Against the Tide: 13 ALS Immaculate Conception Balabac Graduates Triumph Over Distance and Challenges

Balabac, Palawan – August 18, 2025.

The Alternative Learning System (ALS) students of the Immaculate Conception Parish ALS Center, under the Arnold Janssen Catholic Mission Foundation, Inc. (AJCMFI), celebrated their graduation with simple but solemn and joy-filled program. The event was a testament to resilience, unity, and the transformative power of education in one of Palawan’s most remote municipalities.

One of graduates with Principal Cancino, Fr. Salazar, SVD, Fr. Flores, SVD and Ms. Tajahudjin of DSWD

A Grace-Filled Opening

The ceremony opened with a Processional and  Opening Prayer, led  by Fr. Son Bao, SVD, the Vietnamese assistant parish priest, and a Muslim graduating student. This interfaith moment highlighted the spirit of harmony and cooperation that defines the Balabac community. Muslim community in Balabac town comprises around 80 percent.

After the Philippine National Anthem and the Oh Arnold Janssen Alma Mater Hymn, the assembly listened to the Welcome Remarks of Rev. Fr. Randy Flores, SVD, Acting Executive Director of AJCMFI, who traveled all the way from Quezon City to Balabac to personally join the occasion. Fr. Flores encouraged the graduates to see education as as also an education of the heart and the cultivation  of virtues.

Honoring the Graduates

The Presentation of the Graduates was made by Rev. Fr. Rodrigo F. Salazar, Jr., SVD, Site Coordinator of the ALS Immaculate Conception Balabac Center and Parish Priest of Immaculate Conception Parish. Graduates were then officially confirmed by Mr. Saturnino D. Cancino, Principal I of Balabac Central School and Public Schools District Supervisor, affirming the recognition of their studies in partnership with the Department of Education.

Inspiration from an ALS Alumna

This year’s Guest of Honor was Ms. Debina Delaher, herself a proud ALS alumna who is now a college graduate with a degree in Entrepreneurship. In her testimony, she shared how she persevered in her studies even while being a doting mother, proving that determination and support can overcome the hardest of obstacles. Her journey inspired the graduates to continue reaching for their dreams.

Gratitude from the Graduates

The Thanksgiving Address was delivered by Ms. Jennefer Omar one of the graduates. Living far from Balabac Población, she expressed her deep gratitude that the Arnold Janssen ALS program was brought to their island. Without it, access to education would have been almost impossible for many learners.

Ms. Omar giving her thanksgiving speech

Sailing to Learn: Teachers on a Mission

The ALS program in Immaculate Conception Parish is sustained by two dedicated learning facilitators, Ms. Nel Rose Delozar and Ms. Emelyn Vasquez. With missionary zeal, they sail across the seas to reach around seven ALS learning centers located on different islands. The municipality of Balabac consists of 36 islands, with the farthest lying close to Sabah, Malaysia. Their commitment ensures that even learners in the remotest sitios are not left behind

Arnold Janssen learning facilitators Ma’am Emelyn and Ma’am Nel Rose with their graduated students

A Story of Inclusivity and Community

Most of this year’s graduates come from the Muslim Molbog community, the indigenous people of Balabac. Nearly all Molbogs—around 99.7%—practice Islam, making Balabac one of the most predominantly Muslim localities in Palawan. The class also included one Pangutaran Muslim, belonging to an ethnolinguistic group with roots in the Sulu Archipelago, and two Christian learners. Their unity in the pursuit of education embodies the mission of ALS Immaculate Conception Balabac—to bridge communities, overcome barriers, and create opportunities for all, regardless of faith or background.

The Graduates

Elementary Graduate

1. Butalid, Rechel D.

Junior High School Graduates

1. Akmad, Meriniza A.

2. Amil, Pauja T.

3. Aragon, Farida

4. Basnig, Charlene P.

5. Dela Cruz, Melvin A.

6. Gerasmia, Wendelisa S.

7. Indanan, Jeng-Jeng S.

8. Kikki, Rabia J.

9. Langcuas, Serin M.

10. Omar, Jenefer F.

11. Pangantihon, Elsa S.

12. Suan, Sitti Aysha U.

Graduates with guests

Though the graduates numbered only twelve, the achievement is highly significant. Each diploma represents a triumph over barriers such as geographical distance, limited access to schools, family responsibilities like motherhood, or livelihood needs such as fishing. For the ALS learners, graduation is more than an academic milestone—it is proof that education is possible despite life’s toughest circumstances.

Awarding of Diplomas & Appreciation

The Awarding of Diplomas and Certificates of Completion was carried out by:

• Rev. Fr. Rodrigo F. Salazar, Jr., SVD – AJCMFI Site Coordinator & Parish Priest

• Rev. Fr. Randy C. Flores, SVD – Acting Executive Director, AJCMFI

• Mr. Saturnino D. Cancino – Principal I, Balabac Central School & District Supervisor

• Ms. Rosini A. Tahajudjin – Social Welfare Assistant

Certificates of Appreciation were likewise conferred to partners in mission, highlighting the indispensable role of ALS teachers and facilitators.

More Than a Graduation: A Beacon of Hope

For the learners, this was more than just a graduation—it was a milestone of hope and transformation. The ALS program gives those who missed out on formal schooling a second chance at education, equipping them to contribute meaningfully to their families, communities, and society.

As the celebration concluded with gratitude and applause, the message was clear: Education is a mission, and every graduate is a living witness to the power of perseverance, interfaith friendship, and the support of a caring Church.

Church of the Immaculate Concepcion Parish of Balabac, Palawan, Ph