Xavier's light shines in Nuvali

Manila, Philippines - Sixteen years ago, the idea of a new Xavier School was broached. After determined work led by the school’s board of trustees chaired by Fr. Ismael Zuloaga, the dream – Xavier School Nuvali – has finally become a reality on a sprawling 15-hectare campus in Calamba, Laguna.

Even as the school has opened classes this school year with 138 boys and girls in kindergarten and grades one to three, the campus and community continues to grow.

The school’s inauguration on June 22 celebrated the realization of this dream, as well as the future of the institution as it develops.

The inauguration honored three major donors that made the campus development possible – Aurora Properties, Inc., Henry Sy Sr., and Ramon S. Ang.

Administrators, Jesuit priests, alumni, benefactors, parents and students were present at the affair, led by school officials: president Fr. Johnny Go, SJ; chairman Fr. Zuloaga, SJ; Jesuit provincial superior Fr. Jose Magadia; chairman emeritus Bienvenido Tan, Jr.; former trustee Miguel Tan; and guest of honor Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro.

Fr. Johnny Go presents a token of appreciation Henry Sy, Sr. who is joined by Felicidad Sy and Herbert Sy.

A joint venture between Ayala Land and the Jose A. Yulo family, Aurora Properties Inc. is the developer of the Nuvali community in Laguna. In 2007, the company donated the land for the campus, as well as a seed fund for its development.

The Henry Sy Sr. primary school building is one of the first facilities on Xavier Nuvali’s campus. The “Father of Retail” and one of Forbes Magazine’s “Heroes of Philanthropy” has raised, with his wife, six children – with all four of his sons Xavier alumni. The school’s administrators hope that the Xavier Nuvali graduates imbibe the entrepreneurial spirit of the successful businessman and philanthropist that donated the building.

Likewise, another business leader and philanthropist who Xaverians are hoped to exemplify is San Miguel Corporation president Ramon Ang, who donated the gymnasium. 

A true nation builder, Ang transformed the venerable blue-chip company into one of the country’s largest and most diversified conglomerates.

He also helped interconnect and renew the Philippine landscape through a network of highways, floodways, airports, mass transit systems and railways.

The impact of these massive infrastructure projects will be felt in many positive and enduring ways and help spur business activity throughout the country and boost overall economic development.

Ang – whose three sons are Xaverians – was cited by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry as “Philanthropist of the Year” in 2011. It is his bold business leadership, as well as his notable philanthropy, that will hopefully inspire future generations of Xavier Nuvali graduates.

Unveiling the marker commemorating Aurora Properties’ donation are Fr. Ismael Zuloaga, Fr. Jose Cecilio Magadia, Pan Feng, Fr. Go, Regina Yulo, Jose Ramon Yulo, Meanne Dy, Bienvenido Tan, Jr., Anecito Bisnar, Miguel Tan, and Bro. Armin Luistro.

Meanwhile, two other major buildings are set to be completed in December 2012 – the Anthony and Justa Lee student leadership center and the Oratory of St. Francis Xavier.

In the near future, the completed campus will have primary, middle, and high school buildings, an auditorium and library, an administration center, two gymnasiums and various sports venues, and provisions for dormitories.

The Xavier Nuvali community is set to grow as well, as the school opens three new levels – grades four, seven, and eight – next year.