23/08/2025
𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒
𝐑𝐞𝐩. 𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐲 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐬-𝐀𝐥𝐟𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐌𝐒𝐀𝐓:
𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐬
The Sanchez Mira School of Arts and Trades (SMSAT) must continue empowering students with skills while honoring its legacy, Congresswoman Baby Aline Vargas Alfonso said in her message for the school’s 62nd founding anniversary, delivered Tuesday by Mr. Alejandro A. Bangay.
Rep. Vargas-Alfonso was unable to attend the celebration due to budget hearings in Congress, but her written message highlighted the school’s enduring role in shaping the lives of young people and communities across the province.
“For sixty-two years, SMSAT has been a strong foundation of education in Sanchez Mira. From its humble beginnings, this institution has equipped generations of young people with technical skills, discipline, and values that prepare them for the challenges of life. Indeed, SMSAT is more than just a school—it is a builder of dreams and futures, ” she said.
She also pointed to this year’s theme, “Empowering Skills, Building Future: Honoring Our Roots, Advancing through Revised K to 12 Curriculum,” as a reminder of the school’s continuing mission to balance tradition with innovation.
“Empowering skills means giving our youth the knowledge and confidence to thrive, not only here in the Philippines but also in the global arena. Building the future requires hard work, perseverance, and dedication, while honoring our roots means remembering the founders, teachers, and alumni who laid the foundation of SMSAT, ” she explained.
The congresswoman also praised the coronation of Mr. and Miss SMSAT 2025 not only as a cultural highlight but also as a fundraising effort for school improvements.
“That is a noble cause—because it shows that even students, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders are very willing to do their part to uplift their school. Your principal has been tireless in lobbying projects for SMSAT, and with your unity, more improvements will surely come,” she said.
This year’s coronation crowned Charlotte A. Mallabo and Vienne Zandro P. Corpuz as Mr. and Ms. SMSAT 2025.
They were joined by 1st Prince Brian Kyle Salvador, 1st Princess Kathleya Celine Q. Orteza, 2nd Prince Barry L. Vera Cruz, and 2nd Princess Leinielle Mitz Rojo.
Proceeds from the event raised ₱107,000, which the school has used to purchase a new sound and light system.
Other guests included Mayor Abraham Bagasin, represented by SB Member Napoleon Malto, Vice Mayor Dr. Connie O. Sacramed, and SB Member Carlo O. Cachapero, who echoed messages of pride in SMSAT’s history and encouragement for its future.
Established in 1963 with only 14 male learners under pioneer principal Juan O. Azurin and teacher Macario C. Blanco, SMSAT produced its first graduates in 1969.
Six decades later, it continues to be one of Cagayan’s leading institutions for technical and vocational education.
