For the past two decades of shared trailblazing achievements, the Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) Alumni gathered for their first-ever homecoming in the renewed, restructured, and revitalized HCDC titled “Pakighimamat 2024: Trailblaze in Reconnecting” at the 7th Floor, Function Hall, HCDC, last Saturday, July 27, 2024, celebrating their journey and unveiling new initiatives for the alumni community.
Led by HCDC-BSSW’s Social Work Alumni Organization (SWAO), this homecoming event brought together alumni from the first graduating class of 2004 to the most recent batch of 2024, highlighting the importance of maintaining strong bonds within the social work community.
Br. Glien T. Norbe, BSSW Instructor and former SWAO President opened the event with heartfelt remarks. “We are gathered here today for our pakighimamat. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to reunite and celebrate the journey of our BSSW program from the first graduating class in 2004 to the latest graduate, batch 2024,” Br. Norbe said.
He emphasized the deep sense of gratitude alumni feel toward Holy Cross of Davao College, which shaped them into the professionals they are today. He reminded attendees of their role as instruments of social transformation and peace, challenging them to continue their impactful work in the field.
The homecoming was a great opportunity for Mr. Romil Torrejos, Alumni Affairs Assistant under the Center for Social Communications and Alumni Affairs, to share the evolution of alumni at HCDC, presenting new initiatives such as Alumni Portal and Alumni Privilege Card, which benefit the school’s alumni.
Torrejos also highlighted the significance of such events in fostering a strong network among alumni and underscored the importance of the alumni organization’s initiatives in maintaining these connections.
Dr. Alona S. Galache, Dean of the College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Communication, addressed the gathering through a speech read by Ms. Cirila Lilibeth A. Panes, BSSW Program Chairperson.
“Homecoming is a time to reconnect, reflect, and rejoice in the shared mission that has guided us all. Your commitment to social justice and dedication to service are the very essence of what we stand for at the BSSW Program. As an alumnus of HUSOCOM, you are part of a legacy of change-makers. Whether you are working on the front lines, advocating for systemic change, or contributing in ways we may not even see, know that your efforts are making a profound difference,” said Dr. Galache.
Nicel Jane Castro, a 2023 BSSW alumna, captured the essence of the event, saying, “Alumni homecoming events are special because they bring us back to the place where we made lifelong friends and grew into who we are today. These gatherings let us reconnect with old friends, remember shared experiences, and feel part of our school community again.”
‘Pakighimamat 2024’ reinforced the strong ties between the BSSW alumni and their alma mater. The event underscored the importance of alumni homecomings in fostering a supportive and connected community of dedicated social workers.