Who will ever forget that powerful voice every NSC awards ceremony?
Mr. Cesar De Ocampo, or Sir CDO to most of us, made his mark with his almost-copyrighted, “ON DECK!” His announcement would always be followed by the loud applause and deafening shouts of students waiting for their names to be called.
Sir CDO thought he will grow old in School of Tomorrow® Philippines having served in the Christian Education ministry for the last twenty-seven years. But the Lord prepared a new path for him to be a missionary to Cambodia. This is something he has been praying for in the last few years.
Sir CDO pioneered many activities in SOT®P that are now signature programs like the National and Junior Student Conventions. He spearheaded the Mission of Hope trips as well as numerous relief operations to typhoon-hit areas where schools using the system were heavily affected. While schools have attended the International Student Convention in earlier years, it was Sir CDO who organized the first “Philippine Team” for ISC. The Cambodia Student Convention also started through his leadership. Sir CDO is both a visionary and a pioneer. And true to his “calling,” he is pioneering a new work in Cambodia.
Last November 24, a send-off gathering – following health protocols, of course – was held at the SOT®P office to celebrate the service and contribution of Sir CDO to the work of the ministry. School administrators, pastors, principals, supervisors, monitors, and students will always remember Sir CDO’s work in Christian Education. Please cover his family in prayer as they venture into a new season!
Because of the pandemic, NSC this year was cancelled, so we did not hear him shout “ON DECK.” But who knows, we might just hear his voice again in the next NSC. If not, we plan to include an “ON DECK” competition – and the winner will be the one that sounds closest to Start CDO’s voice. So, start practicing now.
ON DECK!