The Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM) Philippine Schools Network (PSN) Governance Assembly concluded in vision and synergy on 11 July 2025 highlighted by the executive presentations of the CICM PSN member institution clusters at the Cordillera Convention Hall (CCH) of Baguio Country Club (BCC).
The Executive Presentations provided a summary of key outcomes and decisions and were reported by representatives from the following clusters: Academics, Administration, Basic Education, Campus Ministry and Christian Formation, Culture and the Arts, Community Engagement/Extension, Data Protection, Finance, Guidance Center, Human Resources, Information Technology, Internationalization, Institutional Development and Quality Assurance, Libraries, Mission and Identity, Campus Planning and Maintenance, Registrars, Research and Development, Sports Development, and Student Affairs and Services.
Following the cluster presentations, Saint Louis College – Cebu (SLCC) President Juvelito “Sai” Veliganio, PhD addressed the Assembly on behalf of the presidents of the CICM member institutions, recognizing the commitment of each cluster to the mission and vision of education. He said, “This mission goes beyond academics. It means shaping lives…building communities. As we prepare for the year ahead and embark on the realizations of the plans, challenges may arise whether on the level of individual schools, per cluster, or as a network. However, this should not discourage us to give our best to overcome our obstacles or support one another. Our continuous collaboration will keep us moving forward even if the path is difficult.”
“This is why we are here – to move forward with purpose and to ensure that the CICM PSN mission succeeds. By focusing on shared leadership, collaboration, and innovation, we strengthen the unified efforts that advise the CICM schools moving forward and solidifying our strategies as a school network. We are committed to transforming plans into initiatives amidst a rapidly changing educational landscape. Sustaining this task is a calling as one CICM schools network,” Sir Sai added.
CICM PSN Governance Assembly Eucharistic Celebration: Embracing CICM’s Core Values
After the Executive Presentations, a Eucharistic Mass was presided by Fr. Faustin Kabosani, CICM, Mission and Identity Director and School Chaplain of Saint Louis College – Cebu (SLCC), assisted by the CICM fathers.
Serving as an expression of congregational unity was the homily by the SLU Vice President for Mission and Identity (VPMI), Rev. Fr. Emery Mwako Ebumea, CICM.
“I encourage each of us to reflect deeply on one of the CICM’s less spoken yet foundational advocacies: the preferential love for children. The CICM mission was born out of a profound love for the young, serving abandoned children with compassion and dedication. Our work becomes genuine only when rooted in Christian love—a love that prioritizes the dignity of every child. We are called to see each child as made in God’s image, deserving of love, care, and hope. It is essential to love the child first before we teach, recognizing that caring for children is a vital pillar in future societies. Education follows from a foundation of love,“ Fr. Emery said.
Closing Honors and the Symbolic Turnover: CICM PSN’s Commitment to Cor Unum et Anima Una
Bringing to a close the CICM PSN Governance Assembly was the momentous presentation of the certificates of appreciation led by the vice presidents and president of this year’s host university, Saint Louis University (SLU): VPMI, Fr. Ebumea, CICM; Vice President for Academic Affairs, Felina P. Espique, PhD; Vice President for Administration, Atty. Shellah Yzanne D. Merced; Vice President for Finance, Roberto M. Arguelles, PhD; and SLU President, Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD.
Certificates were presented to the following:
- Saint Louis College – San Fernando City, La Union (SLC): Rev. Fr. Roderick “Erick” G. Villamar, CICM, PhD
- Maryhill School of Theology (MST): Rev. Fr. Rene C. Cabag, CICM, PhD
- Saint Louis College – Cebu (SLCC): Juvelito “Sai” Veliganio, PhD
- Saint Mary’s University (SMU): John Octavious S. Palina, PhD
- University of Saint Louis (USL): Rev. Fr. Macwayne N. Maniwang, CICM, PhD, represented by Rev. Fr. John Mark Barroga, CICM, VPMI
Immediately after, the turnover rites commenced with the president of this year’s host school, SLU President, Fr. Gilbert, and the president of next year’s host school, Saint Louis College – Cebu (SLCC), represented by President Juvelito “Sai” Veligiano, PhD. This symbolized and affirmed the Network’s plans of moving forward based on the collective strategic objectives and directions set over the two-day Assembly. The stance of both presidents standing by the CICM and CICM PSN ensigns signified the powerful commitment to one another in upholding the CICM mandates with determined faith, limitless passion, and the profound spirit that define the community journey.
Upholding the spirit of bayanihan and faith, the PSN Hymn was sung in unison. The closing message by Fr. Emery further reinforced the CICM’s mantra, One Heart, One Soul. “The past three days have been a testament to our unity and charism in ministry… We have enjoyed being one in spirit and in purpose, upholding our cor unum et anima una. This assembly has reaffirmed our shared values, our dedication to ongoing transformation and our collective journey of service. It was a time to revisit our objectives, strategize for the future and craft new proposals. Let us remember that these plans are not merely documents, they are commitments. Let us pledge to consummate these resolutions to actions that will make a difference to our respective communities,” he said.
The successful conclusion of the 2025 CICM PSN Governance Assembly marks a pivotal moment of synergy for all member institutions. United by a shared vision, participants reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative growth and excellence in Filipino Catholic education.
