Easter College on its 120th Founding Anniversary Commences Grand Alumni Homecoming

More than 800 alumni from various graduating classes of Easter College Incorporated (ECI), formerly called Easter School, gathered to celebrate the 120th Founding Anniversary of their Alma Mater on April 5–6, 2026, guided by the theme, “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy” (Psalm 126:3).
Easter College, formerly known as Easter School, is recognized as the first private school in Baguio City. It was founded in 1906 by American Protestant missionaries of the Episcopal Church under the leadership of Bishop Charles Henry Brent. Established to provide Christian education to the local community, the institution began as a small school and gradually expanded its programs and facilities, becoming a significant center for academic excellence in Northern Luzon.
Through the years, Easter College has earned numerous recognitions for its commitment to quality education. Recently, its programs from Basic Education to College underwent accreditation and were awarded Level II and Level III status by the Association of Christian Schools, Colleges, and Universities–Accrediting Council, Inc. (ACSCU-ACI). The institution is also recognized by the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) for its innovative programs and community-based projects that promote social responsibility and transformative education.
The celebration formally opened at the Easter grounds on April 5, Easter Sunday, following the alumni’s participation in the early Mass at the Holy Innocents Chapel. Engr. Richard Solang (Class of 1969), a member of the Board of Trustees of Easter College, encouraged attendees to reflect on the institution’s enduring legacy in his opening remarks; then, Dr. Cleofe P. Kollin, college president, formally declared the opening of the Grand Alumni Homecoming.
To highlight the grand opening of the event, four (4) former athletes during their younger years namely, Albert Fackayan, Hillary Salimbay, Ryan Butay, and Janice Fuentes carried out the ceremonial lighting of the Alumni Flame in a symbolic relay. Starting from the grounds, they ran toward Anne Hargreaves Hall to ignite the flame. From there, the light gradually dropped to the middle of the grounds and kindled the Alumni Flame. The ceremony concluded with alumni gathering around the flame, signifying unity and the enduring spirit of the Easter College community.
The first day featured a series of fun-filled Larong Pinoy activities, highlighted by the Palo Sebo, where SPED alumni were the ones who successfully reached the top of the pole after several attempts from the others. Other activities included friendship volleyball and basketball games, darts, board games, parlor games, and identifying the alumni’s former teachers of long ago. Winners in the various events were awarded prizes in cash or useful items, adding to the festive and engaging atmosphere of the celebration.
Another much-anticipated highlight of the celebration was the traditional evening bonfire organized by class 1975 held at the Easter College grounds. The gathering featured a Cordillera Dance Contest, and singing of the Easter School Hymn, then followed by an intermission of song rendition by Mr. Francisco Macgui-ing, a proud Easter College Alumnus and a well-known Igorot country singer, serenading the crowd. The program was further enlivened by the singing of class graduation songs. Hence, alumni joined together in a night of music, dance, and games to foster camaraderie.
On April 6, the festivities continued. A total of seventy-three (73) vehicles and four (4) motorcycles joined the motorcade that started at the Convention Center, passed through upper to lower Session Road, Magsaysay Avenue, Bokawkan Road to Easter Road and finally Easter College. Participants were warmly welcomed by employees, former teachers, students, and other members of the community, who lined the route with banners and their loud cheers.
The program at the gym opened with a Morning Prayer led by The Rev. Joe Medina (Class of 1988). In his Homily, Rev. Medina shared the “4Cs of the Proclamation of Truth”—truth is confrontational, challenging, converting, and consoling. He reminded the alumni to embody the legacy of the institution and emphasized the role of Easter College as a non-sectarian educational institution under the leadership of the Episcopal Diocese of the Philippines.
Another highlight of the homecoming was the Awarding Ceremony, which honored alumni from batches 1941 to 2025. Distinguished Alumni were recognized for their achievements in various fields and for exemplifying the core values of the institution:
· Tello C. Ngis-o (Class of 1984) – Torchbearer, National Safety Award
· Gauvin Mel Y. Unos (Class of 1990) – Torchbearer, National Safety Award
· Ceasar M. Lumiwes (Class of 1993) – Torchbearer, National Safety Award
· Maricar A. Docyogen (Class of 1990) – Distinguished Alumna in Arts and Culture
· Brigitt S. Santiago, Ed.D. (Class of 1967) – Distinguished Alumna in Education and Leadership, Easter College’s 3rd President
· Hon. Ruth B. Bawayan (Class of 1991) – Distinguished Alumna in Judicial Service
· Pauline T. Kollin, M.D. (Class of 1976) – Distinguished Alumna in Medical and Community Service
· Sandy Menchi C. Abahan (Class of 2002) – Distinguished Alumna in International Sports Excellence
· Oscar G. Paris (Class of 1993) – Distinguished Alumnus in Science and Innovation
· Atty. Geoffrey D. Andawi (Class of 1976) – Distinguished Alumnus in Legal Service
The college also honored its octogenarian and nonagenarian alumni. Among those recognized were members of the Classes of 1941 to 1958, including Julita Pucay-Apilado, the oldest among the attendees of the program at 89 years old. Mrs. Elizabeth Pucay Bagcal (Class of 1941), sole nanogenarian awardee, and oldest among them all continues to inspire the community at 99 years old but was unable to attend.
Alumni President, Dr. Roland Bayang, shared insights on the six-month preparation, highlighting the dedication of volunteers and officers. He expressed gratitude to everyone involved, noting that they had been meeting regularly for six months and emphasizing that the effort and sacrifice had been significant. He added that such work must be done with heart, not merely for recognition or praise.
Julita Pucay-Apilado, an octogenarian awardee age 89, recalled her student days and shared a message for younger generations. She reflected on how life was very different in her time, noting that although her batch faced hardships, their experiences were meaningful because they learned to work while studying. She encouraged the younger generation to study diligently, strive for success, to be able to support their parents who invest in their education.
A blood donation drive, conducted in coordination with the Red Cross Benguet, was one of the key highlights of the event. Initiated by Oscar G. Paris (Class of 1993), the activity successfully collected 69 bags of blood, with 500cc per bag.
The Grand Alumni Homecoming brought together generations of Easterites in a meaningful celebration of faith, excellence, compassion, social responsibility, and stewardship (FECSS) with its history and community. With heartfelt hymns, lively performances, and warm fellowship, the event stood as a testament to Easter College’s enduring commitment to education and nation-building.**By Esprinciel D. Saysayan