HISTORY OF JUDD HENDRICKS MEMORIAL AETA INTEGRATED SCHOOL

        The Judd Hendricks Memorial School is located in Sitio Lumibao, Buhawen, Zambales, which is home to 68 Aeta families. The people here depend on planting bananas, sweet potatoes, and sometimes upland rice.
        The NCIP first began a dialogue with the local Aeta families in April 2002, during a medical mission to the area. During this dialogue, the people were informed about the possibility of EVACF funding a school building through the NCIP. They were very happy to receive the news and were thankful that their desire for the education of their children would soon be realized. The project was also coordinated with the Office of the Municipal Mayor of San Marcelino and the Department of Education (DepEd) to ensure that a teacher would be provided for the school, through the Municipal Local School Board.
        The actual construction of the project commenced in November 2002 and was finished in time for its inauguration on 23 December the same year, except for some additional painting that was finished the following January.
        During the turnover ceremony, the late Judd Hendricks was represented by John Newton from San Antonio, Zambales, and several other friends also witnessed the ceremony. Representatives from the DepEd and the Local Government Unit were also present.
        The school is expected to cater for about 100 pupils, and the NCIP San Marcelino Service Center continues to be responsible for following up the operational needs of the school with the DepEd and the Office of the Mayor, including allocation of a teacher and the provision of desks and other equipment.
        Through its existence in 2003, the school was headed by dynamic school heads – Mrs. Milagros Cariño (2003-2007),Mrs. Noemi R. Cula (2007-2010), Mr. Luvimin R. Aguilar (2010-July 1, 2013), Mr. Judy L. Labio (July 1, 2013 – July 1, 2014), Mr. Jonathan M. Añasco (July 1, 2014 – October 1, 2014), Mr. Alex M. Beltran (October 1, 2014 – October 1, 2015), Mrs. Evangelina C. Yap (October 1, 2015 – August 1, 2016), Mr. Rolando B. Fredeluces (August 1, 2016 – July 2019), and Mr. Rommel C. Paje (August 2019 - present).

       In June 2020, the school opened its Junior High School (Grade 7- Grade 9) to cater the increasing number of students. Finally, in May 2021, the DepEd Regional Office III granted the request of faculty, parents, learners, and community members to recognize JHMAS as an integrated school.
 
(From a Report by Candida P. Cabinta, NCIP Provincial Officer)
 

 

ABOUT JUDD HENDRICKS

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        Judd Hendricks donated his energy and knowledge as an EVACF volunteer for four years and maintained an active interest in the work of the charity even after leaving the Philippines. Sadly, Judd died following a traffic accident in Sarajevo in May 2001. As a Korean War hero and holder of the Purple Heart medal, he was given full military honors at the Arlington Cemetery in the USA. His widow Eva Bull Lund and many friends, together with the EVA Charity Foundation, raised the Aeta School at San Marcelino in his memory.