1977- A New Mission Through Collaboration in Davao City

In 1977, the Hijas de Jesús were invited to assume the administration of a school previously run by the Missionaries of the Immaculate Conception, who were facing a shortage of personnel. The transition came through the Archbishop of the area, Msgr. Antonio Mabutas, who, through the recommendation of Mrs. Julieta Te, liaison officer of Stella Maris Academy, contacted the Provincial Superior of the Hijas de Jesús, Sr. Elena Ma. Parcon.

The invitation was particularly fitting because the Hijas de Jesús already had experience in apostolic work among Chinese communities. After visiting the school in February 1977, Sr. Elena accepted, on behalf of the Philippine Province, the responsibility of administering the school.

By June 1977, the Sisters had assumed responsibility for the school’s complete elementary and secondary curriculum. The transition was not without its difficulties, particularly as the Sisters adjusted to new administrative responsibilities and the needs of an already established school community. The early years, however, were sustained by the generous support of benefactors.

The school soon flourished. At the time the history was written, it had become the largest school in terms of student population among the Hijas de Jesús schools in the Philippines, with 1,735 students.

The community’s apostolate extended beyond the school to include parish ministry and outreach programs, allowing the Sisters to integrate education with their wider pastoral mission.