History of Notre Dame Institute
The Past - History
In 1947 when the Philippines was just coming out of the ravages of World War II, the need to rebuild the country especially the educational system had become an urgent necessity. Thanks to the dream and vision of the late Rev. Fr. Enrique Dulay, then parish priest of Aringay with a trusty group of conscientious and forward-thinking town leaders in the persons of Mr. Francisco Abena, Dr. Juana D. Diaz, Atty. EnriqueCalub, Mrs. Esperanza Pulido, Mrs. Gregoria D. Yaranon, Mr. Demetrio Bautista, Mr. Alipio Diaz,then Mayor Antonio de Vera and Mr. Isidro Floreza,founded the first high school of the town. The birth of the new school coincided with the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and it was only appropriate to name it Notre Dame in Her honor.
OLD FACOMA BUILDING
From humble beginning sin the landmark FACOMA building,the school started with a class for each of the four years in high school. The year1948 saw the first graduates of NDI. As
enrollment grew, new premises were built on farmland east of the national highway, thanks to the generosity of one of the founders. The school relocated once again to its present site to accommodate an ever growing student body. This new building,however, did not last beyond 30 years when the devastating earthquake of 1990 reduced the building as well as our centuries-old church and rectory to rubble
The July 16, 1990 earthquake left the two buildings flattened
Through this difficult time, the school went through extreme duress yet continued to operate under less than desirable conditions with scattered makeshift shelters, or under the shade of trees until construction of the new building commenced. Through the joint herculean efforts of the Diocesan Office,teachers, parents, alumni and townspeople, the school got off the ground to what it is today; the Phoenix out of the Ashes! Each of these people who have rebuilt the school are all deserving of mention by name in this publication, however, they are too numerous for the space available. Nevertheless, they can rest assured that their priceless contribution is recognized and remembered and the new building which was inaugurated
in 1993 is testimony to their heroism.
The Present Building of Notre Dame Institute
The present building of Notre Dame Institute is a far cry from its humble origins. However, it still falls short of the needs o fthe ever-increasing student population. Makeshift classrooms continue to be used, laboratory equipment band facilities for the science subjects are desperately needed, the library shelves need to be filled. Enrollment fees do not suffice to meet the financial commitments of the school, let alone improve and expand existing facilities.
In addition, it is such a waste to see deserving but needy students quit school with their potential unrealized—thus the need for scholarship grants. Undeniably,
outside resources from individuals and organization splay a significant part in fulfilling the school’s obligations and needs.
NOTRE DAME INSTITUTE @ 2047 CENTENNIAL BUILDING
(Mr. Francisco Abena Building)
(FRONT) FACING THE ARINGAY TOWN PLAZA
The Future—Why We Are Needed
With limited financial resources, the running of Notre Dame Institute strains and curtails its growth in line with the
rest of the world. With access to more and better facilities, the potential of the present as well
as future generations of students will be hugely improved and offers them a chance to be more prepared to become useful and progressive members of society, for the world and country in
general, and for our beloved town in particular.Like the founders of our beloved Alma Mater in
those dark days after the war, we are privileged to have this opportunity to put our heads together and share the fruits of our successes, to continue what they had started during the most trying times when they, themselves, had few resources.but had a dream that benefited each and every one of us, as alumni: an educational institution that nurtured us and helped pave the way to what we are today.
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