Formerly Hua Ming Catholic School now St. John’s Institute (SJI) founded in 1959 by the two priests in collaboration of their evangelistic mission, Fr. (now Msgr.) John Su and Fr. (now Msgr.) John B. Liu, SJI is now 50 years in the field of education. Thanks to their pioneering efforts and the generous heart of the late Don Alfredo Montelibano, Sr. for donating the half hectare lot at the Capitol Shopping Center, which became the place of Chinese Catholic laity. There, they converged and bonded, which led to the establishment of Hua Ming Catholic School building. The first enrollment was only 372 as a mission school. But inevitably, it has gained ground, and grown into what it is now today. Of course, Msgr. John B. Liu has greatly contributed to the soaring development of the school having burned his eyebrows to realize the mission.
SJI has made waves in various areas of educational sports, culture and academic competitions, both in the region and national levels.
Not only that, it has penetrated the international atmosphere in the field of music having set its Children’s Choir and performed in Taiwan in 1975. There were numerous laudable accomplishments that SJI has brought honor to the Negros community. One of its alumna Beth Ong was chosen one of the Ten Outstanding Filipino-Chinese Youth of the Philippines in 1994. She was followed by Jennifer Ong – 1999, Ma. Christina Ham – 2000, Jasmin Cordova – 2001, Alissa Barcelona – 2003, Emilio Lopue, Jr. – 2005, Jermaine Sy – 2006, and recently, Jeanie Karen Uy. Expanding its horizon, under the able leadership of Fr. Noly Que as school head, SJI has received another blessing with the donation of 5 hectare lot by the Ayala Land Estate in Talisay City, Negros Occidental. This will be utilized for the pre-school education which is expected operational by Year 2010, and later, the construction of a Sports Complex and Information and Technology Center.
The golden jubilee celebration which kicked off yesterday, series of activities until February next year will be undertaken, all focused on community services.
SJI pillars are confident that all their visions will be realized because GOD WILL PROVIDE.
