Last May 14, 2025, Punlaan School held an Anniversary Thanksgiving Celebration to kick off the activities for its 50th year. Starting off the celebration was the Dedication of the Altar and Thanksgiving Mass presided by Most Rev. Honesto Ongtioco, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Cubao, and concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Erwin See, Regional Vicar Secretary of Opus Dei in the Philippines and Indonesia, and Rev. Fr. Cecilio Magsino, Punlaan School Chaplain.

Punlaan’s chapel has been named the Chapel of the Holy Family, which, as Bishop Nes reiterated in his homily, places the chapel “under the patronage of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph to guide the work (in the school) and that the example of their holy home life be reflected in our homes and in the homes of those whom we serve.”

Among the attendees were former Directors of Punlaan – Dr. Severina “Rina” Villegas, Founding Director and School Director from 1975 to 1981 and from 1984 to 1985; Ms. Marie Santos (1988 to 1990); Ms. Socorro “Susie” Madamba (1994 to 1996); and Ms. Anne Marie “Nanan” Jacinto (2009 to 2022). Members of the Punlaan Development Board and Board Members of the Foundation for Professional Training Inc. (FPTI) also joined the celebrations. 

One of the event highlights is the get-together where the former Directors had shared stories about Punlaan from its very beginnings. Dr. Rina Villegas shared the many stories of former students who had been inspired by the teachings of St. Josemaria, and recalled how the students of technical vocational schools (like Punlaan) stand out because of elegance, good work habits, and integrity. From the start of Punlaan, its very mission is to give importance to the role of women in the home and in society. Ms. Marie Santos, drawing from Dr. Villegas’ sharing, gave emphasis on the value of seeking holiness through work in the middle of the world. Apart from the initial skills offerings of Punlaan, such as Home Arts, the school also nurtured the students’ sense of family atmosphere and warmth, helping them discover that it is possible to convert all that we do into prayer. 

Next to share were Ms. Susie Madamba and Ms. Nanan Jacinto, whose periods of leadership and service paved the way for the institutionalization of the Dual Training System which Punlaan School is known to be the pioneer of in the Hospitality and Culinary Arts field. Ms. Madamba described that it had been a herculean effort to have Punlaan known to the government and industries, but the support of the school’s patrons and of key opinion leaders in the local government and civic organizations has positioned Punlaan to be an institution known for graduates who are competent and embody positive work values. Adding to this, Ms. Nanan Jacinto recognized the support of organizations and foundations that introduced the German model of Dual Training System in 1992 which has later become the preferred mode of delivering technical education in the country ever since. Many influential leaders, such as the former First Lady Mrs. Amelita Ramos, had also championed the advocacy of empowering young Filipino women through skills training, propelling forward the mission of Punlaan to a broader audience. 

The current scholars, Batch 33 of the Dual Training Program in Hospitality and Culinary Arts, were part of the get-together and they shared that it had been inspiring, hearing of the many stories of impact and influence that the school has journeyed through the years. Many appreciated Punlaan more, and have acquired a renewed sense of working harder as they felt the support of each donor, industry partner, staff, and many more as they pursue their dreams.