commitment to freedom of a different kind: freedom from poverty, and the freedom to dream. Their destination was Assumption Passi in Iloilo, where they met face-to-face with the scholars whose lives they had helped change forever.
What began as a 40th anniversary initiative has blossomed into a growing legacy of love and transformation. Six years ago, co-chairs Popsie Gamboa and Maripi Jalandoni, together with batch president, Tessa Prieto, launched the Ruby Project, a scholarship initiative that supported 20 talented and deserving senior high school students through Assumption Passi. Today, those scholars have completed their college education, many of them graduating with Latin honors and stepping confidently into their futures.
During the visit, ACHS 1981 was reunited with alumni scholars Starwin, Brent, Rowela, Christia, and Jethro — once shy and uncertain, now articulate, self-assured, and ready to thrive in the workplace. What moved the alumnae most was the scholars’ sincere gratitude and their expressed desire to pay it forward — a testament to the values deeply rooted in Assumption formation.
Encouraged by the Ruby Project’s success, ACHS 1981 launched a new chapter last year — the Sapphire Project, in celebration of their 45th anniversary in 2026. This expanded initiative aims to support 45 new senior high school students from nearby public schools. This year’s scholar roster includes both academic and athletic talents such as LG Val Abana, Ezekiel Hiti-ayon, Benz Padernal, William Josh Padura, Earl Ronn Senina, Sonny James Balaski, Jeremiah de la Fuente, John Rendell Entico, Gena Rose Pamonag, and Kert Panizales — all chosen for their promise, potential, and perseverance.
The celebration was made even more meaningful by a heartfelt reception hosted in true Ilonggo fashion — with pineapples and bananas from the community’s backyards, and traditional delicacies such as but-ong, biko, and cassava pudding, lovingly prepared by the scholars’ families. In turn, the alumnae brought sweet surprises of their own — including dozens of Krispy Kreme doughnuts sent by batchmate Carlyn Trota-Salud, as a gesture of shared joy and gratitude.
The trip also offered a joyful reunion with beloved Assumption Sisters — Sr. Fe Emmanuel and Sr. Mary Joseph, cherished teachers from high school, along with Sr. Anna Carmela and Sr. Lourdes Eugenia. It was a special moment, filled with warmth and reflection. Classmates Chiqui Mangibin and Tessa Alindogan joined the trip for the first time, while Sandy Harper-Franklin flew in all the way from the San Francisco Bay Area with her daughter Lauren, to witness firsthand the ripple effect of their batch’s generosity.
Their gratitude extended to Stella Grace Tagnong, Jennifer Vasquez, Coach Andren John Panes, and the dedicated faculty of Assumption Passi, whose continued support helps turn these scholarship dreams into reality.
As Saint Marie Eugenie once said, “To educate is to transform the world.” For Assumption High School Batch 1981, that transformation is not only visible — it is vibrant, alive, and growing in every scholar they support. This year’s Independence Day was truly special, they celebrated more than freedom. They celebrated faith in the future, and the lasting power of education to break cycles, lift communities, and shape leaders.
Indeed, the Assumption formation doesn’t end in the classroom. For these Old Girls, it continues — in purpose, in action, and in the lives they continue to touch.
From their own purpose in action, which is a beautiful journey in the next years to come, here’s their own tapestry woven with gratitude and generosity. Their Iloilo immersive adventure is a joyful dance between hearts that give and hearts that rise—so read on, and savor both the scholars’ heartfelt tributes and the ladies’ flavorful journey through the Land of Smiles and the Philippines’ own feast for the senses.
Author’s Note: Special thanks to Popsie Gamboa for the collaboration and the wonderful stories. Truly inspiring! ACHS 1981 will be the benchmark to many.