




SOUVENIR MAGAZINE COMMITTEE
Joe Larano Jr. Chairman
Pompeii Ferrer Chief editor
Gydabelle Naval Member
Ivy Jan Simbala Member
Arlene Detera Member
Glenn Raz Member
Pitts Liamco Member
Nica Avenido Member
Reuel Castro Ex-Officio


SOUVENIR MAGAZINE COMMITTEE
Joe Larano Jr. Chairman
Pompeii Ferrer Chief editor
Gydabelle Naval Member
Ivy Jan Simbala Member
Arlene Detera Member
Glenn Raz Member
Pitts Liamco Member
Nica Avenido Member
Reuel Castro Ex-Officio
As we come together to celebrate the 30th Founding Anniversary of the Philippine School Bahrain (PSB), the Souvenir Magazine Committee is honored to contribute to this momentous occasion. This magazine serves as a tribute to the visionaries whose unwavering dedication and commitment made the establishment of Philippine School Bahrain possible. Thirty years ago, a group of twenty eight passionate Filipinos came together with a shared dream of creating a school that would serve the children of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Bahrain. Their efforts, marked by integrity and a deep sense of purpose, laid the foundation of an institute that has become a pillar of educational excellence.
Today, Philippine School Bahrain stands tall. Thanks to the continued dedication of our current academic and administrative staff who work tirelessly to sustain the school’s mission of providing quality education and fostering a nurturing environment for our students. Their commitment to uphold the values and standards set by our founders ensures that PSB remains a leader in education, consistently producing graduates who excel in various fields and contribute meaningfully to society.
Looking ahead, the future of Philippine School Bahrain shines bright. The strong foundation laid by our founders, coupled with the ongoing efforts of our dedicated staff, positions the school’s continued success. As we reflect on the past and celebrate the present, we are filled with optimism for what lies ahead. This magazine does not only capture the rich history of Philippine School Bahrain but also serves as a beacon of our aspirations for the future—a future where PSB continues to thrive and inspire generations of learners.
Mr. Joe B. Larano Jr.
Member, PSB Board of Directors Chairman, Souvenir Magazine Committee
Philippine School Bahrain celebrates its Pearl anniversary, with thanksgiving. PSB is blessed to have dedicated past and present Board of Directors, administrators, teachers and staff guided by the school’s mission, vision, and set of core values.
The Board of Directors now, headed by Mr. Reuel Castro, works hand in hand with the school administrators to provide the best education possible to prepare students’ future, as well as to take care of the well-being of the teachers and staff. Foremost to their minds is to help students pave their way towards excellence in the academic world and to develop pleasing, well-rounded personality. The teachers put their best effort to develop students’ mindfulness in their class work and in their extra curricular activities.
As we look back to where PSB started, we would realize that hard work and focused ability to succeed are vital to achieve goals set by the school and its constituents.
The parents and students did a great part in the success of Philippine School Bahrain. Their diligence, persistence and cooperation helped the school grow in all educational aspects.
It is then fitting to dedicate the celebration of this 30th anniversary of PSB to all who had been involved in its extremely impressive growth through the years!
WE SALUTE YOU!
Mrs. Pompeii V. R. Ferrer Member, PSB Board of Directors Chief Editor, Souvenir Magazine Committee
Philippine School Bahrain was established in 1994 through the initiative of 28 Filipinos in close cooperation with the Philippine Embassy in Bahrain and support of the Bahrain Government. These 28 Filipinos, as the founding fathers of Philippine School Bahrain, constituted the Philippine School Association.
Founders and Members of the Philippine School Association
Rodrigo Acosta
Agapito Argueza
Zenaida Arevalo
Reuel Castro
Luz Cordova
Ernesto Cuello
Josephine Fernandez
Pomposa Ferrer
Myrna Gaspar
Efren Guico
Porfiria Gutierrez
Oscar Japitana
Jose Larano Jr.
Maria Esperanza Liamco
Rod Lucido
Arturo Marquez
Nerisa Mercado
Venus Virginia Privado
Edgardo Querijero
Gerry Ramos
Akmad Sakkam
Ruby Sakkam
Benjamin Sangalang
Armando Santiago
Pedrito Susi
Rod Taipan
Lolita Tolentino
Evelyn Zarate
From among the Members of the Philippine School Association (PSA), the following nine (9) men and women were elected as the first Board of Trustees with H.E. Ambassador Akmad A. Sakkam as the first Advisor to the Board of Trustees:
H.E. Akmad A. Sakkam
Rodrigo C. Acosta
Reuel C. Castro
Edgardo R. Querijero
Maria Esperanza M. Liamco
Luz R. Cordova
Dr. Josephine Fernandez
Pompeii V.R. Ferrer
Jose B. Laraño Jr.
Venus Virginia C. Privado – Advisor – Chairman – Vice-Chairman – Treasurer – Secretary – Member – Member – Member – Member – Member
The first Board of Trustees drew up the PSB’s Constitution and By-Laws, searched for a suitable location, coordinated with the Bahrain Ministry of Education and the Philippine Department of Education, Culture & Sports (DECS), promoted the PSB academic offerings among members of the Filipino community, developed the school’s organization structure, recruited the first batch of teachers and staff, and did all the necessary preparation work for the start-up.
Thereafter, the PSB grew and developed over the years. The following chronology of events highlights the important and significant periods in its history:
PSB started operations on 26 August 1995 with 148 students enrolled from LKG to Grade 5. Three (3) residential buildings at Kanoo Gardens, Ghufool, Manama were leased for use as classrooms and offices. Mrs. Rodelia R. Sales was appointed as the School Principal.
Mr. George Georsua, a notable Filipino musician-composer, composed the PSB Hymn.
The first graduation ceremony for HKG was held.
1996 - 1997
The Grade 6 level was added to educational program.
First graduation ceremony for Grade 6 was held.
1997 - 1998
First Year High School level was added.
DECS’ Undersecretary Mr. Antonio Eduardo Nachura conducted an ocular inspection of the school in connection with its application for a License to Operate. PSB passed the inspection.
PSB received the DECS license to operate from the Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos when he visited Bahrain in March 1998.
DECS conducted the National Elementary Assessment Test (NEAT) to assess how well the PSB has taught the curriculum particularly Mathematics, English, Science, History, and The Philippine School Bahrain scored 100%.
Bahrain Ministry of Education approved the request of the Philippine School Bahrain to offer secondary education based on the Philippine Educational system.
Fund-raising activities supported by parents and the PSB were launched to support the construction of the new Philippine School building at A’Ali.
The construction of the new PSB building (now known as the Elementary School Building) at A’Ali was started.
The construction of the new PSB building (now known as the Elementary School Building) at A’Ali was completed. PSB transferred from Kanoo Gardens to its new home and a soft opening was held on 20 June 2003. H.E. Ambassador Eduardo Pablo Maglaya was the Guest of Honor.
The new campus of PSB at A’Ali was jointly inaugurated on 15 December 2003 by H.H. Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain and H.E. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, President of the Republic of the Philippines.
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The Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) validated the quality of the educational services of Philippine School Bahrain in 2015 by awarding the School Level I Accreditation, the first ever to be granted to a Philippine school overseas.
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By complying with the prescribed education quality standards through continuous self-assessments and improvements, PAASCU renewed the accreditation of PSB in 2019 and the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines (FAAP) awarded PSB in 2020 the Level II ReAccreditation Status.
The educational programs of the Philippine School Bahrain are aligned with the Philippine K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum. They are designed to promote the development of the 21st Century skills among its students with focus on holistic education, global citizenship, appreciation of Filipino values and cultural heritage, and learning for social responsibility. The School is a Filipino home away from home. It faithfully abides by its motto “Excellence through Wisdom” for the greater glory of every Filipino, the Philippines, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the world, and God.
VISION:
To be a leading educational institution excelling in developing students to become competent, creative, committed and compassionate individuals.
MISSION:
To provide excellent pre-elementary and basic education in the Kingdom of Bahrain based on the Philippine education system to children of Overseas Filipino Workers.
STRATEGIES:
The School will continually review, develop and improve its curriculum to keep abreast with the advances in the educational field; utilize creative, innovative and sound pedagogy to achieve educational excellence; provide an educational environment conducive to effective learning, intelligent thinking and well-rounded personal development; employ, develop and retain high caliber and dedicated faculty and staff; and, establish and maintain linkages and harmonious relationship with the community; and promote and market its quality educational services.
Philippine School Bahrain is the only school that delivers Philippine Department of Education-approved K-12 education to the Filipino children of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the Kingdom of Bahrain. We are the first Philippine school overseas accredited by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU). We rank better than many prestigious schools in Bahrain and elsewhere in local, regional, and international examinations and competitions like the TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) and the World’s Scholars Cup.
Founded in 1994, Philippine School Bahrain prides itself on a purpose-designed educational environment, spanning a 26,000 square-meter campus. This expansive space comfortably accommodates our vibrant community of 1,200 Filipino students. Our facilities are meticulously designed to foster learning, growth, and innovation among our student body.
We are committed to educating and enriching our students’ knowledge, developing their understanding and appreciation of their rich cultural heritage while growing up in a foreign land, and enhancing their socio-emotional skills to help them cope with life’s day-to-day challenges. We are steadfast in our efforts to develop and expand the use of technology in learning and innovate our learning methods so that we can deliver quality education even during unusually challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
It has been an exciting 30 years of educational excellence and we look forward to many more years of service for the children of our OFWs in the beautiful island of Bahrain.
• Philippine School Bahrain is founded on the principle that wisdom is the cornerstone of excellence. We hold the conviction that education is a lifelong journey that shapes individuals into mature, responsible, and effective members of society. We also believe that education is a collaborative effort between home and school, ensuring the holistic development of every learner. It is through this dynamic educational process that one can attain a fulfilling life and contribute to a more humane society.
• Competence is at the heart of our ethos. We dedicate ourselves to creating an environment that nurtures the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and abilities that are crucial for sound decision-making and responsible leadership. Our unwavering commitment to high standards propels our pursuit of academic excellence and the cultivation of a passion for lifelong learning.
• Creativity is central to our approach. We provide enriching experiences that inspire learners to develop their innate talents and foster a sense of purpose, fuelling innovation for the good of the community, country, and humanity.
• Commitment is the pillar of our strength. We cultivate a culture that encourages a strong sense of duty, care for tasks and relationships, and environmental stewardship. We take pride in nurturing confidence in decision-making and fostering a sense of belonging and pride in our school and community.
• Compassion is woven into the fabric of our norms. We create a nurturing environment where respect, empathy, and a determination to transcend personal interests for the welfare of others are paramount. We foster not only academic growth but also character development of learners who are equipped to make a positive impact in the world.
From humble beginnings, Philippine School Bahrain has evolved and expanded. Now located in a spacious area, it boasts of buildings and facilities that are purpose-built according to Bahrain and international design standards.
PSB has three (3) buildings with classrooms — Elementary School Building (aka Reuel C. Castro Building), High School Building (aka Rodrigo C. Acosta Building), and Home Economics Building — plus an Administration Building, Security Building and Storage Building.
PSB library caters to all students. It contains printed and digital resources to supplement the learning materials used in classes.
PSB is equipped with biophysics, chemistry and computer laboratories to enhance learning and understanding through experimentation, observation, deductive/inductive reasoning and practical hands-on experience.
Learning is not only about reading and writing. Students also need to have time for recreation in order to relax, free the minds, discover and develop sporting and other physical skills, improve agility, make friends, and maintain good health. At PSB, there are areas for basketball, volleyball, and scouting for students and morning calisthenics for teachers and staff.
Philippine School Bahrain (PSB) stands proudly in its 30th year, a testament to the enduring vision and commitment of the Filipino community in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Established in 1994, PSB has since grown into a vibrant institution that serves as a home away from home for Filipino students. This year’s milestone celebration, themed “United in Purpose: A Legacy of Excellence Across the Decades,” reflects the collaborative spirit that has driven the school’s journey of excellence. Under the school’s motto, “Excellence Through Wisdom,” PSB continues to mold young minds into responsible and compassionate individuals, ensuring that their Filipino heritage remains an essential part of their identity.
The need for PSB arose from a pressing challenge faced by Filipino families in Bahrain. With limited access to schools offering affordable education, and a lack of instruction in Filipino subjects like Social Studies and Philippine History, many students found it difficult to reintegrate into the Philippine educational system when they returned home. Some children were even left without any formal schooling. It was against this backdrop that the Filipino community, in coordination with the Philippine Embassy, sought to establish a school that catered, specifically, to the needs of Filipino expatriates in Bahrain.
Through the leadership of then Ambassador Leonides T. Caday and Consul-General Amable Aguiluz III, a comprehensive survey was conducted in 1992 to determine the feasibility of a Philippine school. The
survey’s results revealed overwhelming support from Filipino parents, which sparked the formation of committees tasked with conducting a feasibility study. By 1993, the Bahrain Ministry of Education had received a formal proposal for the establishment of what would soon become the Philippine School Bahrain.
In 1994, under the leadership of Ambassador Akmad A. Sakkam, PSB’s dream became a reality. Ambassador Sakkam, through his dedication and personal involvement, secured the necessary approvals from Bahrain government. With the backing of 28 founding Filipino members, the Philippine School Bahrain was born, offering a nonprofit, non-stock educational institution that followed the Philippine curriculum. Its doors officially opened in August 1995 in Kanoo Gardens, starting a journey of nurturing Filipino youth in the Kingdom.
The early years of PSB were marked by significant challenges, but the school quickly gained recognition for
its unwavering commitment to quality education. In 1998, the Philippine government formally recognized PSB by granting the school of DECS license to operate. The PSB received the license from the then Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos himself when he visited Bahrain in March of the same year, solidifying its role as an essential institution for the Filipino community in Bahrain. Over time, PSB grew, evolving from a modest school in rented villas to a sprawling campus in A’Ali. Thanks to the bayanihan spirit that united Filipinos in Bahrain and to the generosity of the Bahraini government.
One of the school’s most remarkable achievements came in 2015 when PSB became the first Philippine school overseas to receive accreditation from the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU). This prestigious accreditation reflects the school’s dedication to maintaining high educational standards, fostering a learning environment that promotes academic excellence,
Filipino values, and cultural heritage. As PSB celebrates its 30th Founding Anniversary this October 2024, the school looks back, with gratitude, to the strong partnerships that have sustained its growth and success. From the parents, teachers, and students to the Filipino community and the Bahraini government, PSB’s legacy of excellence is a shared accomplishment. This celebration is not just a reflection of the past, but a commitment to continue the work of empowering the next generation of Filipino leaders.
Looking ahead, the Philippine School Bahrain remains focused on its mission: to provide excellent pre-elementary and basic education grounded in the Philippine educational system. With its vision to be a leading institution in developing competent, creative, and compassionate individuals, PSB stays true to its core values. United by a legacy of excellence, PSB’s future is bright, promising many more decades of success in shaping young minds and upholding the Filipino spirit in Bahrain.
by Ms. Arlene D. Detera, Vice-Principal, Kindergarten & Elementary Education
As Robert Fulghum wisely noted, “All I really need to know I learned in Kindergarten”. Kindergarten teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the early educational experiences of young children. Their days are a harmonious blend of structured learning, creative activities, and of nurturing care.
Let’s explore what a typical day in the life of a kindergarten (KG) teacher and her pupils looks like.
The day begins early with the KG teacher, who arrives at school before the children come, to prepare the learning centers, and to get teaching aids ready. The teacher creates a welcoming environment with colorful displays, engaging books and interactive learning tools.
The teacher waits for the children by the classroom door. She gets happy hugs and some children show various expressions of their feelings, while holding onto their parents’ hands.
One amusing observation: Almost everyday, this kindergarten child, upon arriving at school, clings to the teacher. The mother left for Canada and the father takes care of the child. At such a young age, the child finds comfort with the teacher. So, school life goes on.
The morning circle is a central part of the day where the teacher and the students gather to greet one another, discuss the day’s activities, practice daily routine, and sing songs or recite rhymes. All these make the start of the day engaging and fun-filled, setting a positive tone for the rest of the school day.
The day continues with structured learning activities such as writing, reading, numbers, shapes, and colors. The teacher carefully scaffolds the lessons to ensure all students participate and learn at their own pace. Indoor and outdoor facilities are provided for mental, physical, social and emotional development of the children.
A day in the life of a Kindergarten teacher is filled with joy, as well as, challenges that result in profound sense of fulfillment, making positive impact on the lives of the pupils.
About the writer:
Ms. Arlene D. Detera is Vice-Principal of Kindergarten & Elementary Education. This is her 30th year at PSB.
At Philippine School Bahrain, our teachers and faculty members are highly qualified professionals who embody the values of excellence and dedication in education. Each of them brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Their backgrounds reflect not only their solid academic qualifications but also a variety of specialized training and seminars that have equipped them to meet the challenges of modern education. These teachers are carefully selected by our Human Resources Office, assisted by our personnel recruiter in the Philippines, ensuring that only the most competent and passionate individuals are chosen to shape the minds of our students.
Our educators are not static in their profession. They actively participate in the Continuing Professional Development Program (CPD), which helps them stay current with the latest trends in education,
teaching strategies, and technological advancements. Through CPD, they refine their skills, adapt to the changing demands of the global educational landscape, and elevate the quality of instruction they provide. This commitment to lifelong
learning underscores their dedication to not only teaching but also constantly improving their craft to deliver the best possible education to our students.
The role of Filipino teachers at Philippine School Bahrain goes beyond the classroom. They act as mentors, guiding students not just in academics but also in developing critical thinking, creativity, and values that prepare them for life beyond school. They take great responsibility in ensuring that their students not only understand the lessons but also apply what they have learned to real-world contexts.
Our teachers work diligently to foster a nurturing environment where every student feels supported, encouraged, and motivated to reach their full potentials.
Pomposa V.R. Ferrer
To be built in two phases, this project is our dedication to foster a nurturing and inspiring learning atmosphere.
The Philippine School Bahrain is embarking on an exciting new project—the construction of a purpose-built Kindergarten Block at its A’ali campus. This new one-storey structure is designed, specifically, to house the Kindergarten sections of the school which is a significant step in meeting the developmental needs of the youngest students. Currently, the Kindergarten classrooms are located on the ground floor of the RCC Building, which is shared with older elementary students. The new block will offer Kindergarten students a dedicated space that fosters a sense of belonging and security, ensuring that their early educational experience is both enriching and age-appropriate.
One of the driving factors behind the construction of the Kindergarten Block is the need to separate younger students from older elementary pupils. This separation is crucial in creating a
learning environment that caters specially to the unique needs of Kindergarten students. By providing a dedicated space for early childhood education, the school can focus on nurturing the growth of these young learners in a manner tailored to their developmental stage.
As the school prepares for future growth, the new Kindergarten Block is also designed to accommodate an eventual increase in student enrollment. With Bahrain’s growing Filipino community, the Philippine School anticipates that the
number of students will continue to rise, and this project is part of the school’s long-term vision to address that need. By planning ahead and creating a dedicated facility for the youngest learners, the school is not only meeting current demands but also future-proofing its capacity to provide high-quality education for the children of overseas Filipino workers.
The most important reason for constructing this new block, however, is to offer Kindergarten students a holistic learning environment. The design of the building is focused on creating a space that promotes the overall development of the child— academically, physically, and socially. With reinforced concrete construction and a roof deck made of hollow-core precast concrete, the structure will be sturdy and durable. Additionally, the central courtyard, abundant windows, and open layout will create a bright and airy atmosphere that fosters creativity, active learning, and a sense of community among the children.
Covering a total built-up area of 1,080 square meters, the new Kindergarten Block will have ample space for all the necessary facilities. It will house a total of 10 classrooms, including an activity room and washrooms. There will be a sepparate room each for faculty, archive, and records. These facilities are designed to meet the specific needs of Kindergarten students, offering them a space where they can engage in diverse activities, from hands-on learning to quiet reflection. The faculty room will ensure that teachers
have the resources and space to prepare and collaborate with one another. Phase 1 of the construction will include the development of four classrooms and a faculty lounge. The classrooms are strategically facing the existing Kindergarten play area. This phase will ensure that the project can be completed in a timely and efficient manner while minimizing disruption to the school’s current operations. The inclusion of a faculty lounge ensures that teachers are well-supported in their roles,
providing them with a comfortable space to rest and prepare for classes. According to the Engineering consultant who designed the building, Phase 1 construction is estimated to be completed by the middle of next year.
For KG learners, the new Kindergarten Block represents a fresh start in an environment designed just for them. The separation from older students will help create a calm, safe, and welcoming space where they can explore, learn, and grow at their own pace.
Parents will undoubtedly see the value of this project, knowing that their children are learning in a purpose-built facility tailored to meet their specific needs. The new Kindergarten Block will provide peace of mind to parents, knowing that their children are in a safe, nurturing, and well-equipped environment. From a broader perspective, the new Kindergarten Block represents the school’s ongoing dedication to providing quality education and maintaining its position as a leading institution for overseas Filipino workers’ children in Bahrain.
For the general public, stakeholders and Filipino communities in Bahrain, this project is a positive reflection of the school’s forward-thinking vision. The new structure is more than just a building—it symbolizes growth, progress, and a deep commitment to shaping the future of young learners in Bahrain. With this project, the school strengthens its legacy of excellence and positions itself as a cornerstone for future education.
Virginia, USA
wishes to congratulate the Philippine School Bahrain on its 30th Founding Anniversary