“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” This is a commonly quoted part of a dialogue in Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, in which Juliet argues that the names of things do not matter, only what things are.

     A street name or odonym is an identifying name given to a street. Some streets are named after numbers, countries, saints, lanscapes, trees, plants or flowers. Others are named after historical landmarks, destinations, world figures or heroes, themes, or distinguished individuals in the locality. Naming a street to perpetuate the memory of an eminent person is common in many countries, including the Philippines. This is to honor a person’s legacy or good work in the country, institution or community.

    Streets may be divided into various types, each with its own general style of construction and purpose. But the difference between streets, roads, avenues and boulevards is often blurred and is not a good indicator of the sign or design or content of the area being named.

     In USC proposed street names in TC will have a historical significance; the names will contribute to the positive development of school pride by honoring former SVD Superiors General as well as other SVD administrators and academics who contributed to the well-being and growth of USC over the years. The SVD Superior General is the highest superior in the SVD worldwide. He is based in Rome, Italy. The SVD is working in at least 65 different countries; total membership in the congregation is approximately 6,000-strong. The SVD arrived in the Philippines in 1909.

     Former SVD Superiors General (now deceased) to be honored with TC streets named after them are:  Fr. Nicolaus Blum (1909-1919), Fr. Gulielmus Gier (1920-1932), Fr. Josef Grendel (1932-1947), Fr. Aloisius Grosse-Kappenberg (1947-1957), Fr. John Schutte (1958-1967) and Fr. Henry Heekeren (1977-1988). Two former SVD Superiors General are still alive. They are Fr. Henry Barlage (1988-2000) and Fr. Antonio Pernia (2000-2012).

     Formerly assigned to USC (now deceased) who will also be honored with street names in TC are: Fr. Leonardo Estioko, Fr. Gregorio Fabia, Fr. Herman Mueller, Fr. Henry Schumacher, Fr. John Vogelgesang and Fr. Ian Raats.

     Individual street inauguration may be held during the death anniversary or feast day of the aforementioned SVDs. For comments and suggestions, including inquiries regarding naming rights, please e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it