As with the tradition of every individual, birthdays marked the celebration of both existence and the mission to face a new page in the book of life. Fr. Eduardo M. Santoyo, OMI, PhD, ensured that every single minute of his special day was well-spent โ with the entire Notre Dame of Jolo College community and those who had truly touched his heart, as a President of humility and transformation.
On August 12, the community gathered to celebrate Fr. Santoyo’s new life chapter through various simultaneous events, each in different settings and with different intentions. These events were carefully organized to fulfill the birthday celebrant’s wish โ to continue striving for the highest quality of education and service in the years ahead of his dedicated presidency and ongoing advocacy.
๐๐๐ฒ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ ๐จ๐จ๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ
The day began with blessings as Fr. Santoyo, along with fellow Christian brothers and sisters, attended a Eucharistic Mass at the NDJC Chapel in the Bishop Benjamin de Jesus, OMI Building. The Mass reflected the happiness and positivity on his face as he witnessed the great faith and affection for the Holy Spirit throughout his life, including his unwavering commitment to people from all walks of life and the children of the Lord.
Guided by the Holy Spirit, Fr. Ed expressed his sincere gratitude for another year of life, despite the challenges he had faced and would continue to face on his journey. In response to his gratitude, his fellow Christians loudly wished him a happy birthday at the end of the Mass, praying for his continued health and wellness to carry on the work he had begun.
๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ
As part of making the celebration even more special, the Badjao community, who had always been part of Fr. Edโs advocacy for engagement and solidarity with minority groups, participated in a small yet meaningful gathering organized by the Office of the Community Extension Service staff and Peace Animator’s Club volunteers at Bishop Smith Hall, Administration Building.
From fun games to essential services, Fr. Ed, along with the community extension staff and volunteers, ensured that every child and parent received something vital for their daily lives and studies โ school supplies and grocery packages to support their life dreams and goals.
Moved by the pure voices expressing gratitude, “Magsukul, Father [Ed]” made the celebrant feel even more committed to his mission, deepening his resolve to continue offering the best he could for the transformation he envisioned for the community. That phrase, often spoken by those who were part of his mission, was met by Fr. Ed with a warm smile and an expression of joy that radiated from his heart.
๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐ง๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐
In an event that marked another significant step in wise transformation, a coastal cleanup operation was conducted at Quezon Beach, Barangay Igasan, Patikul, Sulu. This initiative was in line with the institution’s core value of environmental conservation, emphasizing the importance of reducing solid waste and promoting a clean and green environment, not just on campus but throughout the province.
With the collaboration and cooperation of the institution’s teaching and non-teaching personnel, the 35th CMO, and Barangay Igasan officials, President’s Day became not just a celebration of the celebrant but also a call to environmental stewardship.
As the celebrationโs energy filled the corners of Quezon Beach, the formal program highlighted a community dance and birthday messages from Mr. Dwezzle John Radjulie for non-teaching personnel, Mrs. Elmida Jannaral for college teaching personnel, Mrs. Marife Sepnio for senior high school personnel, and Fritizie Mae Barade for the student government and body. Honorable Abdusakur M. Tan, the Sulu Provincial Governor, and Fr. Gerry de los Reyes, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate Provincial Supervisor, also shared their birthday messages for Fr. Santoyo. The 35th IB Civilian Military Office and Barangay Igasan officials, who contributed to the success of the President’s Day celebration, were also present.
The community’s birthday greetings, gifts, and cakes added joy to the celebration as Fr. Ed blew out the candles with wishes for himself and those around him, emphasizing his ongoing missions for quality education and service, community and alumni engagement, environmental involvement, and cultural heritage. A community salu-salo cherished by all attendees, along with the ambiance of Quezon Beach, marked the beginning of another chapter in Fr. Ed’s life as he continued to create new memories and accomplishments.
Throughout the celebration, the themes of existence and mission highlighted the essence of birthdays, as seen in this year’s President’s Day. Fr. Edโs inclusive, dynamic, and diligent role in NDJC and Sulu continued to lead to new transformations and missions as he added another year to his life.
Thus, “+ 1” had already turned โ and the 58-year-old Fr. Eduardo M. Santoyo, OMI, PhD, was ready for another chapter of commitment and community for NDJC and Sulu as a whole.
