Philippine School Oman celebrates its 35th Founding Anniversary
Raul Hernandez, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the Sultanate of Oman, graced the event as the guest of honour and keynote speaker.
He was accompanied by his wife, Madame Ana Algabre Hernandez, who generously presented PSO with her masterpiece painting, 'Kasarinlan,' from her Iwatawat Mo series.
The celebration was a momentous gathering, attended by key figures in the school's history, including former Board of Trustees (BOT) and Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) chairpersons, as well as past educators who played vital roles in shaping PSO's legacy. Among them were Ms. Carmelita de Jesus, Ms. Maria Carolina Layog, and Mrs. Ma. Eloisa San Jose, who traveled from the Philippines to commemorate the school's milestone.
A cultural display unfolds
The festivities began with an electrifying performance by the Grade 11 Marching Band, followed by Grade 6 students' grand opening number to Galing Natin Ito. Each grade level showcased vibrant performances, celebrating Philippine and global heritage.
A highlight was the Parade of Nations, where Kindergarten 1 and 2 students dazzled in traditional attire. Grade 10 paid tribute to the Maranao tribe with Singkil, while Grade 5 brought the energy of Bacolod's MassKara Festival. Grade 4 honored Baguio's Panagbenga, Grade 3 embodied Bukidnon's Kaamulan Festival, and Grade 2 celebrated Omani culture through dance.
Adding to the spectacle, Grade 7 performed a Festival of Nations dance, Grade 8 and 9 impressed with a speech choir titled Our School, Our Future, and Grade 12 captivated the audience with a Shadow Dance narrating the school's history and the journey of OFWs.
The celebration ended on a heartfelt note with Grade 1's song performance, followed by the community song and alma mater, leaving a lasting impression.
A tribute to hard work and dedication
The 35th Foundation Day celebration was spearheaded by Mr. Mark Anthony Badion, alongside Mrs. Magnolia V. Gabrielle and the PSO Day core committee. Planning and preparations for the grand event began as early as April 2024, ensuring a seamless and memorable celebration. With the steadfast support of the PS Board of Trustees, led by Ms. Cherry Ann Cuntapay Ballad, the Parent-Teacher Association, under the leadership of Mrs. Joanne Asma Tubo, and the Faculty and Staff, headed by School Principal Mr. Michael B. Joves, the vision for this momentous occasion became a reality.
A legacy of excellence
The Philippine School's roots can be traced back to 1989 when it was founded by Filipino Overseas Workers with the support of His Excellency Essa bin Mohammed Al Zedjali, the Philippine Honorary Consul General. This initiative was undertaken in cooperation with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE), to ensure that the children of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) had access to quality education.
The school's first location was in Al Wattayah, where it was inaugurated in February 1989 under the name Philippine Community School (PCS), initially catering to 38 students in multi-level classes. After consistently meeting the prescribed standards of instruction and complying with the regulations set by the Department of Education, Culture, and Sports (DECS) in the Philippines, as well as adhering to the Ministry of Education's policies in Oman, PCS received government recognition on January 31, 1995.
With this recognition, it was officially renamed the Philippine School (PS).
The institution celebrated its first milestone in the 1994-1995 academic year when 19 elementary pupils and the first batch of six high school students graduated. In response to its growing student population and evolving educational needs, the school relocated to its current premises in Al Khuwair Heights on June 16, 2007.
Growth and impact
From its modest beginnings, Philippine School Oman has grown into a well-structured academic institution. Today, it serves 993 students, of which 33% come from various nationalities. The school thrives under the guidance of 47 highly qualified and committed teaching staff, supported by 23 dedicated non-teaching personnel.
Beyond its part in education, PSO continues to play a vital role in the socioeconomic and cultural landscape of Oman in the following sectors:
Socio-economic
PSO supports Filipino professionals in Oman by ensuring quality education for their children, allowing parents to focus on their careers. This helps retain skilled workers in key sectors such as healthcare, construction, and engineering.
The school also generates employment by hiring teachers, staff, and administrators, contributing to both the Filipino community and Oman's economy.
Moreover, PSO alumni may later engage in business or trade between the Philippines and Oman, strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
Cultural
PSO actively preserves Filipino heritage through events like Independence Day celebrations, traditional dance performances, and food festivals, fostering cultural appreciation within Oman's diverse society.
The school also promotes inclusivity by bringing together students from various backgrounds, encouraging intercultural understanding and harmony.
Additionally, its language and arts programs enhance Oman's linguistic and artistic diversity, helping students develop multilingual skills and creative expression.
Education
PSO ensures academic continuity by aligning with the Philippine curriculum, allowing students to transition smoothly if they return home or pursue further studies abroad.
Beyond academics, the school engages with the community through outreach programs and collaborations with local institutions, fostering knowledge-sharing and stronger social connections.
A future rooted in excellence
As Philippine School celebrates 35 years of commitment to education, cultural exchange, and community service, it continues to uphold its mission of providing quality education while serving as a beacon of Filipino heritage in Oman.
The 35th Foundation Day not only honored the school's past achievements but also reaffirmed its commitment to excellence in shaping the minds and characters of future generations and strengthening the ties between the Philippines and Oman in the years to come.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times of Oman
4 days ago
- Times of Oman
Pakistan's 79th Independence Day celebrated with Mango Festival
MUSCAT: Pakistan Embassy, in collaboration with the Pakistani community in Oman, organised a Mango Festival to celebrate 79th Independence Day of Pakistan at Inter City Hotel Muscat. It was the first such festival after a gap of many years. His Excellency Juma Al Redha, former Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI)was the Chief Guest. Legendary cricketer Syed Inzamam ul Haq and renowned Pakistani journalists Syed Talat Hussain and Asma Sherazi were the esteemed guests of honour. Welcoming the guests on the eve of Pakistan's Independence Day, the Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman, Dr. Naveed Safdar Bukhari, said: 'We are honoured to host legendary cricketer Inzamam ul Haq at Pakistan House yesterday. We discussed with him avenues to promote cricket in Oman with collaboration of the Pakistani community. It is also an occasion to spread the sweetness of delicious Pakistani mangoes which are famous worldwide and exported to the United States and many Western countries. We also shared our fruits with the Omani community and others and had positive feedback. Pakistan produces many varieties of this fruit which is known as 'King of Fruits' in Pakistan.' The festival was attended by a large number of senior Omani dignitaries, Muscat-based ambassadors, members of diplomatic corps and a large number of Pakistani community members. The event featured a video depicting cultivation and harvesting of mangoes in Pakistan. It also featured flute performances of popular Pakistani national songs by local artist Farhan. The Pakistan Ambassador highlighted that 14th August 2025 was an occasion not only to celebrate our independence but also to thank Allah Almighty for gifting Pakistan with the most fertile land. This was also an occasion to celebrate the genius of our farmers whose hard work converts that gift into some of the most sought after agricultural products, especially the sweetest mangoes in the world. The Ambassador expressed the hope that the festival will pave the for introducing Pakistani mangoes to larger segments of Omani population and increasing exports of Pakistani mangos to Oman. Pakistani mangoes are eagerly sought after in Oman. There is growing international demand for naturally ripened, chemical-free fruit. With certification support and traceability solutions, mango farms in Pakistan are accessing premium retailers across Europe, East Asia, and North America.
Times of Oman
6 days ago
- Times of Oman
Children Cultural Centre promotes digital projects and learning
Muscat: The Children Cultural Centre, affiliated to the Directorate General of Knowledge and Cultural Development at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, continues its efforts to enhance digital projects aimed at children. This initiative aligns with a vision to develop digital awareness and instill concepts of creativity and interactive learning among young people. The Centre's approach reflects its commitment to aligning cultural and educational programs with modern demands, opening new horizons for children to acquire future skills and empowering them to engage positively with technology through innovative digital content that combines entertainment and knowledge. In 2024, the number of beneficiaries of the Centre's events and activities reached 35,603, while from January to July of this year, the figure rose to 39,383 beneficiaries. Salwa Saif Al Rashdi, Director of the Children Cultural Centre, stated that the goal of these projects goes beyond visual presentation or technical entertainment. Instead, it aims to build a sustainable cognitive relationship between children and their cultural identity by revitalising Omani heritage as a living, interactive experience. She explained that, in line with the Centre's vision to reinforce Omani cultural identity and enhance young people's awareness of their civilizational heritage, it continues to launch a series of interactive digital projects that blend authenticity with innovation. These projects, she said, utilise virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), and electronic gaming applications—effective tools for connecting new generations to their cultural roots in a contemporary and engaging manner. She noted that these projects align closely with the objectives of Oman 2040 and the national cultural strategy, particularly in fostering a creative society, national identity, digital transformation, and innovation-based education. The Centre aspires to serve as a cultural knowledge platform, enabling children to become active contributors in shaping their country's future. She added that these projects are utilised in events and activities both within and outside Oman related to Omani cultural identity. Combining entertainment and education, they introduce young people to their historical and cultural roots. Among these projects—spanning culture, sports, and technology—are two initiatives centered on the traditional Omani games Al-Anbar and Al-Sayyad. These projects, she affirmed, play a vital role in preserving Omani cultural heritage and introducing new generations to these games in an engaging and innovative way, while also fostering creative thinking and problem-solving skills in children. Both projects operate using Unreal Engine technology. Another project, 'The Date Palm and Related Practices: An Interactive Story on Date Harvesting,' falls under culture, science, and technology. Utilizing VR, it educates children about the date palm's significance in Omani society—a heritage element inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity—while promoting awareness of agricultural traditions, she added. Additionally, the 'Interactive Camel Race Experience', powered by VR, highlights the social customs tied to Omani sporting heritage. It offers users an interactive simulation of camel racing in a safe environment. Meanwhile, the 'Smart Child Cultural Centre' project, employing AI, data analysis, and remote-control technologies, is an eco-friendly model embodying innovation and successful diversity. It supports national digital transformation goals by investing in childhood as a cornerstone for building a knowledge and technology-driven future. The Centre has previously executed projects such as 'Displaying an Ancient Omani Manuscript' by Omani physician Rashid bin Umaira and 'Folk Arts'. It also plans to launch additional digital projects later this year.
Times of Oman
08-08-2025
- Times of Oman
In pictures : Omani Halwa Maker steals the show at Jabal Akhdar Festival
Muscat: An Omani, is the cynosure of all eyes with his Halwa making skill at Jabal Akhdar festival. He is seen stirring the liquid on a stove with a long wooden stick in his hand. A 10-year veteran of the profession, Majid said, it takes him at least four hours to make halwa.
