SCHOOL SEAL AND ITS INTERPRETATION
With its motto, Ad astra per aspera, which literary means “to the stars through sacrifices,” St. John Paul II College of Davao embodies- in its mission, vision and itinerary of existence- the humble beginnings, life, experiences and the philosophy of its owners, the Evangelista family: that in order to reach the heights and levels of the stars, the only way is through sacrifices, hard work and dedication. As the famous adage goes “There’s no glory without sacrifices.”
The Five Columns at the upper left of the seal stand for the members of Evangelista Family: Ernie and Mercy, Jun, May and April. Each member stands beside each other through thick and thin; thus, making the whole structure firm and invincible.
At the lower left of the seal, the City of Davao symbolized by its leading con and landmark: the lofty Philippine Eagle and majestic Mt. Apo. The eagle symbolizes the Evangelista family’s determination to soar high “to the stars” (ad astra) amidst sacrifices and hard work (per aspera). The family’s steadfast faith and firm trust in God is embodied in the symbolism of the regal Mt. Apo.
The remaining element at the right side of the seal makes reference to St.John Paul II’s pontifical coat-of-arms. The Cross symbolizes the Pope’s faith while the capital letter “M” symbolizes deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the “Queen of Peace”- a profound devotion that the Evangelista Family shares with the Roman Pontiff. It is the same devotion that St. John Paul II College of Davao encourages to its student and community to inculcate in them the value of peace, justice and love.
A night of blessing and merriment filled the streets of Ecoland Drive last July 25,2014 as St.John Paul II College of Davao celebrated their Acquaintance Day and the unveiling of the new name and school seal with the theme: Reminiscing the past, Celebrating the present, and Looking forward for the future.
The Evangelista family who owns the St. John Paul II College of Davao expressed their joy in the canonization of the beloved pope where the school is named in honor of him.
Bishop Emeritus Fernando Capalla graced the Eucharistic Celebration together with diocesan priests of Davao, and followed by the blessing of the school logo. The night is jam-packed with performances coming from the students, a band for the street party, plus the hottest singing sensation from X-Factor Philippines Grand Champion, KZ Tandingan also performed live on stage on the momentous occasion.
Moreover, an AVP presentation has been shown, wherein the humble beginnings of the Evangelista family started in building the institution and its development in the last 14 years of existence. Beyond doubt, the vision-mission of the institution clearly turned into reality which the fruit of the hard work, with faith and confidence bears from the past up to the present.
St. John Paul II College of Davao aims to promote and hone students with competent, morally upright, socially responsible individuals guided by the “Civilization of Love” of Blessed John Paul II, making it a firm foundation as a center of excellence in various programs of instruction.