by Dr. Aurea Marie Del Rosario, Religion Department Faculty
The in-person gathering of the Association of Colleges and Universities of the Philippines (ACUP) was held at Saint Louis University, Baguio City last February 23, 2023, with the theme, “Embracing the Spirit of Synodality: Communion, Participation, and Mission.”
The presidents of the member institutions, the ACUP Board of Directors, and other significant delegates were all eager to welcome the event since the height of the Pandemic. The warm words of welcome from the host and the President of ACUP, Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, was a gentle rethinking of the role of synodality in the field of education, more so, in Catholic education.
The engaging representatives from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao gave life to the challenge of participation and dialogue, the value and the prioritization of education through the years, and how this impacts every member of a family to its entirety. This mission was carried out by respective educational institutes despite the difficulties wrought by the pandemic. The provision of special education programs was noted as a blessing due to the unselfish contributions from stakeholders as well as sponsors. Engaging in the publication of books centered on social action was also emphasized, seeing it as a means to generate revenue for the organization’s projects and programs.
The participation, contribution, and support of some government agencies to the Catholic universities were also given recognition. These agencies align their mission and vision to the academe as “the steering hand” in the care of the learners and the ecosystem.
The last day of the conference highlights the vibrancy and diversity of how Catholic schools cope as well as respond to the signs of the times in education. The importance of dialogue to discern and agree was highlighted. When it comes to the educational and holistic needs of learners, synodality through communication, participation, and mission, are the models and basis of how schools respond. Schools that listen to their people embrace a process that has a deep missionary responsibility. The school has a mission as a church to be the channel of healing, a source of grace, and active participation.
The gathering also acknowledged the work of the late pioneers of ACUP. Through an audio-visual-presentation, the sincere good works, selflessness, and dedication of Dr. Giovanna V. Fontanilla, APR, and Dr. Luis Maria Calingo were commemorated in gratitude. Plaques were awarded to each representative of the schools they served accordingly.
The ACUP General Assembly fulfills the principles of CICM in the aspects of justice, peace, the integrity of creation, and indigenous peoples’ apostolate. It is also a direct response to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
