Blessings will come in God’s perfect time. Way back December 2018, the school Principal of SOTERO A. SINGCO MEMORIAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL of Manjuyod 1 District had an opportunity to talk with Mrs. Thelma Singco Diago thru a video call upon knowing of her invitation. Mrs. Thelma Diago who is a registered nurse and currently residing in New York USA with her family, is the daughter of the late Mr. Sotero A. Singco, the philanthropist of Maaslum Manjuyod, Negros Oriental, Philippines, who graciously donated a parcel of his land properties for school site. Indeed, his purpose of donating it, is kept in high regard since the school being constructed soars higher in every endeavor in relation to the holistic development of the learners.

Such conversation with Mrs. Thelma Diago opened a lot of opportunities to the school to receive bundles of blessings. Prior to the School Inauguration the Singco heirs in the United States. The son, Late Dr. Luvimin and Meredith Singco, donated both of medical supplies and school supplies that were utilized by all the students who needed it. Their Art of giving, supporting a cause with the goal of achieving the schools mission and vision is phenomenal.

The thoughtfulness of Mrs. Diago did not end there. Her love to her father and in support to her vision, which was to be part educating the locals of Maaslum especially all the 4 children of Sotero and Trinidad Singco; Galilleo, Myrna, Thelma, and Luvimin, completed their elementary education of the same school and their great experiences contributed to their personal success in life. Mrs. Thelma Diago’s passion for giving has not stop. In 2012 she donated a brand new computer sets for the school to utilize as it is necessary to facilitate the work process in a smooth passion. Upon her visit to her hometown she realized that the school needs a signage to honor her late father and that made her decide to donate the cost Php. 18,320.00 for the construction of the school signage.

The signage is highly visible not just in the campus but in the community as well. In this manner, it inspired every local to continue promoting on the importance of sending their children to school in order to get education. Being educated is the strongest way to have a functional and bright future and she is the living witness in this line of thought.

My conversation with Mrs. Thelma Diago continued to open up a lot of opportunities for the school to received additional bundles of blessings. Her thoughtfulness to share what she has together with her batch from Silliman University College of Nursing class 1969 paved a warm path for the school, and allowing children to see the essence of sharing and giving. The kids were able to get individual package foods from a worldwide known food chain Jollibee. The children experienced to have a close encounter with the Jollibee Mascot which is a dream of every child. This meaningful event will surely be kept in the hearts of all SASMESian learners. A simple and sincere way of showing how grateful they are to the Community Outreach Team of Silliman Nurses Class 1969 who all came from USA and sponsored this event in conjunction with their 50^th Nursing golden Jubilee. Randy Tanaka Singco the grandson of Sotero Singco provided a well designed Welcome banner with all the names of the Silliman Community Outreach Team which was displayed in front of the school.

On September 2, 2019. The final Inauguration and Blessing of SASMES was conducted by Rev. Fr. John Mark Bomediano, with the presence of all the Singco Family, relatives and friends along with the SASMES faculty and staff. Finally, all the students from each class were provided with individual gift donated by Mr. Anthony and Gina Fischetti and Family. Mrs. Manolita H. Legere, donated school supplies and wine for the priest. Special catered Luncheon provided by Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Roulito Diago, to celebrate the fellowship with the Singco Family and the school officials, and invited guests.

Words of thanks giving, gestures of embracing the donors from the staff of SASMES, extending of handshakes, sounds of laughter, and lines of smiles form all the people present during the event gave impact to the celebration. This kind of atmosphere provided the school to extend their warmest and sincerest gratefulness to all the Donors of the School. Rest assured that those donations will really serves it’s purpose, Our Prayers for you all, with your family members are our GIFTS from all who made this celebration a complete success.

To conclude the whole family of SASMES is forever appreciative to the act of kindness of the Singco family and all the Donors who have a passion of sharing their priceless donation. To the late Sotero and Trinidad Singco, thank you very much for sharing a parcel of your land where the school is located and named after SOTERO A. SINGCO. The school now happily waves its name as SOTERO A. SINGCO MEMORIAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

Your kindness will always be remembered by others who were able to benefit and would still enjoy in the near future the value of having a school in the place.

Thank you!

Soar High and to God be all the Glory!