In the early eighties, PASAR and PHILPHOS set up a Montessori School here in LIDE.
When the situation called for a replacement, the LIDE LADIES CLUB, took upon itself the mission and the challenge to set up a nursery school, to take its place. We saw the need for an institution of learning where the very young kids of the growing number of families in LIDE and the neighboring barangays of Isabel, could get a sound early education.
A group of ladies (Shirley Ambanta, Linda Laviste, Luz Mejia, and myself) went to the DECS office in Tacloban, to secure the necessary permits to open this nursery school. To our dismay, we were told that it would take several months, before we will be allowed to start classes. With the long list of requirements, we realized that it could be 'an impossible dream' so we thought of going instead to the DSWD and inquire how to set up a Day Care Center. The head of that office, Mrs. Cleotilde Malatbalat, was very cordial and liked the idea, and granted us the permit to start right away, with the understanding that it will be reported as a DSWD project, without any funds coming from them. It was a good arrangement.
I thought of giving our school its present name, Holy Infant Day Care Center, The Holy Infant (Sto. Nino) being Isabel's patron saint.
Classes started in the terrace of the Philphos D- house of Dante and Flor Tanada, with Ms. Marcia Fiel and Ms. Flory Roxas, as our pioneer teachers. From there, we held classes in the Changehouse, in the Lide swimming pool area. Seeing the need for a good location for the school, the management of the two companies allowed us to construct a building within the LLCI grounds. PHILPHOS gave us the building which it used as its Training office, and helped us to move it from its original location in Kinatumyan to our present site.
The rest is history. Twenty five years ago today, so many children have passed through its portals. The DSWD has never wained in its support in our endeavor. The triumvirate force of the Lide Ladies Club officers and members, the teachers and the parents, provide the necessary input, to keep and improve our school.
Looking back, I think we did good, and with your help, we will continue to do so.
Let us all thank the LORD, for HIS guiding hands, for without them, we cannot make the 'impossible' possible.
With great felicitations, allow me to congratulate the past LIDE LADIES CLUB officers, members and the HIDCC chairpersons; and most especially the present set, headed by its very efficient president, Ms. Elviera Cloma-Baclaan and its very dynamic and dedicated chairperson, Ms. Lutch L. Lumbab. More power, too, to all the teachers and parents. Our thanks go to PASAR, PHILPHOS, LLCI, LMC and DSWD, for their continued support to the HOLY INFANT DAY CARE CENTER.
