Sunday 09 / March / 2025
Muscat: Colours burst to life, and cultural diversity took centre stage as Philippine School Oman (PSO) celebrated its grandest 35th Founding Anniversary on February 21, 2025. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Milestones and Envisioning the Future,” highlighted the school’s 35 years of commitment to delivering quality education in the Sultanate of Oman.
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.
Truly, Philippine School stands as the Blue Star in the Arabian Sky. May its legacy continue to shine for years to come. Happy 35th Founding Anniversary, Philippine School Oman!
