The Sibale Development Foundation  conducted a planning session on April 27, 2003 held at the Quezon City Memorial Circle from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. SDEF is now fully organized and the Induction of officers is tentatively scheduled on the third week of July 2003. We expect that all Sibalenhons will be united in supporting the goals and objectives for the development and growth of Sibale.
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Sibalenhon Web Forum - By Jose F. Rafols.

The Sibalenhons Web Forum  was initiated by Merwin Mosquera currently stationed in Saudi Arabia. He maintains the Sibalenhons in Saudi Arabia (KSA) website where the Sibalenhons Web Forum resides and is linked to www.sibale.com.  The following message from Merwin is being reprinted inviting all Sibalenhons to contribute and share ideas on how we can help our native island improve and progress. 

"Mga pinalanggang Sibalenhon, kita’y magpatigayon para sa ikagaganda pa it ato Isla – “The Island of Sibale”! Mauno ara kung kita ay engwa’t usang huna huna nak: 1) magpangamuyo sa Diyos. Aya nato gilimti nak mag-rasay sa Diyos, sigurado akong sa bulig Nida ay lalung mauswag ka kinabuhi sa ato pinalanggang Isla; 2) sa ato pagpapangamuyo sa Diyos, kita’y magkausa ag bulig bulig sa paghimo ag pagtao it nio mang parte kung kina ay sa ikaaando it ato Isla. Gabay pa tan-ang kitang mga Sibalenhon, riin mang lupalop ikaw it mundo, asa-Sibale man o asa-“abroad”, mauno ara kung ikaw ay mag-tao it imo parte reli sa “Sibalenhon Web Forum”, maisot man o rako, kung halin ra sa tagipusuon nato, aya kina nikahud-an nak imo ibutang reli. Reli sa ato “Sibalenhon Web Forum”, ikaw ay maaring makabulig, sa parayan it pag-suyat, kali man ay sariling nimong pananaw, mga pangamuyo, anunsiyo, mga impormasyon o babasahon tungkol sa pangkabuhayan, mga pangutana man o “puna” nak dapat marunggan ag mapagkabisayahan, ibutang kina nato reli. Bukas kali sa atong tanang Sibalenhon nak engwa’t paghamrum ag pagpalangga sa ato banwang tinubuan. Aya kita nikahuda o mahadlok man, kung kina ay ikaaado it ato banwa, isugan natong ibisaya. Suyat kamo, tao it mga kuro-koro ag pananaw, subaleng usa kina sa parayan adong lalung mapaganda pa ka ato pinalanggang Isla’t Sibale. Gabay nako nak ka biyaya sa ato it Diyos ay lalung bumaha pa, agor kita’y maging ayug-og it pagpapa-ado it ato banwa!" 

Sibale Academy Class '83 20^th Anniversary Reunion: Theme: Going Great @ 20 - Reported by: Joey M. Fradejas.

The Sibale Academy Class ’83 graduates celebrated their 20^th anniversary reunion with a Medical and Dental Mission highlighting the affair. The Mission lasted for four (4) days, April 17-20, 2003. The first three days, April 17-19, 2003 were scheduled for “Operation TULE”. This was a mass circumcision of all eligible male clients age ranging from 9 years to 19 years old. A total of 58 male clients were circumcised at the end of the mission. April 20 was the last day for a simultaneous Medical and Dental Services. The medical portion was exclusively medical consultation for out-patient cases and a total of 136 patients were examined, all ages with the top 5 medical cases being:

1.   Acute Upper Respiratory Infection                      - 25 cases
2.   Urinary Tract Infection & Gastritis                       - 13 cases
3.   Costochondritis & Hypertension                          -   6 cases each
4.   Iron Deficiency Anemia & Intestinal Parasitism   -  5 cases each
5.   T/C Ischemic Heart Disease                                 -  4 cases

While the mission was on-going, unavoidable cases for confinement were also admitted, e.g. a case of mild to moderate dehydration, a case of an acute attack of Bronchial Asthma and Mild Pneumonia and a case of Complete Abortion with minimal vaginal bleeding. The people were very grateful of the Dental Services being provided because of the great cost saved on their part. In some cases some patients were not just extracted one but up to three decayed teeth. We had a total of 60 clients served and more or less 80 teeth extracted.

According to local observers, this Medical & Dental Mission given by the  Sibale Academy Class ’83 was one of the most successful mission of this kind held in the Island of Sibale. People were satisfied of the services and  most especially of the complete treatment given to indiviual patient, be it Dental or Medical patient.  Complete dosage of required medicines were given to every identified ailment. In case the required medicine is not available in the mission supply, prescriptions of drugs were provided at low cost in the local drugstore.

The Medical and Dental Mission was really a great success because of the concerted effort provided by all the members of the Sibale Academy Class ’83 present during the event and also those who have been part in the planning but didn’t make it during the event proper. Each and every member generously gave their time and effort for the benefit of their beloved townspeople of Sibale. But we cannot claim the success solely because if not for the following people and organization the mission will not be successful without them.

+      RDL – CLEAR - donated  PhP 25,000.00 worth of medicines and  
     medical & dental supplies.
+    Regional Health Office, Region IV - donated  PhP 5,000.00 worth of  
     medicines.
+     Astra-Zeneca (c/o Mr. Prospero Fabregas II) - donated medicines for 
     asthma patients;  
+     Local Government Officials - especially Hon. Mayor Merenciano  
     Fabregas, who facilitated & supported all the time during the affair.
+     Dr. Espie S. Mariño - volunteered her services and acted as back-up  
     dentist for our two dentists.
+      RHU Staff -  for facilities utilization of the RHU and some of its available 
     medicines during the Mission;
+      Sibale Academy Staff - for allowing us to tour the school compound  
     for our souvenir photos;  
+      Former Teachers - who found time to enjoy with us and refresh our 
     memories as we reminisce our High School Days;  
+     Others -  who have been part of our reunion and has helped us in 
     whatever way they can

The Raffle Night was held on April 20, 2003 starting at 6:00 PM. with a simple program.  It was attended by invited guests as well as the local folks who patiently waited for the announcement of the raffle winners and the members of Sibale Academy Class ’83.  Rev. Fr. German Mehler, SVD, present Director of Sibale Academy, gave the invocation. The humble mayor of Sibale, Mayor Merenciano Fabregas, gave a welcome address and another message was heard from the current Principal of the Sibale Academy, Ms. Luz F. Fabunan. The night was highlighted with the awarding of Certificates of Recognition to former teachers and mentors namely:

+   Ms. Pura G. Fabella    -then Principal and English teacher  
+   Ms. Florenia R. Fabreag  -Practical Arts and Consumers Math teacher
+   Ms. Belinda A. Feudo  -Pilipino and Geometry teacher
+   Ms. Hespher F. Ferrolino -Algebra and Chemistry teacher
+   Ms. Luz F. Fabunan -Biology and Pilipino teacher
+   Ms. Tina F. Ferrolino -Physics teacher
+   Mr. Pater A. Fetesio -Practical Arts, History and CAT Commandant
+   Mr. Benjie F. Ferrolino -History teacher

A symbolic presentation of our donation followed the event. A complete set of personal computer to our beloved Alma Mater was also presented to the current Principal of Sibale Academy. This was followed by the Raffle Draw alternated by the impromptu numbers from Sibale, Mindoro, Lipa and Manila-Cavite Chapters. But what is most striking and heart catching was the Sibale Academy '83 20^th Theme Song (click for excerpts of the song) composed by Zabeth Fabreag and rendered by the Sibale Chapter. The song composed purposely for the celebration was unanimously voted as the official theme song for this year’s celebration .

The raffle draw was conducted with members of Sibale Academy Class ’83, former teachers and selected persons from the audience drawing the winning raffle tickets. Major Prizes: 1^st Prize: - 6 cu. Ft. refrigerator;  2^nd Prize:     - 4 kg washing machine;  3^rd Prize: -  2-burner gas stove (complete with regulator and filled tank);  4^th Prize: - VCD player;  5^th Prize: - Stand Fan; Consolation Prizes:  2-Desk Fan; 2-Flat Iron; Dish Organizer; Oven Toaster; Air Pot; Rice Dispenser; Starter Set; Cookware Set; Wall Clock T-shirt; 10-bags of rice and groceries; 10-pails of rice and groceries.

April 21, 2003 was the final day and was celebrated with a get together party at Tonggo Beach, one of the many enchanted coves of the Island of Sibale. It was an exclusive beach party for Sibale Academy Class ’83 members and there, members reminisced the picnic day that was used to be held in that same beach during their High School Days. The Sibale Chapter took care of food and other arrangements during the whole affair.

It was indeed a very worthwhile and memorable event in their lives. Members of Class'83 hoped that this won’t be the end but only the beginning of a continuous social and Civic endeavors from the group. Their dreams is to be going_great@20……… Maybe some have gone great but they will still strive to go greater in years to come. Happy 20^th Anniversary and Happy Reunion to Sibale Academy Class ’83 and GOD BLESS US ALL!
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National Engineers Week (February 16-22, 2003)

Jose Rafols, one of the Southern California Engineers from the Boeing Company Seal Beach facilities took part in the annual National Engineers Week (February 16-22, 2003) activities by visiting local classrooms talking to students. The purpose of the program is to help increase awareness and interest in math, science, and engineering. Engineers who participated in this program have enjoyed the chance to reach out to students with information about this exciting field, its impact on their everyday lives and why they may wish to consider engineering as a career choice.  Planning kits and giveaways were distributed to students during classroom visits. This year, program highlights "The New Faces of Engineering" to spotlight the outstanding contributions of America's youngest engineers. 
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