Eskuwelahang Munti Ng Guam Holds 20th Commencement Program
Consul Mark Francis C. Hamoy (top row, third from left) with (top row from left) Ms. Gloria Baguinon, Mr. Alex Gagaring, EMG principal Ms. Mila Moguel, Ms. Ciony Viray, Ms. Amanda Quan, Dr. Clarisa Quan, and the graduates (middle row from left) Ace Jonathan Lavarez, Johanna Dulay, Earl Magbitang, Amir Sebastian Lavarez, Adel Joshua Lavarez Rafael de Guzman, and Chloe Castrence, with their parents (front row) joined by Dr. Melliza Young (leftmost). (Agana PCG photo)
AGANA 13 December 2019 — The Philippine Consulate General in Agana, in partnership with the Filipino Cultural Center (FCC), held the 20th commencement program of the Eskuwelahang Munti ng Guam (EMG) on 23 November 2019 at the Guam Reef Hotel.
A total of eight students, seven of whom are children aged 7 to 15 years old, graduated from the Philippine language and culture course.
The program opened with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem followed by the children’s performances which showcased their Filipino language skills. The graduates sang “Sampung Mga Daliri” and “One Day, Isang Araw,” recited “Ano Ang Eskuwelahang Munti?,” and for the finale, performed “Magtanim Ay ‘Di Biro.”
Consul Mark Francis C. Hamoy, accompanied by his wife Mrs. Leah Hamoy who was a volunteer teacher at one of the earlier EMG sessions, graced the event as keynote speaker. Delivering his remarks in Filipino, Consul Hamoy lauded the volunteer teachers’ efforts in helping promote Philippine culture. “Malaking bahagi para maunawaan natin ang sarili nating kultura ang pagkakaintindi at pagsasalita ng ating sariling wika. (A big part of understanding of our culture is to comprehend and to speak our own language),” Consul Hamoy said.
Consul Hamoy, FCC Vice President Alex Gagaring and the volunteer teachers, led by EMG Principal Mila Moguel, handed out the certificates of completion to the graduates, and the certificates of appreciation to the Philippine Consulate General, Filipino Community of Guam, UST Alumni Organization of Guam, National Association of Mapua Alumni-Guam Chapter; and to the teacher assistants.
The classes, which are conducted for ten Saturdays biannually and held at the Sentro Rizal Agana of the Consulate General, are taught by volunteer teachers. EMG’s spring session resumes in February 2020 and will hold its 21st commencement program and 10th anniversary celebrations on 10 May 2020. END
Consul Mark Francis C. Hamoy delivers his remarks during the Eskwelahang Munti ng Guam (EMG) graduation ceremony on 23 November 2019. (Agana PCG photo)
Eskwelahang Munti ng Guam (EMG) students recite, “Ano ang Eskuwelahang Munti?,” before the guests during the EMG graduation ceremony, 23 November 2019. (Agana PCG photo)
Eskwelahang Munti ng Guam (EMG) students perform “Magtanim Ay ‘Di Biro,” a popular Filipino folk song describing the joys and hardships of Filipino farmers during planting and harvesting of rice, the Philippines’ staple food. (Agana PCG photo)
For more information, visit https://www.aganapcg.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philippinesguam.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHinAgana/.