The second Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM) Leadership Academy, which gathered various administration and management staff, took place on 15 and 16 January 2026, at the Fr. Francis Gevers Hall, Diego Silang Building, Saint Louis University (SLU) Main Campus.
The event gathered leaders from the CICM schools network including Saint Louis College-Cebu (SLCC), Saint Louis College San Fernando City (SLC-SFC), SLU-Baguio City, Saint Mary’s University-Bayombong (SMU), and University of Saint Louis-Tuguegarao(USL).
SLU President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, in his welcome address, emphasized the importance of CICM charism in leadership. “Leadership in CICM is never merely about position, authority or management. Leadership in CICM is, first of all, service. Also, leadership in CICM is a mission…The leadership academy exists to form and strengthen our institutional leaders in the CICM charism and to anchor our leadership in the thrust of quality Catholic education,” Fr. Sales said.
He added, “This leadership academy is also an invitation to pause, reflect, and to take stock of ourselves…We rarely have time to ask ourselves these questions: How am I leading? What kind of leader am I becoming? How faithful am I in the CICM charism in my daily routines, in my deli decisions? How do I embody servant leadership in my college or university?”
Executive Assistant to the SLU President and convener of the CICM Leadership Academy, Joselito C. Gutierrez, PhD, then outlined the rationale. The series of plenary sessions and workshops aim to equip CICM administrators with essential competencies, deepen understanding of Catholic values and CICM charism, and foster collaborative, transformative leadership to address school challenges. Specific objectives included promoting Christ-reflecting leadership styles, nurturing a Christ-centered school culture, and instilling a servant-focused sense of purpose and mission.
Day 1
The plenary sessions of the first day explored “CICM School Leaders according to the Image of Jesus Christ”:
- Good Shepherd (Caretaker), John 10:11-19: John Octavious S. Palina, PhD, President, Saint Mary’s University
- Good Steward (Management and Sustainability), Mt 25:14-30: Atty. Jasmin L. Waje, Legal Liaison, University of Saint Louis – Tuguegarao
- Servant Leader (Leadership), Mt. 23:11-12: Rev. Fr. Roderick G. Villamar, CICM, PhD, President, Saint Louis College – San Fernando City, La Union
- Governance and Leadership according to the Philippine Catholic Schools Standards: Monina M. Manalang, PhD, Associate Vice President, Holy Angel University
- Transformational Leadership (Making a Difference in the Lives of the Community): Dr. Manalang
The day ended with a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Fr. Sales.
Day 2
The plenary sessions continued with the following key discussions:
- Leadership in the Context of CICM Spirituality and Charism: Bro. Jonel B. Dalimag, CICM, Administrator, CICM Home Sweet Home
- Visionary Leadership (Strategic Directions and Planning): Pilar I. Romero, PhD, Dean, College of Education, University of Santo Tomas, 2024 CEAP Catholic School Heroes Awardee
- Leadership in Context of Internationalization: Asst. Prof. Nestor R. Ong, ASEAN Engr., Deputy Director, QS/THE Rankings Office, University of Santo Tomas
In the afternoon, Felina P. Espique, PhD, Vice President for Academic Affairs, SLU, led a workshop centered on:
- Fostering Excellence of Qualifications through Reinforcing KSR Learning Outcomes into Curricula
- Designing Authentic Assessment Towards Comparable Measurement of Learning Outcomes
- Student Workload-based Curriculum Planning and Implementation
Putting a close to the two-day program, Fr. Sales delivered closing remarks underscoring the academy’s significance.
The 2nd CICM Leadership Academy successfully equipped institutional leaders with Christ-centered competencies, renewed commitment to CICM charism, and practical strategies for transformative Catholic education. Aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 17 (Partnership for the Goals), participants left empowered to embody Gospel values, drive excellence, and advance collaborative mission across the CICM network.
