Our Hometown and the San Esteban Schools
Alumni Association
By Imelda B. Vergara-Lasam, CPA
San Esteban, Ilocos Sur, our small but scenic
coastal hometown, is situated in Luzon,
biggest of 7,107 islands in the Republic of the
Philippines. It was founded in 1625
by the Augustinian friars who introduced the Roman Catholic
religion. The friars probably chose to name our town San Esteban
because of the abundance of stones. (San Esteban is the Christian
martyr who was stoned to death). In fact, ours is the only town in
the Philippines that produces mortars,
pestles, and other stone crafts.
Our town’s history is replete with the bravery,
loyalty, and heroism of our forbears. They risked their lives in the
Diego Silang Revolt, the Philippine Revolution of 1898, and the
Battles of Bataan, Corregidor, and
Bessang Pass during World War II. These traits
were again demonstrated at the first submarine landing of arms in
Barrio Apatot, in the evening of
November 23, 1944, till the wee hours of dawn the
following day. Sixteen Commandos of the USS GAR crew, the 121st
Infantry of the USAFIP-NL, and local guerrillas, coordinated in the
landing of thirty-five tons of war equipment and supplies. The
accomplishment of this mission hastened the liberation of the Philippines and
the victory of the Allies over
Japan. A National Historical marker
and Memorial now stands on the spot in Barrio Apatot where the
Commandos first touched Philippine soil. It was dedicated on December 16, 1982 by then
President Ferdinand and Mrs. Imelda Marcos.
Our cultural heritage was enriched by the
mingling of native, various Asian, and/or American and Spanish blood
and culture. Spanish words and phrases abound in our vocabulary.
Many townspeople speak fluent Tagalog and English. A college
education for each child is every parent’s dream. As a result, our
town boasts of several professionals who have distinguished
themselves in almost every field of human endeavor, in our native
country as well as in foreign shores. Many San Estebanians, armed
with ambition, a strong will, industry, patience, and perseverance,
have risen from poverty to riches. Notwithstanding their successes,
they have never forgotten their humble roots, and return to San
Esteban to share their blessings with their beloved relatives and
town mates.
The history of the San Esteban Schools Alumni
Association can be traced back to this beautiful and historic town,
where its officers and members first saw the light of dawn. Many of
them spent their childhood and teenage years frolicking in the sun,
picnicking under coconut trees, picking up shells and sea weeds,
riding bamboo rafts, or swimming, from the shores of San Pablo, Villa Quirino,
and Bateria to Tamurong and Apatot. Many
in playful abandon, experienced the thrill of descending the
slopes of Caruscus on sleds of tree branches. The more pious
followed religious processions around and to the barrios of our
town. Do you ever wander why in spite of so many wanderings, many
still long for home and the playmates, schoolmates and town mates
they love?
And so, one Labor day weekend during the annual
reunion of the San
Esteban Circle
of California
in Terra Bella, forty town buddies met at Terry and Estrella
Ecobiza’s residence. One of them, Imelda Benitez Vergara, wanted to
organize a chapter of the San
Esteban
Academy Alumni
Association. Some raised the issue that they did not graduate from
the Academy. The new organization was therefore named San Esteban
Schools Alumni Association, and interim officers were elected. By September 20, 1988, the interim President had
drafted the Constitution and By-laws. Foremost of its objectives is
to help combat juvenile delinquency by providing the means
for participation and recognition of excellence in academics,
sports, the arts and sciences and other endeavors
uplifting the youth like scholarships for poor but deserving
students. Another objective is to help one another in times of need.
On September 3,
1989, the officers took their oath of office, and on September 4, 1989, the Constitution was
overwhelmingly ratified and the by-laws were adopted.
On Labor Day weekend of 2008, the San Esteban
Schools Alumni Association shall be celebrating its 20th
anniversary of service to the community. Since its inception, the
association has been providing incentives
and scholarships to San Esteban youth here and in our hometown. Many
members have received mutual aid benefits. The influence of the
association has impacted the San Esteban community in many positive
ways. Because of these accomplishments, membership now includes
alumni in Hawaii, Canada and Australia. May
the Lord continue to bless the officers and members with wisdom,
unity, commitment, and unselfish dedication to their noble
goals!
