Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 6) – A Catholic school founded more than a century ago closes its doors – becoming the latest casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Built in 1913, the historic College of the Holy Spirit Manila (CHSM) in Mendiola ceased operations after 109 years due to rising operational costs and low enrollment turnout – worsened by the health crisis.
It was in October 2020 when CHSM announced its closure at end of academic year 2021-2022.
Victoria del Rosario and Cora Guidote finished their secondary education at CHSM during the Martial Law years, and Wednesday was the last day for them to walk around the campus.
“The memories started but we were having fun kasi walang masyadong (because there were no) classes so mostly half day. Pero during morning, talagang tight security we cannot go out (But during mornings, security was tight so we couldn’t go out),” Guidote told CNN Philippines as she recalled her days in school.
It was equally sad for 44-year-old employee Winston – who now has to say goodbye to his place of work for 20 years.
“Nagulat kami nung nag-start na yung pandemic may mga haka-haka hanggang sa naging totoo pala,” he said.
[Translation: There were speculations when the pandemic broke out. Those speculations became true.]
Meanwhile, John Lloyd Buenconsejo will be part of the last graduating batch, consisting of more or less 30 students this April 20.
“Emotional in a sense na parang malungkot kasi parang wala ka nang babalikan in the future na parang gagraduate pero wala ka nang mabibisita na school,” Buenconsejo said.
[Translation: Emotional and sad in a sense that when I graduate, there will be no school for me to return to and visit.]
Like several other private educational institutions, CHSM also faced enrollment challenges – as many parents opted to enroll their children in state colleges and universities, where tuition is free.
“They (the school) tried their best, in fact we formed a management corporation to try to save the school for part but then I guess the Holy Spirit had other plans,” Guillermina Ong, President of the College of the Holy Spirit Alumnae Association said.
Some of the notable alumni include award-winning journalist Sheila Coronel, Filipino peace negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, former Securities and Exchange Commisioner Teresita Herbosa, Eugenia Apostol of Philippine Daily Inquirer, and investigative journalist Booma Cruz.
“The structure might not be here, but you know the spirit lives on. It lives on every heart of every alumni that was raised here,” Ong added.
RIGHT NOW: Alumni of College of the Holy Spirit in Manila reminisce the memories of their learning years as they walk around the campus on its last day of tour. It’s closing time after 109 years. The last graduating batch will have their rites on April 20, 2022.@cnnphilippines pic.twitter.com/WxyRR3jOip
— Stanley Buenafe Gajete (@stanleygajete) April 6, 2022
