HS ’76 Alumni Revisit RMC Campus for Golden Jubilee Tour
March 21, 2026. Davao City.
Twenty-eight alumni from the RMC High School Class of 1976 returned to their alma mater on March 19, 2026, for a nostalgic campus tour in celebration of their 50th year since graduation, with their theme: We are Golden Together.
The jubilarians began their visit at the Accreditation Room on the second floor of the RMC Building along F. Torres Street, where they were warmly welcomed by Alumni Relations Director, Mr. Amado S. Ancla, on behalf of the administration and the entire RMC community.
Also present to greet the group was Vice President for Administration and Finance, Mr. Lorenzo Raphael L. Magno, who expressed appreciation for their enduring loyalty and continued connection with RMC. In a light moment, he asked how many among them had multiple family members who had studied at RMC—prompting more than half of the group to raise their hands, a testament to the institution’s lasting impact across generations.
The alumni were then presented with two videos showcasing RMC’s ongoing development: the Marfori Heights Campus masterplan and the soon-to-rise Justice Leopoldo M. Abellera (JLMA) Building, which will house the School of Law and Graduate School. The presentations were met with enthusiastic applause, as the group expressed pride in the institution’s continued growth.
Engr. Edwin Sajorda, Head of the Facilities and Procurement Office, was on hand to answer questions about the development plans. Dr. Noel Ponsaran, Dean of the College of Criminal Justice Education, also stopped by to personally greet the jubilarians.
The tour continued with a photo opportunity at the “I Love RMC” marker at the building entrance, joined by Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Alminda M. Fernandez. The group then proceeded to Twin Buildings A and B, where they were briefly introduced to several key personnel, including heads of various academic and administrative offices.
After exploring the ground floor offices, the alumni visited another and bigger “I Love RMC” marker located behind Twin Building A, where they took additional photos, including one with the statue of Justice Leopoldo M. Abellera, one of the founding fathers and the first President of RMC.
As members of a high school batch, the group made their way to the Integrated Basic Education Department (IBED). Taking the shortest route across the soccer field, they walked under the midday sun with umbrellas and hats, sharing lighthearted moments along the way.
At the IBED facilities, the tour was continued by Principal Ms. Gel Marie Tiboron and Senior High School Coordinator Mr. Julius Jonathan Ypon. The alumni visited the Elementary Library and interacted briefly with a class of Grade 2 pupils, creating a joyful and memorable exchange across generations.
They also toured the Junior and Senior High School libraries, where welcome messages for the group were displayed. Ms. Tiboron highlighted the library’s blend of traditional and digital resources and shared ongoing efforts to encourage students to rediscover the value of reading physical books. During the visit, one alumnus inquired about the RMC marching band and was pleased to learn that it remains active. The possibility of alumni support for band instruments was also discussed.
The group proceeded to the IBED clinic and Guidance Office, where they were impressed by the clinic’s capacity and the availability of private counseling spaces for students.
The tour culminated at the RMC gymnasium, where Grade 12 students were presenting their capstone research projects. The organizers graciously allowed time for the alumni to go on stage. Director Ancla shared that the Class of 1976 was the very first batch to use the gymnasium for their high school graduation. Upon learning that the visit marked the alumni’s 50th anniversary, the students warmly applauded.
Following the gym visit, the jubilarians proceeded to Kusina ni Jose for lunch. Afterward, some returned home, while others headed to The Royal Mandaya Hotel for an ocular inspection and preparations for their reunion celebration scheduled on March 21, 2026. RMC President, Dr. Evelyn Abellera Magno, is set to attend the event as the special guest speaker.
Article written by Amado S. Ancla
Photos by Althea Grace Maning of The Rizalian Press
