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Dr. Jean Descallar, owner and founder of Starland International School. Handout

Article (news)

Leah C. Salterio

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785025412710IMG_4540.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Dr. Jean Descallar, owner and founder of Starland International School. Handout</div>When Starland International School started 25 years ago, its owner and founder, Dr. Jean Descallar, never imagined the extent of its growth. She didn’t envision the school to last a quarter of a century.“Like every founder, I had dreams and aspirations for the school,” Descallar told ABS-CBN News. “What I knew then was that if we remained committed to our mission and served our learners with excellence, the school would continue to flourish. Reaching 25 years is truly a blessing.”Starland International School was founded out of a passion for education and a desire to provide learners with quality, values-oriented and globally competitive education. Since Descallar came from a poor family, she firmly believed that every child deserves an environment where academic excellence and character formation go hand in hand.Naturally, Starland International School encountered challenges through the years. “Every institution experiences challenges, from financial constraints during the early years to adapting to changing educational landscapes,” Descallar admitted. “One of the most difficult periods was navigating crises such as the pandemic, which required resilience, innovation and teamwork.“Through faith and collaboration, we overcame these hurdles with the support and collaboration of the stakeholders, such as the dedicated and committed employees, the parents who continue to entrust their child to our care and the school partners, as well.”Yet, Descallar and her team of dedicated teachers managed to expand Starland International School through the years. “Expansion was made possible through strategic planning, dedicated leadership and the trust of parents and the school stakeholders,” disclosed Descallar. “We ensured that every campus upheld the same standards of quality education and values formation that define Starland.”Today, Starland International School has a strong workforce composed of strong members of the top and middle management, faculty members and support staff across our campuses nationwide. The manpower extends all the way to Visayas and Mindanao, where Starland also has campuses and employees.“They are the backbone of our success and our partners in shaping future generations,” offered Descallar. “I regularly visit our provincial campuses throughout the year to engage with our school communities and ensure alignment with our vision. Each campus is led by capable administrators and management teams who oversee day-to-day operations, while maintaining Starland’s standards of excellence.”<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1785025441690IMG_4539.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Dr. Jean Descallar (second from left) with her family. Handout</div>Descallar was proudest during the recent milestone celebration of Starland International School. “The 25th anniversary celebration was deeply meaningful,” Descallar said. “Seeing the members of the top and middle management, teaching and non-teaching personnel, parents, alumni and partners come together reminded me of how far we have come. It was a moment of gratitude, pride and inspiration for the future.”During the anniversary celebration, the school officials arrived at the idea of a roadshow for a cause to support its scholarships. “Education transforms lives,” said Descallar. “As we celebrated our milestone, we wanted the occasion to create a lasting impact. Supporting the Starland Foundation Scholarship Program was our way of giving deserving, but financially challenged learners an opportunity to pursue quality education.”Starland International School allocated resources not only for students, but also for employees and school management during its 25th anniversary.“Our people are our greatest asset,” maintained Descallar. “The success of Starland is the result of the dedication of our teachers, staff and administrators. It was only fitting to recognize and invest in everyone who has contributed to our journey.”Balancing family and work requires discipline, proper time management and setting priorities for Descallar. “Despite my responsibilities, I always make time for family because they are my source of strength and inspiration,” the school owner said. “We also support and collaborate mobilization programs through wheel chair donations, among others. That’s how I juggle time between family and work.”Spending over three decades in the education sector, Descallar admirably managed to bring Starland International School to success. “Success comes from a clear vision, unwavering commitment to quality education, continuous innovation and surrounding oneself with dedicated people,” she said. “Most importantly, faith, resilience and perseverance, have guided me throughout this journey.”Descallar is never throwing in the towel even after 25 years. She has more plans for the school in the coming years, not just for the Visayas and Mindanao campuses. Each offers three modalities – face to face learning, online distance learning and home schooling.“We plan to continue expanding educational opportunities, strengthen innovation and technology integration, enhance faculty development and further expand our scholarship programs to reach more learners nationwide,” she allowed. “Starland will also go to UAE (United Arab Emirates), Arizona (USA) and Canada. We will have online college in Arizona next year.”Since Descallar was a child, she earlier aspired to make a difference in people&#x27;s lives. “Education became the avenue through which I fulfilled that dream,” she admitted. “Rather than being sidetracked, I believe my journey led me exactly where I was meant to be.”Her three children are now staying abroad, so she spent moments with them when she visits their respective places. “Those simple moments strengthen our bonds and help me recharge,” said Descallar. “My weekdays are often filled with meetings, school visits and strategic planning. Weekends are usually reserved for reflection and personal time, allowing me to maintain balance and prepare for the week ahead.“I am blessed with a loving husband and children who have been supportive throughout this journey. My eldest son is actively involved in helping manage and grow Starland International School, ensuring that our mission continues for future generations.”The support that Descallar gets from her spouse and children are invaluable for her. “They provide encouragement, fresh perspectives and honest advice,” Descallar said. “They remind me to remain grounded, prioritize people and continue serving with compassion and excellence.”Beyond education, Descallar also dedicated to sharing her story to others, believing that each person she touches may value hope, inspiration and courage to dream.“Every day, I make it a mission to uplift at least three people,” said Descallar. “So, imagine from 2001, I think I’ve done that to 25,000 people to date consistently every day, until now.“Sharing how a small girl from Mindanao, once struggling against poverty, rose to success through faith, perseverance and education. Isa ako sa pinakamahirap na bata sa amin. Sa isang araw, isang kain lang.”Descallar calls herself a certified “retailer” and “peddler” – knowing that every hardship she faced, led her to where she is today. “My advocacies were born from these struggles. They continue to fuel my desire to give back.”She is aware that she is so blessed all these years. “I believe that this is my own way to helping people to dream, to be inspired and to have hope,” Descallar maintained. “I am a living testimony of a poor little girl from Mindanao with high aspirations who gained success in life.”

When Starland International School started 25 years ago, its owner and founder, Dr. Jean Descallar, never imagined the extent of its growth. She didn’t envision the school to last a quarter of a century.

When Starland International School started 25 years ago, its owner and founder, Dr. Jean Descallar, never imagined the extent of its growth. She didn’t envision the school to last a quarter of a century.

How a poor girl from Mindanao built a nationwide school network

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How a poor girl from Mindanao built a nationwide school network

Leah C. Salterio

Published July 26, 2026 08:27 AM PHT

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Starland International School

Jean Descallar

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