ESFDB students serenade veterans for their service

Students at the Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja serenaded and gave a salute to Rota veterans who came to the island to visit family members and friends, and for rest and relaxation.

The event honoring the Rota veterans was held at the Rota Mayor’s Office on March 3 and 6.

Rota leaders and an Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja student read the wording of the certificate to be presented to (retired) Sgt. First Class Darrel L. Bouie and Sgt. Janice T. Apatang. (Contributed Photo)

Under the direction of ESFDB’s music teacher Mary Rose S. Lucero, the 4th to 8th grade students sang Christian gospel tunes to the sons and daughters of Rota veterans Cpl. Luis S. Manglona, Sgt. Janice T. Apatang, and Apatang’s spouse, retired SFC Darrel L. Bouie.

“The opportunity for the students to sing for the veterans is a fabulous activity for our students that focus on freedom and peace for our nation,” said Lucero. “They did a wonderful job.”

“We thought it would be nice for veterans to hear songs that would help them be happy and be glad that with prayers and God’s guidance, they will be safe from the dangers war,” said administrator/principal Carmen H. Atalig. “We should be thankful and grateful for their sacrifices in keeping our nation safe.”

“The activity also relates to social studies lessons that target citizenship and community services,” added Atalig.

“It was a nice ceremony for our veterans. I was proud to be a part of it,” said Student Council president Tyra Reese A. Calvo.

“The veterans served and protected our country,” said Student Council vice president Marjorie Banaag. “It makes me happy that we got to do something for them.”

“It’s really great that our school will go out of their way to honor our Luta veterans. The song expression of prayer, love, and gratitude toward our veterans by the students is a beautiful tribute [that] creates lasting memories for our Luta veterans,” said school board president Edward C. Maratita Jr. “These students can appreciate the value of what our servicemen and women mean to the Luta community and to the nation. At the end, the goal is to encourage greater community interest in our school.”

The administration, students, faculty and staff, and board of directors would like to express their appreciation to Rota Mayor Efraim Atalig and staff, Rota Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, and Rota Division of Veterans Affairs representative Ryan Taisacan. Thank you, dangkulo na si yu’us ma’ase’, and maraming salamat po! (ESFDB)