NDKC Hosts Triple Celebration: First Friday Mass, Alumni Concelebration, and “Pagdayeg” Teachers’ Month Culmination
Notre Dame of Kidapawan College (NDKC) celebrated a meaningful convergence of faith, gratitude, and community on October 2, 2026, at the Br. Norman Roy Gymnasium through a triple celebration featuring the First Friday Mass, the National Teachers’ Month Culmination themed “Pagdayeg” (Praise), and a special Eucharistic celebration concelebrated by recently ordained NDKC alumni.
The day began with the solemn celebration of the First Friday Mass from 8:00 to 9:00 AM, grounding the day’s activities in faith and thanksgiving. Adding a deeply spiritual and sentimental dimension to the celebration was the concelebration of three recently ordained Marist alumni: Rev. Fr. Kent Darwin J. Guinmapang, DCK (BA in Philosophy, Batch 2019); Rev. Fr. John Mark T. Cartoneros, DCK (BA in Philosophy, Batch 2019); and Rev. Fr. Reldin N. Remotigue, DCK (BS in Computer Science, Batch 2005; BA in Philosophy Unit Earner). Their return to their alma mater served as a meaningful homecoming and a testament to the enduring formation and values nurtured at NDKC.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, the formal program for the National Teachers’ Month Culmination commenced at 9:30 AM with the traditional preliminaries, including the Philippine National Anthem, ASEAN Hymn, Kidapawan Hymn, and NDKC Hymn.
Mr. Rico E. Nonles, OIC-Director of Student Affairs, formally opened the program with an inspiring message highlighting the vital role of teachers in shaping the lives and futures of their students. The celebration continued with a dynamic performance by the NDKC IBED Marist Movers, setting an energetic tone for the activities that followed.
At the heart of the “Pagdayeg” celebration were heartfelt messages from student leaders expressing gratitude for the teachers who have guided, inspired, and supported them. Nathalia Claudette A. Canon, Elementary SELG President; Empress Hannah Alonzo, JHS SSLG Vice President; Saffiyah Florenz D. Elbina, SHS SSLG Vice President; and Christinna Angela De Guzman, SSG Secretary, each delivered touching tributes on behalf of the student community.
Musical intermissions further enlivened the celebration, with performances by the CBA Acoustic Band, CECE Acoustic Band, and CTELAN Acoustic Band, who entertained the audience.
One of the most moving segments was the “Tokens of Gratitude,” during which students personally presented their teachers with gifts and tokens of appreciation. The gesture transformed the simple act of giving into a heartfelt expression of gratitude, creating an atmosphere of warmth and emotion throughout the gymnasium.
The program was ably hosted by SSG President Princess Eleonor Galicia, who served as Master of Ceremonies.
The celebration concluded with closing remarks and the singing of the Marist Hymn, leaving students, teachers, and members of the NDKC community with a renewed sense of gratitude, belonging, and shared mission.
Guided by the Scripture verse from Daniel 12:3 featured on the event invitation—“Those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever”—the “Pagdayeg” celebration honored NDKC educators for their unwavering commitment to forming students toward excellence, service, and righteousness. More than a celebration of Teachers’ Month, the occasion became a meaningful expression of faith, gratitude, and community, enriched by the homecoming of NDKC’s newly ordained alumni.
