In Focus

With over 7 years of experience in education and a strong dedication to student-centered learning and community involvement, Fr. Gueriña is poised to make a big impact at the school.

BY ERICK AGUILAR & JOHN SIDRICK SALAMANQUE

Last April 26, the Ilaw publication conducted an interview with the school principal, Rev. Fr. Roy S. Gueriña. Fr. Roy looks back at his tenure and discloses some of his visions as a seasoned church leader, and as school head.

We are excited to travel with you through the history and legacy of our very own school principal, Rev. Fr. Roy S. Gueriña. In this interview, we’ll cover the hottest topics, including his educational background, professional highlights, the impact he served around him, notable attainment and light questions which are frequently asked by the students. This memoir’s topic is a prominent person who made a significant contribution to our Catholic religion, which now brings a significant rle to us. We, the Ilaw publication, want to shed a bright light on him, paint a vivid world of his character, and present to you a clear picture of his image and viewpoints.

How’s the transition been from a church leader to an academic administrator?

For seven years, I was assigned as a seminary formator and teacher both in philosophy department and Junior and Senior High School Departments. These experiences helped me to value the academe. This is not just about preparing and teaching lessons to the students but more so the importance of accompaniment and presence as I journeyed with them in their formation.

The transition from the seminary setting into a larger community both JHS and SHS of SBS was challenging. These were some challenges: to know and familiarize the dynamics of the school’s operation, t o know the needs of the teachers especially in their professional growth and development, plan and design activities together with the faculty and staff in order to prepare the teachers through In-Service training as they needed in their teaching strategies, curriculum mapping, classroom management and other related school concerns, to familiarize the school’s requirements asked by the DepEd, to know and familiarize the school administrative handbook and students’ handbook, to plan and develop ways to upgrade the instructional program of the school, and to supervise the daily activities of the students, teachers and staff in their responsibilities.

As a priest, how did you apply your knowledge to administer the academe?

The priest represents Christ. He acts in persona Christi Capitis–in the person of Christ the Head. There are three important duties of a priest namely: teaching, sanctifying and governing.

The first duty is the task of teaching. As a priest, I impart to the students, teachers and staff and the community the teachings of the Catholic Church. Some inputs are also given during conferences, talks and even daily routines in the school campus.

The second duty is the task of sanctifying. As a priest, I celebrated Mass with them. I also remind them the importance of receiving the sacraments most especially the Sunday mass attendance as part of their spiritual nourishment. Furthermore, I invite them to acquire the habit of prayer and love of the Sacred Scripture as they reflected in their lives.

The third duty is the task of governing. As a priest, I am fully aware of my duties and responsibilities assigned to me by the Archbishop as a school administrator. I am responsible for the development and supervision of the school’s activities, program and curriculum with the guidance and help of the Board of Trustees, teachers and staff. After all, this is the service-oriented rendered as part of my responsibilities.

What Bible verse inspired you about your role as principal?

“Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” (Lk 1:38)

These are the words of Mary spoken when angel Gabriel tells her during Annunciation that she will bear a son, to be named Jesus. God was chosen her to be the mother of Jesus, our Savior. She accepted God’s invitation wholeheartedly with full trust and faith to God. Similarly, this is the Bible verse that inspired me as a principal. First, it is my obedience to God through my superior, Archbishop Tirona, who assigned me as a principal. Second, it is my conviction that I am just a servant of the Lord who will lead the school and bring the message of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, to the students, parents, faculty and staff. Third, like Mary I freely submit my role as a principal in God’s loving guidance with humility, deep faith and trust to God.

What are your future plans to further elevate the current status of the school?

To improve and upgrade of the school’s facilities namely: Food and Science Laboratories, Canteen, Library and School Clinic, benchmarking to the different schools – best practices for the school improvement, curriculum development, faculty and staff development and other programs related to school activities, and to invite speakers to help teachers’ holistic developments in terms of physical, mental, psychological, social, moral and spiritual formation.

How do you define love?

For me, love is a connection between our imperfections to God’s perfection. Our imperfections lead us to embrace God’s love who is perfect. Thus, the love of God invites us to our perfection in relation to God, so to speak, His universal call to holiness.

What is your greatest what if?

I have no what if in life. I believe that everything that has happened to me in my existence has reasons, lessons, meaning and purpose. God has plans in all of us even before our birth, our present and future life. We need to listen to God’s voice in our hearts, cooperate and open our lives to God’s beautiful plan in every moment of our life.