MANKAYAN, Benguet – The UCCP Mankayan Christian Academy, Inc. (UMCAI) treated the community of Mankayan with a float parade as part of the school’s coronation activities for its Search for Mr. and Miss UMCAI on February 16, 2018.
The popularity contest was initiated by the school’s PTA headed by Mrs. Minnie T. Modesto to help build more classrooms for the school with a growing population of 205 pupils.
The school which is offering Nursery, Kindergarten and Grades One to Five is applying to offer Grade Six next school year to complete the elementary curriculum.
The coronation rites were graced by the Municipal Mayor Materno R. Luspian, who, in his remarks underscored the importance of early childhood education. He lauded the efforts of the parents and candidates who raised almost a million for their project.
Mathhew David T. Bon and Meiya Dennise S. Gomeyac of the Grade 5 were crowned Master UMCAI and Miss UMCAI while Kindergarteners Prince Reniel L. Lipadan and Aedan Allyson B. Cab-ad were crowned Little Master UMCAI and Little Miss UMCAI. Grade 2 candidates Mark Japheth W. Virgino and Sayuri Jane A. Domes were the First Prince and First Princess while Grade 4’s Jun Marconi B. Banga-an and Nickkie Misha D. Teliaken were the Second Prince and Second Princess. Following the rolyalties for that day were Grade 1’s Rainier B. Malingan and Grace Joy C. Santil, Nursery AM’s Banduds B. Umayat and Thalia Raye B. Manuit, Nursery PM’s Ishan Luke M. Hora and Khianna Rose A. Sumacbay, and Grade 3’s Veejay N. Galvino and Ashley B. Sacpa.
“Kasla Panagbenga,” (“like Panagbenga”) said an onlooker as nine floats covered in flowers and balloons paraded on Chinese New Year giving a Panagbenga look on the streets of Mankayan. A raffle draw was held in the afternoon to give back to the generous donors of the fund-raiser.
The local church of UCCP Poblacion, Mankayan together with its Kindergarten was established in 1935 making it the first church in the municipality of Mankayan. One of its ministries is the operation of UMCAI where Biblical principles are added to the curriculum.
By CLARES B. GUMINIGIN