HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Mercedarian School History

MARGARITA MARIA: A Passionate Educator

Blessed Margarita Maria's life was devoted to the noble ideal of living the Gospel radically as a Mercedarian Missionary; that is, to follow Jesus through a life of prayer and community, offering herself to all human beings.

Meeting with Jesus was her greatest joy. This profound connection inspired her to step out from the cloistered convent into the real world.

As a missionary and educator, she was willing to go wherever God wanted to lead her, embarking on a journey to fulfill her dream of being close to Jesus - with the poor, broken, and marginalized, ultimately guiding them towards transformation. Her vision also extended to nurturing young minds, evident in her legacy at Our Lady of Mercy Kindergarten.

LA BUSQUEDA DE UN SUEÑO

Black and white vintage school photos of children and teachers at Dalian School.

THE BIRTH OF OLMK

The Mercedarian Missionaries of Berriz (MMB)

The Mercedarian Missionaries of Berriz, an International Religious Institute of Women dedicated to the integral liberation of all peoples, came to the Philippines in 1970. With the ardent desire to actualize Mother Margarita’s dream of becoming near to Jesus, the MMB wanted to immerse themselves in an apostolate which can best foster genuine freedom from enslaving forces of all sorts ― poverty, ignorance, and violence ― that is, Education.

The Birth of OLMK

1982 ― During the years of political turmoil in the Philippines, the MMB Sisters envisioned an education that would cater to the children, especially in their formative years. They knew that the greatest key to battling the injustices, abuses, and violence of Martial Law was not similar to how St. Peter Nolasco rescued the captives before, but only through the liberating power of education. Hence, the foundation of Our Lady of Mercy Kindergarten.

The Founding Years

Then Parish Priest, Fr. Walter de Vilder, CICM, strongly supported the MMBs in pursuing a summer class for pre-school in 1982. 1985 – A new school building had been constructed to accommodate the increasing number of enrollees. It catered to three levels: Nursery, Kinder, and Preparatory.

Sr. Aurora A. Falcasantos, MMB, OLMK, first principal, had been a great instrument for the realization of Blessed Margarita’s dream. She, during her 15-year tenure (1982-1997), focused on strengthening OLMK's thrust to empower young learners in their formative years.

1995 - The Department of Education, Culture and Sports granted OLMK government recognition because of its exemplary performance in pre-school education.

A Dream Realized

UN SUEÑO REALIZADO

The New Millennium: Mercedarian School’s Conception

1999 - Came the preparation of the celebration of the Jubilee year, OLMK, under the leadership of Sr. Norlyn A. Arnad, MMB, emerged into a period of renewal and transformation. Inspired by the zeal of Blessed Margarita, the MMB took a leap of faith as they ventured to open the elementary level and began the construction of a new building.

OLMK has then been renamed as MERCEDARIAN SCHOOL, INC., without losing its original identity. The word MERCED encompasses the whole Mercedarian charism and spirituality of mercy and compassion. Still under the patronage of Mary, Our Lady of Mercy, the school underwent a revisiting and updating of its Vision and Mission, Goals, and Objectives.

Group photo of women and a priest inside a chapel with religious icons.

For Justice and Liberation

For Justice and Liberation

MS courageously responded to the need of LIBERATION with a deep sense of commitment to JUSTICE, PEACE, and INTEGRITY OF CREATION.

2006 was a year of abundant Mercy of God for the Mercedarian family. Mo. Margarita Maria, recognized for her holiness and heroic virtues, has been declared BLESSED. This significant event coincided with the government recognition given by DepEd to the Mercedarian School's elementary level.

Additionally, March 2006 marked a milestone as the first graduates of the Mercedarian School proudly marched at their commencement, a celebration that also featured the composition of the Mercedarian Hymn.

During the school year 2007-2008, Sr. Geraldine E. Ong, MMB, took on the role of the third principal. The school administration was then entrusted to Sr. Evelyn N. Llanto, MMB, in 2008. Under her leadership, parent engagement flourished, leading to an enriched collaboration within the school community.

This positive momentum also prompted the Mercedarian School to expand its offerings, leading to the introduction of continued education for students through Our Lady of Mercy Kindergarten, and in January 2013, DepEd granted the school permission to open its High School Department.

Large group of people posing in front of a historic stone church.

Fulfillment of a Dream

CUMPLIMIENTO DE UN SUEÑO

Mercedarians in the 21st Century

Ensuring quality and excellence, the school continues to develop and improve its academic programs vis-à-vis an enjoyable learning atmosphere, through its co-and extra-curricular activities, where students can fully maximize their potential as prescribed by the Enhanced Basic Education (K12) curriculum.

Thus, DepEd recognized its High School level in 2016 with the first batch of Grade 10 completing Junior High School.

Sr. Maria Fleurdelis O. Calidguid, MMB, was appointed Principal of the School from April 2017 to 2021. It was in these years that the school together with the whole world, suffered from COVID-19 and the enrollment dropped to 50%. However, the Administration decided to retain all school personnel to help them cope with the impact of the Pandemic. In 2021 to February 2025, Dr. Carmela C. Oracion was appointed Principal of the School. Her presence was a gift to the school as she has given her time to guide our teachers and serve our school.

After 18 years of being out of the school, Sr. Norlyn A. Arnad, MMB, is once again the School Head since February 2025.