There were several compelling reasons that prompted the consideration to organize a high school on the island of Sibale. The idea of course remained visionary waiting for someone to translate this dream into a reality. Fabroa, a man whose obsession in life is the upliftment of his people and the progress of his town, took up the challenge. He sold the idea, first in 1956 and again in 1960. Majorit
y of those financially capable committed to join the corporation while the poor ones vowed to help in terms of free work when and if these were needed. Unfortunately, however, every time the date set for the collection of shares came, typhoons swept the island destroying the coconut industry, the major source of income of the people. Hence, the temporary shelving of the plan. But it does not last long for during the 1963 Christmas vacation, while Mr. Fabroa was undergoing hospitalization in Manila, Mr. Jose Rafols started anew the reactivation of the plan. Having been informed about it, Mr. Fabroa rushed home to intensify the campaign. After assuring that the proposed Sibale Academy will be permitted to operate, excitement was noticeable among the people. The news spread like wild fire while the people amidst their joy even volunteered to set a date to start the construction of the school building. Eufronio Faigmani, joined the party in a barrio-to-barrio campaign arousing the people’s interest to send their children to the school. Worthy of note was the willingness of the people to cooperate because even right in their places of work, the buying of shares was done while the labor and most building materials were offered free of charge. On June 26, 1964, the school plant was inspected and the Board of Directors was assured that a favorable recommendation for permit will be made. Confident of its approval, the school was inaugurated and on August 3, 1964 its doors opened the 121 students who enrolled in the first and second years applied for. There was no harder blow ever received in their whole life but the news of the disapproval of the permit. That time, follow-up was the only proper course of action to obviate the legal involvement. Fortunately, it was settled and the paper was approved. Thanks to the Fallarme brothers, Mr. Gaudencio Fallarme and Atty. Alfonso Fallarme, who were some the key people in securing permit for the Sibale Academy. Tears rolled down the eyes of the 121 students, five instructors and a host of outsiders the moment when the school flag signaling the institution’s opening and the realization of the cherished dream was being hoisted ushered in by the immortal tune of our beloved National Anthem. To them, the flag now waving in the air marked the trending tyrannical cord which bound the less fortunate children of Sibale from the clutches of ignorance.
© The Saha Gazette – Sibale Academy @45
