Don Bosco Gabutu, Port Moresby, PNG; After a week-long Foundation Week and Ruby Jubilee celebration, Don Bosco Technical School (DBTS), Gabutu, crowned the festivities on August 16, 2025, with a milestone event, the Ruby Jubilee Concert. With the theme “Grateful, Hopeful, and Youthful @ 40,” the event showcased the homegrown talents of students, staff, Salesians, and members of the Salesian family, marking DBTS' Ruby Anniversary. Students, parents, staff, and guests came together to celebrate the past with gratitude, embrace the future with hope, and rejoice in the enduring energy of youth.
Under the artistic direction of Miss Rica Lavilla, the program wove together performances and reflections in line with the theme. Students lit up the stage with impressive performances in singing, dancing, and acting. The program began with a prayerful opening, followed by a short film coordinated by Fr. Ambrose Pereira, SDB, together with staff and students, in collaboration with The Voice Inc. The film highlighted the journey of DBTS over the past 40 years, in forming “good and upright Bosconians” while sharing achievements, experiences, and future aspirations.
The Salesian community, led by Fr. Gregorio Bicomong, SDB, Provincial Superior of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, and Fr. Pedro Sachitula, SDB, Rector of DBTS, gave their full support for the celebrations, and even took center stage with a stirring musical number. Their rendition of “I Have a Dream,” joined by Fr. Ambrose, Fr. Albert Swer, SDB, and Br. Matthew, captivated the audience and earned enthusiastic applause.
Another heartwarming performance featured the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians, Sr. Mini Joseph, Sr. Lapunshai, and Sr. Kanchan, who joined the Salesian priests and brothers in song. A highlight was the moving group performance of “If We Hold On Together,” featuring Fr. Greg, Fr. Pedro, Sr. Lapynshai, Jonathan Karaun (12 Albera), Mrs. Abono Miwasa (Librarian), and Mr. Eusebius Pasbon (teaching staff). As each performer entered the stage one by one, the audience responded with the loudest and warmest applause of the afternoon.
The concert was not only a showcase of talent but also a tribute to the diverse nationalities of missionaries who have dedicated their lives to DBTS. The heartfelt rendition of “Hawak Kamay” by the Grade 12 students honored the Filipino priests and teachers who shaped the school’s early years. The Zambian traditional song “Bonse Aba,” performed by the school choir, celebrated the contributions of African missionaries, while a vibrant Indian dance by the Short-Term Course students paid homage to the priests and sisters from India.
This was followed by a moving testimony from Mr. Martin Dai, current Principal, and proud member of the school’s very first batch of students in the 1980s. He shared his journey from pupil to leader, embodying the transformative power of a Don Bosco education. He fondly recalled the values instilled by the pioneer Salesians: “Fr. Savina, Fr. Alfred, Br. Peter gave us the best.” He emphasized the lasting values of hard work, responsibility, respect, compassion, and service through servant leadership. “Today, forty years later, as a Salesian educator, the impact of that environment still lives on within me. I always think of how I can make an impact in the lives of young people today,” he reflected.
Reverend Pedro Baquero, SDB, Bishop of Kerema, took everyone down memory lane with fond recollections of Fr. Savina, one of DBTS’ pioneering missionaries, described those days as “beautiful years of experience.” He recalled the dedication of Fr. Savina, his precision in planning, deep connection with the local people, and strong faith in God’s will to build a school for marginalized and less-privileged youth. “Our pioneers had a strong faith in God and love for Don Bosco. All of us here are fruits of their faithfulness. We are here today because they remained true to Don Bosco’s mission,” he emphasized, urging young people to remember that “God’s love endures, even in their struggles.”
Fr. Gregorio, echoed these sentiments, saying: “We owe everything to our pioneers, their experiences, and their sacrifices.” Recalling his own inspiration from Fr. Savina, Fr. Gregorio encouraged students to carry forward the spirit of service through servant leadership, a core Salesian value.
Another touching moment of the concert came from the “Champions,” children from the school’s outreach program, whose stirring rendition of “Yesterday’s Dream” drew one of the most emotional responses from the audience, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of the celebration.
“Grateful, Hopeful, Youthful @ 40” was more than a concert; it was a celebration of legacy and life. Through storytelling in song, vibrant dances, and heartfelt testimonies, the event honored the humble beginnings of Don Bosco Technical School and the people who shaped its journey. This Ruby Anniversary stands as a tribute to forty years of milestones, mission, and memories, brought to life by those who lived them and by those who continue to carry the spirit of Don Bosco forward.
In his concluding message, Fr. Pedro Sachitula, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all present and acknowledged the tireless efforts of Concert Director Miss Rica Lavilla, her committee, and the many talented individuals who made the concert possible. “We are blessed to have you here. Our hearts are filled with gratitude because we stand on the shoulders of giants, those who came before us and gave their best. Today, we look a little further, with gratitude, hope, and youthfulness, in the spirit of Don Bosco.”
