Old NDDFG/NDGSC Campus, now the Mindanao Polytechnic College Annex
Bariles was surprised to find out last week, when passing through Beatiles Street beside the OLPGV Parish Center in downtown GenSan, to see saw many young men with crew cuts walking out of the gates of the former campus of the Notre Dame of Dadiangas for Girls (NDDFG), renamed the Notre Dame of General Santos City (NDGSC) a few years back by its Dominican administrators.
Upon closer look, he saw a small tarpauline banner which bore a new name for what used to be the headquarters of the first exclusive-all-girls school in the Tuna Capital. In bold black letters, it read – Welcome. MINDANAO POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE ANNEX.
Please note the the main campus of the Mindanao Polytechnic College (MPC) is located at the junction of the National Highway and the Makar-Koronadal Road, about 7 kilometers from downtown General Santos. It is the city’s premier school for nautical and marine engineering courses, and lately, of HRM courses (maritime-based).
- Mindanao Polytechnic College Annex at the old Notre Dame of Gen. Santos Campus
Always the inquisitive one, Bariles went inside and observed some male students lounging around the campus and took some more shots of the wide quadrangle with the St. Dominic’s Hall in the background.
- Old NDDFG/NDGSC Campus as it looks now
Obviously, classes have not started yet since the students inside were still finding their way around the campus. Later, Bariles found out from reading some memo at the bulletin board near the former admin building that the campus will be used mainly by their HRM Deparment.
Meanwhile, while near the gate, Bariles took shot of this old grotto of the Virgin obviously needed some major clean-up.
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The old NDDFG/NDGSC Grotto
The old NDDFG/NDGSC Grotto
It was a shock at first for Bariles, having known this place as the old hallowed grounds of the female counterparts of the boys of the Notre Dame of Dadiangas College – High School Department (now the NDDUniversity) from where he graduated.
Later on, he realized that it would be beneficial for the Diocese of Marbel which owns the property since they can put to good use the rent from Mindanao Polytechnic College.
At the same time, the valuable buildings and all the facilities here (all put up by the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Sienna) may still be utilized by the young generation in their pursuit for good, affordable education (to be provided in this case, by the Mindanao Polytechnic College). This is better than the eventuality of these structures falling into ruin due to neglect and non-use.
For readers who are Dameans, how do you feel about this?
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Bariles is a Filipino word for “Tuna”, the primary source of income of the people of General Santos City which hosts 6 of the Philippines’ 8 tuna canneries and more than 80% of its tuna processing plants.
lito Says:
ok lang…at least nagamit ang campus for educational pa rin…
.-= lito´s last blog ..analou:mutya ng cahilsot village 2009 =-.
Posted on June 30th, 2009 at 9:46 PM
rrrrr Says:
from me?well it’s ok naman dahil may another campus sila, good for the school of MPC
Posted on June 30th, 2009 at 10:04 PM
Californian Says:
It is such a mixed feeling seeing my former Alma Mater at this present state. There were lots of memories fostered – I could vividly remember myself during my elementary and high school days walking in and out of that entrance gate proudly wearing my white and green uniform. Same with me, it has gone a long way but have to move on. I hope the new “occupants” will preserve the campus the way that it should be….
Thanks, Bariles for the update…
Notredamian forever!
Posted on July 1st, 2009 at 1:37 AM
Mackay Says:
It makes me feel melancholy for the good old days and for everything Notre Dame of Dadiangas for Girls stood for. The photos you posted flooded me with memories and I wished that they continued the legacy of Notre Dame but then again, the new occupants are still aimed towards educating the youth so that should balance everything out.
Sana lang, they will take good care of the buildings and the surroundings especially the grotto and the big trees.
Thanks for the info Tito =)
.-= Mackay´s last blog ..Fil-Expo 2009 – Dubai =-.
Posted on July 1st, 2009 at 4:37 AM
trish Says:
so sad… was contempleting on sending my future children on my alma mater…
Posted on July 1st, 2009 at 4:20 PM
Ache Says:
Talaga??? I really dont know if you could consider me a damean, having worn the uniform for only one year…grade one pa! But i feel sad, recalling the school’s good old days…There’s nothing really permanent in this world, only CHANGE….
Posted on July 1st, 2009 at 4:31 PM
jinky Says:
what a pitiful sight!
I hope the new occupants of this property of the Diocese of Marbel will take into consideration the legacy left behind by one of the premier schools in Gensan, the NDDFG!
Hoping they will preserve what’s in existence there and upgrade those that needs refurbishing.
.-= jinky´s last blog ..Inkai’s Wildest Dream =-.
Posted on July 1st, 2009 at 5:09 PM
white knight Says:
I think as long as it is been use for good purpose, then it’s okay rather make it idle for a year.Practically is the reason maybe. From what I have heard, the OLPGV conducted a bidding to those interested schools and various schools submitted their intention but MPC made a good offer. The contract is not long term from what I have heard.
Posted on July 1st, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Ouenn Says:
a bit surprised…..haven’t heard anything for some time about my alma mater…..i felt sad in a way but at least the school still serves its purpose….hopefully they will still preserve its beauty and uniqueness…..too much memories for the picture posted….sigh…..:(
Posted on July 1st, 2009 at 11:17 PM
Tetes Says:
Seeing the pictures only flooded me with my nddfg memories from grade 6 til 4th yr h.s….i still see our 1st year h.s. building, st Dominic hall where we used to practice for our graduation and other activities. The softball and volleyball field where I was a varsity player in my high school days, the main entrance gate where we used to line up whenever you’re late for the flag ceremony..hehehe!!! These all will remain to be memories that will continue to live. I just hope to drop by and see my alma mater when I visit Gensan in December for our alumni homecoming batch 84 after more than 20yrs of absence and I hope MPU will continue to preserve all that has stood there over the years including the giant, shady trees which I believe are much, much older than we are now…I guess what MPU needs to do is re paint the school back to its original green, clean up especially the grotto. We can’t wait for miracles to happen…heheheh!!! I guess, for us Dameans, that will make us feel good. At least we know our alma mater is in good hands…Hail! Hail! to our Notre Dame…regards to all
Posted on July 2nd, 2009 at 3:41 AM
TRiSJa Says:
anyways.. the school was put in to good use..
besides.. its for the 4th year BSHRM students (ahem) and 1st year MT and MAR-E students..
the reason why our school rented the place because the construction of the new building in the main campus is still on-going.. xempre naman poh.. wer nyo ilalagay ang 22 sections of 1st year students alone in the maritime courses.. dubuh?
Posted on July 3rd, 2009 at 11:40 PM
barileson Says:
pangit.. pangit na pangit talaga ang skul ng nddfg… pangit sa loob at labas.
Posted on July 4th, 2009 at 5:33 AM
Nem Ledda Says:
Avel, where is NDDFG now? I feel sad naman to know that my beloved NDDFG is a pathertic sight now. Those grounds were the witness to my high school years of happiness, struggles and pains. I am close to tears seeing how ugly it is now.
I am just reminded that everything in life is fleeting…even the halls of our memories.
Posted on July 5th, 2009 at 1:49 PM
Fahdingding Says:
Musta na ba ang IT PARK ng MPC? na approve ba ng PEZA?
Posted on July 7th, 2009 at 10:12 AM
julius baugbog Says:
i missed this school…MSU,NDDU
Posted on July 8th, 2009 at 12:17 AM
BrAvO SiX Says:
nakakalungkot isipin para sa mga nagtapos ng high school dito sa school na ito.. their happy memories will linger forever..
Posted on August 2nd, 2009 at 7:11 PM
ariel dumangcas Says:
im inquring for a solas training u can contact me thru this number 09351717245
Posted on October 28th, 2009 at 9:01 AM
claire Says:
khit ganyan lang yang skul nmen before marami yang old memories na natreasure ng bawat students..KAHIT GANYAN YAN KAPANGIT ANG SKUL WELL-EDUCATED AND WELL-DISCIPLINED NMAN ANG STUDENTS..:))
Posted on December 13th, 2009 at 1:32 AM
pinkygurl17 Says:
For me, at first I couldn’t believe that their is a new occupant on the former campus of my alma mater. On the other hand, I’m happy at least I could say that the former campus was not abandon. Upon seeing the pictures especially the field, the kiosk, the rooms, and the St. Dominic Hall I feel nostalgic. The memories that I had on this campus flashback in my mind. I still recall, during our intramurals, rosary novena, family day and christmas party this field was filled with stalls, rides, students holding their rosary, candle and blue or white balloons that had their wishes on it and were the drum corps usually performs during the opening ceremony. I really miss those times.
anyway, I hope they will continue to take care of the campus, the grotto and the big old trees. Thank you Bariles for posting those pictures. n_n
Posted on March 18th, 2010 at 11:33 PM
ryu123 Says:
Well and Good to MPC.. This shows the population on going to increase…Keep arising MPC.. Congrats to Capt. Aquilar..
Posted on April 11th, 2010 at 2:41 PM
liz4627 Says:
I can’t help not to bring back the good memories I had with NDDFG. I have mixed feelings while I was scrolling the button of the mouse. I’m happy to see the new Notre Dame. It has indeed gone a long way as far as progress is concerned. But I was also saddened by what I saw that the grotto which I used to passed by and whisper short prayers in my heart is now being neglected. I hope the new administration will attend to this. Please do. I’m sure I am not the only one who feels this way. Thank you in advance.
Posted on March 8th, 2011 at 10:24 PM
Mimi - SleeplessInKL Says:
Ah so many memories in that place. I’d prefer not to see how it looks like now and keep it as it has remained in my memory all through the years.
Posted on August 13th, 2011 at 4:31 PM
fahdingding Says:
Never pa talaga ako nakapasok dito.. SHAME ON ME!
Posted on August 13th, 2011 at 4:46 PM