Message
In Ex Corde Ecclessiae Saint Pope John Paul II emphasized that students are challenged to pursue an education that combines excellence in humanistic and cultural development. Youths are also encouraged to continue the search for truth and for meaning throughout their lives. From these, youths should realize their responsibility as future professionals, as leaders of tomorrow, and as witnesses to CHRIST in whatever place they may exercise their respective professions or vocations.
In the same vein, Pope Francis, in his encyclical, Christus vivit, highlighted the compelling role of young people who are actively engaged in the practice of synodality and social transformation within the Catholic Church. His Holiness, Pope Francis, has recognized the vitality, ingenuity, and passion that the youths bring in to participate and be involved in the discourses and decision-making mechanisms that impinge on their lives and the lives of others. Youths’ participation and involvement manifest their sense of commitment and stewardship in forming the Church and the society.
Through this Association of Catholic Universities of the Philippines’s first-ever youth gathering titled “Tayo-Tayo: The Youth’s Involvement in Synodality and Social Transformation,” attendees will have the opportunity to delve on how they can be engaged and how they can reaffirm their roles in the synodal endeavors in their schools and immediate communities. These will promote their ingenious ideas in line with synodality and methods of new evangelization and to take concrete action on matters pertaining to environment, social transformation, and technology that are attuned with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
This two-day gathering will assist us all, especially the young, in the journey of discerning significant roles to bring a shared-concept of synodality and obtain a strong commitment for social transformation.
This will usher ingraining of Catholic values among our youths grounded on and aimed at concrete actions.
To the youths of the Church — consider this undertaking as part of your calling, of your vocation, and of your mission. Thank you very much for your commitment and may God be with you always!
Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales,
CICM,
PhD President, Association of Catholic Universities of the Philippines, Inc. President, Saint Louis University
ACUP
Overview
OFFICIAL NAME
Association of Catholic Universities of the Philippines, Inc.
ACRONYM ESTABLISHED
ACUP, Inc. APRIL 25, 1973
HISTORY
Inspired by a number of ecclesiastical documents on education such as the Vatican II’s Declaration on Christian Education (Gravissimum Educationis), the creation of an association that would coordinate the efforts of Catholic universities toward their shared mission and vision was realized.
In 1969, the first inspiration came from Msgr. Carmine Rocco, then Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines. During the meeting held on February 27, 1973 among university administrators, Msgr. Rocco reiterated the formation of a coordinating body for Catholic universities in the Philippines. Then, in October 1972, during the visit of Msgr. Leonardo Legaspi, O.P. (as Rector of the University of Santo Tomas) to Misereor, Germany, the matter on the formation of a coordinating body for Catholic universities was brought out by Mr. Gunther Linden and Mr. Pils themselves in the presence of Msgr. Julio Xavier Labayen and Msgr. Carmelo Morelos.
At a meeting held on April 25, 1973 among the heads of Catholic universities, the Association of Catholic Universities of the Philippines (ACUP) was formed to respond to a felt need for mutual cooperation among leading Catholic universities to make education an active instrument in promoting social justice and development in the country. It was realized that only by binding these universities into a strong association would education be utilized as a potent force in building a just and humane society through effectively synchronized educational programs that would bring about maximum benefits to the greater number of students in particular, and society in general.
Today, the Association of Catholic Universities of the Philippines continues in its commitment “to promote the quality of education in general and to advance the cause of Catholic education in particular.”
ITS MISSION AND PURPOSE
MISSION AND VISION STATEMENT
The Association of Catholic Universities of the Philippines, Inc. (ACUP), an organization of Catholic universities, envisions to promote and to enhance the Christian identity of its member institutions as leading centers of teaching, research, and service.
It is committed to truth and the advancement of the dignity of human persons and their culture especially that of the Filipino people. As a community dedicated to higher learning, it seeks to foster and ensure quality Catholic education in the Philippines.
PURPOSES
1. To promote the quality of education in general and to advance the cause of Catholic education in particular;
2. To promote better coordination and cooperation among its members through mutual consultation on common programs, problems, and concerns and to find workable solution;
3. To strengthen the moral influence and role of Catholic universities in the light of government actions which may affect the educational system in any way
4. To assist in every way not contrary to law, all agencies concerned with the growth and development of Philippine Education; and
5. To seek financial assistance for the support of the development programs and projects of member institutions.
GOALS
1. To provide venues for consultation on common educational concerns;
2. To organize Training Programs for teachers, catechists and others who share in the Church’s mission;
3. To articulate the position of Catholic universities on issues and policies involving the educational system in our country;
4. To contribute to social transformation by helping to seek and discover the root cause of contemporary problems having to do with: the dignity of human life; the promotion of justice for all; the protection of nature; a more just sharing of world resources; a special concern for their ethical and religious implications;
5. To establish linkage and networking with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines and other agencies; and
6. To coordinate with funding institutions for assistance.
2023-2025
ACUP BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2023 - 2025
President
Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, C.I.C.M., Ph.D.
Vice President
Rev. Fr. Isaias Antonio D. Tiongco, O.P., JCD University of Santo Tomas
Treasurer
Br. Bernard S. Oca, FSC De La Salle University
Corporate Secretary
Sr. Ma. Marissa R. Viri, R.V.M. University of the Immaculate Conception
Secretary-General
Ms. Michaella O. Lagniton, MA University of Santo Tomas
BOARD MEMBERS
BR. MANUEL V. DE LEON, F.M.S. Notre Dame of Dadiangas University
REV. FR. MACWAYNE N. MANIWANG, C.I.C.M. University of Saint Louis-Tuguegarao
REV. FR. DANIEL FRANKLIN E. PILARIO, C.M. Adamson University
BR. PATERNO S. CORPUS, F.M.S. Notre Dame of Marbel University
REV. FR. ALOYSIUS MA. A. MARANAN, O.S.B. San Beda University
Saint Louis University
PRESIDENTS OF ACUP MEMBER INSTITUTIONS
LUZON
ADAMSON UNIVERSITY
FR. DANIEL FRANKLIN E. PILARIO, CM
President
900 San Marcelino St. 1000 Ermita, Manila
Tel No.: (02) 85242011 loc 114 / (02) 85212630
Fax No.: (02) 85246590
FB: facebook.com/AdamsonUniversity.Official
Website: www.adamson.edu.ph/2018/
ANGELES UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
ATTY. JOSEPH EMMANUEL L. ANGELES, Ph.D.
President
MacArthur Highway, Angeles City, 2009 Pampanga
Tel No.: (045) 625-2888 / (02) 782-2701 / (02) 782-2702
Globe: 0917-5626766 / 0917-5626758
Smart: 0999-9908951 / 0999-9908933
FB: facebook.com/aufconnect
Website: www.auf.edu.ph
ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY
REV. FR. ROBERTO C. YAP, S.J.
President
Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, 1108 Quezon City
Tel No.: (63-2) 8426-6001 loc 4000-4008 / 8426-6078
Fax No.: (63-2) 8426-6079
Email: president@ateneo.edu
FB: facebook.com/ateneodemanila Website: www.ateneo.edu
ATENEO DE NAGA UNIVERSITY
REV. FR. ROBERTO EXEQUIEL N. RIVERA, S.J.
President
Ateneo Avenue, Bagumbayan Sur, 4400 Naga City
Tel No.: (054) 881-2368
Fax No.: (054) 473-9253
FB: facebook.com/ateneodenagauniversity
Website: www.adnu.edu.ph
DE LA SALLE ARANETA UNIVERSITY
BR. BERNARD S. OCA FSC
President
303 Victoneta Avenue, Potrero Malabon City 1475
Tel No.: 8-330-9129
FB: www.facebook.com/DLSAranetaU/ Website: www.dlsau.edu.ph
DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY
BR. BERNARD S. OCA FSC
President
Henry Sy, Sr. Hall, 2401 Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila
Tel No.: (632) 524-4611 / 465-8900 local 802 / (632)
525-6950
Email: president@dlsu.edu.ph
FB: facebook.com/DLSU.Manila.100 Website: www.dlsu.edu.ph
HOLY ANGEL UNIVERSITY
MR. LEOPOLDO VALDES, JR., MBA, MA OIC- President
#1 Holy Angel Avenue, Santo Rosario Street Angeles City 2009, Pampanga
Tel No.: (63) 045-625-5748; 045-625-9620; 045-625-9619; local 1111
Fax No.: (045) 888-2514
FB: facebook.com/holyangel1933
Website: www.hau.edu.ph
LA CONSOLACION UNIVERSITY
SR. NICETA M. VARGAS, OSA, Ph.D. President Catmon Rd, Capitol View Park Subdivision, Barangay Bulihan, Malolos, Philippines, 3000 Bulacan
Tel No.: +63 44 791 1142 / (044) 931-8600
Viber/Whatsapp: 0919 002 7151
Email: niceta_vargas@yahoo.com
FB: facebook.com/LaConsolacionU Website: www.lcup.edu.ph
SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY
REV. FR. GILBERT B. SALES, CICM, PhD President A.Bonifacio Street, Brgy. ABCR, Baguio City 2600
Tel No.: (74) 442-2793, (+6374) 442 3043 / 443 2001 (+6374) 444 8246 to 48 Fax No.: (+6374) 442 2842
Email: president@slu.edu.ph
FB: facebook.com/slu.edu.ph Website: www.slu.edu.ph
SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY
DR. JOHN OCTAVIOUS S. PALINA
President
Ponce St., Bayombong, 3700 Nueva Vizcaya
Tel. No.: (078) 805-3948, 321-2221
Email: president@smu.edu.ph / secretariat@smu.edu.ph
FB: facebook.com/SMUPHILIPPINES
Website: www.smu.edu.ph
SAN BEDA UNIVERSITY
REV. FR. ALOYSIUS MA. A. MARANAN, OSB
Rector-President
638 Mendiola St., San Miguel, Manila 1005
Tel No.: 8735-5994 / 8-726-2332 Loc. 2120/2370
Email: rector_sec@sanbeda.edu.ph
FB: facebook.com/SBUManilaOfficial
Website: www.sanbeda.edu.ph
ST. PAUL UNIVERSITY, MANILA
SR. MA. EVANGELINE ANASTACIO, S.P.C.
President
680 Pedro Gil St., Malate 1004 Manila
Tel No.: (632) 8526-0410 loc 202
Email: president@spumanila.edu.ph
FB: facebook.com/spumanila
Website: www.spumanila.edu.ph
ST. PAUL UNIVERSITY, QUEZON CITY
SR. MA. NILDA MASIRAG, S.P.C.
President
16 Aurora Boulevard corner Gilmore Avenue,
New Manila, Quezon City
Tel Nos.: (02) 8726-7986 to 88 local 112/183
Direct line: (02) 8727-3192
Fax Number: (02)722-1865 / 723-0552
Email: universitypresident@spuqc.edu.ph
FB: facebook.com/stpaulqcinfo
Website: www.spuqc.edu.ph
ST. PAUL UNIVERSITY, TUGUEGARAO
SR. MERCEDITAS O. ANG, S.P.C.
President
Mabini Street, Tuguegarao City, 3500 Cagayan North
Tel. No.: (078) 396-1987 to 1997
FB: facebook.com/StPaulUniversityPhilippines
Website: www.spup.edu.ph
UNIVERSIDAD DE STA. ISABEL
SR. LOURDES L. ALBIS, D.C.
President
Elias Angeles Street, Naga City 4400
Tel No.: (054) 205-0729/ 205-0727 / 205-0147 / 473-9954/
Email: officeofthepresident@usi.edu.ph
FB: facebook.com/usiOFFICIAL1868
Website: www.usi.edu.ph
UNIVERSITY OF ASSUMPTION
REV. FR. JOSELITO C. HENSON, S.Th.D. President
Unisite Subdivision, Brgy. Del Pilar, San Fernando, 2000 Pampanga
Tel No.: (045) 961-3617; (045) 961-1482; 961-5675 Loc. 200
Globe: 0917-883-9086
Smart: 0998-548-7009
Sun: 0925-568-5642
Email: universityoftheassumption@ua.edu.ph
FB: facebook.com/universityofdassumption Website: www.ua.edu.ph
UNIVERSITY OF LA SALETTE
REV. FR. FRANKLIN G. PICIO, M.S., Ph.D.
President
Bachelor Street, Dubinan East, Santiago City, 3311 Isabela
Tel No.: (078) 682 4771, (078) 682-5170; Telefax # (078) 682-5170; (078) 305-1746
Email: president@universityoflasalette.edu.ph
FB: facebook.com/officialfbpageoftheuniversity Website: www.uls.edu.ph
UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS
REV. FR. ISAIAS ANTONIO D. TIONGCO, O.P., JCD
Acting Rector
España Blvd, Manila
Tel # 8786-1611 Loc. 8210
Email: rector@ust.edu.ph
FB: facebook.com/UST1611official Website: www.ust.edu.ph
UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS-LEGAZPI
REV. FR. EDWIN A. LAO, OP, DBA
Rector and President Rawis, Legazpi City 4500
Tel No.: (052) 736-0335 / 736-0358 / 736-0368 Loc 281/280
Email: orp@ust-legazpi.edu.ph
FB: facebook.com/ustlegazpi Website: ust-legazpi.edu.ph
UNIVERSITY OF ST. LOUIS
REV. FR. MACWAYNE NIMEZ MANIWANG, CICM, StL. Ph.D.
President
Mabini St., Tuguegarao City, Cagayan 3500
Tel No.: (078) 844 1361, (078) 844-1822 local 415
Fax No.: 078-844-0889
Email: secretariat@usl.edu.ph; president@usl.edu.ph
FB: facebook.com/OfficialUSLPhilippines
PRESIDENTS OF ACUP MEMBER INSTITUTIONS
VISAYAS
HOLY NAME UNIVERSITY
REV. FR. RUEL F. LERO, S.V.D. MAT, Ph.D.
President
Janssen Heights, J. A. Clarin Street
Dampas District 6300 Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines
Tel No.: +63 38 427 1542 / +63 38 427 1543
Mobile: +63 917 516 2533
Telefax: +63 38 501 7731
Email: hnupresident@hnu.edu.ph | info@hnu.edu.ph
IG: @holynameuniversity
Twitter: @hnubohol
FB: facebook.com/holynameuniversityofficial
Website: www.hnu.edu.ph
HOLY TRINITY UNIVERSITY
SR. ELENITA B. OCAMPO, O.P.
President
Quezon Street, Barangay Maligaya, Puerto Princesa City 5300 Palawan
Tel No.: (048) 433-2161; 433-2061
Email: htu.palawan@yahoo.com
FB: facebook.com/HTUPALAWAN1940
Website: www.htu.edu.ph
ST. PAUL UNIVERSITY, DUMAGUETE
SR. MILA GRACE SILAB, S.P.C.
President
L. Rovira Rd., Bantayan, Dumaguete City, 6200 Negros
Oriental
Tel No.: (035) 225-1506 local 202
Fax No: (035) 225-72170935
Email: president@spud.edu.ph / spudgte@gmail.com / sr.mgsilab@spud.edu.ph
FB: facebook.com/stpauluniversitydumaguete
Website: www.spud.edu.ph
UNIVERSITY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTALRECOLETOS
REV. FR. JOEL A. ALVE, OAR
President 51 Lizares Avenue, 6100 Bacolod City, Negros
Occidental
Tel No.: (034) 433-2449 | (034) 433-3990 | (034) 433-3991
Fax No.: (034) 433-1709
Email: info@uno-r.edu.ph
FB: facebook.com/unorofficial
Website: www.uno-r.edu.ph
UNIVERSITY OF SAN AGUSTIN
REV. FR. RAUL MARCHAN, OSA
President
Gen. Luna Street, Iloilo City, 5000 Iloilo
Tel No.: (033) 337-4403
Mobile No.: 0999-997-14-85/0939-914-97-29
Email: info@usa.edu.ph / president@usa.edu.ph
FB: facebook.com/sanagustiniloilo/ Website: www.usa.edu.ph
UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS
FR. FRANCISCO ANTONIO T. ESTEPA, SVD, Ph.D.
President
P. del Rosario St., Cebu City, 6000 Cebu
Tel No.: +63 32 401 2300, +63 32 230 0100 253-1000 (Loc 253 (Pres Office,) 252 (Sec)
Email: president@usc.edu.ph / info@usc.edu.ph / pressec@usc.edu.ph
FB: facebook.com/usccebu Website: www.usc.edu.ph
UNIVERSITY OF SAN JOSE RECOLETOS
FR. EDUARDO CELIZ JR., OAR
President
Corner P. Lopez and Magallanes Sts. Cebu City, 6000 Cebu
Tel No.: 032-2537900, local 212 or 211 / 0322536763
Fax No.: (032) 254-17-20
Email: pres@usjr.edu.ph / external@usjr.edu.ph
FB: facebook.com/univ.san.jose.recoletos Website: usjr.edu.ph
UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE, INC.
BR. JOAQUIN S. MARTINEZ FSC, D.Min. President and Chancellor
La Salle Avenue, Brgy.Villamonte, Bacolod City 6100
Tel No.: 434-6100 / 435-2582 ICM 100
Email: president@usls.edu.ph
FB: facebook.com/lasallebcd Website: usls.edu.ph
PRESIDENTS OF ACUP MEMBER INSTITUTIONS
ATENEO DE DAVAO UNIVERSITY
REV. FR. KAREL S. SAN JUAN, SJ
President
GF Cansius Hall, E. Jacinto St., Davao City, 8016 Davao del Sur
Tel No.: (082) 221-24-11 local 8201
Fax No: (082) 226-41-16
Email: pres@addu.edu.ph
FB: facebook.com/ateneo.dedavao Website: www.addu.edu.ph
ATENEO DE ZAMBOANGA UNIVERSITY
FR. GUILLREY ANTHONY M. ANDAL, S.J.
President
La Purisima St. Zamboanga City 9000
Tel No.: (Salvador Campus-La Purisima) +63 62 991-0871 to 76
Fax No.: +63 62 991-0870
Tel No.: (Kreutz Campus-Tumaga) +63 62 955-1001 to 955-1002
Fax No.: 985-1584
Email: president@adzu.edu.ph
FB: facebook.com/ateneodezamboangauniversity/ Website: www.adzu.edu.ph
FATHER SATURNINO URIOS UNIVERSITY
REV. FR. JOHN CHRISTIAN YOUNG, S.Th.D
President
San Francisco Street, Corner JC Aquino Ave.
Butuan City, Caraga, Philippines, 8600
Tel No.: +63 085 9759840
Email: president@urios.edu.ph /vpadmin@urios.edu.ph
FB: facebook.com/fsuubutuan Website: www.urios.edu.ph
LA SALLE UNIVERSITY OZAMIZ
BR. ANTOLIN ALCUDIA III, FSC
President
La Salle St. Barangay Aguada Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental 7200
Tel No.: (+63) 985-346-0730 / (88) 5210342/5211561 Loc 154
Fax No.: (088) 521-1560
Email: president@lsu.edu.ph
FB: facebook.com/lsu.edu.ph/ Website: www.lsu.edu.ph
NOTRE DAME OF DADIANGAS UNIVERSITY
BR. MANUEL V. DE LEON, F.M.S. President
Marist Avenue, General Santos City 9500
Tel No.: (083) 552-4444 loc. 2202
Email: Nddu presoffice@yahoo.com / info@nddu.edu.ph
FB: facebook.com/NDDUOfficial
Website: www.nddu.edu.ph
MINDANAO
NOTRE DAME OF MARBEL UNIVERSITY
BR. PATERNO S. CORPUS, F.M.S.
President
Aluna Avenue, Koronadal, 9506 South Cotabato
Tel No.: 083 228 3979 / (083) 228 3598
Fax No.: 228 2819
Email: president@ndmu.edu.ph
FB: facebook.com/ndmuofficial Website: www.ndmu.edu.ph
NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY
REV. FR. FRANCIS EFREN C. ZABALA, OMI, D.MIN
President
Notre Dame Avenue, Rosary Heights 3, Cotabato City, 9600
Tel No.: 064 421-4312 / 064 421-2698 local 305, 300 Fax No.: 064 421-4312
Email: nducotabato2014@gmail.com / ndu@ndu. edu.ph
FB: facebook.com/nducotabatocity Website: www.ndu.edu.ph
UNIVERSITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
SR. MA. MARISSA R. VIRI, RVM
President
Father Selga St., Davao City
Tel No.: (082) 221- 8090 local 107; Fax No.: (082) 226-2676; Email: info@uic.edu.ph / presoffice@uic.edu.ph / presoffice1@uic.edu.ph
FB: facebook.com/uic ph
Website: www.uic.edu.ph or www3.uic.edu.ph (old website)
XAVIER UNIVERSITY
REV. FR. MARS P. TAN, S.J. President
73 Corrales Avenue, Cagayan de Oro City, 9000 Misamis Oriental
Tel No.: (088) 853-9800 local 9000 or 9001
Email: op@xu.edu.ph
FB: facebook.com/XavierAteneoOfficial
Website: www.xu.edu.ph
Objectives of the Event:
The Seminar-Workshop on the Role of the Academe and the Youth in Synodality and Social Transformation aims for its participants namely the Student Leaders, Academic Staff, Advisers of Organizations, and the Student Affairs Officers of ACUP member universities to:
• Explore the ways in which the youth can be involved in synodal efforts with unique methods on new evangelization in their schools and communities;
• Emphasize the unique roles of the youth in matters of the environment, social transformation, and technology in line with the teachings of the Church;
• Empower the youth to take a proactive stance in line with synodality for social transformation.
23 JULY 2024 (TUESDAY)
Morning Theme: EXPLORE the ways in which the youth can be involved in synodal efforts with unique methods on new evangelization in their schools and communities
7:00- 8:00 a.m. Registration
8:00- 9:00 a.m. EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION
REV. FR. ROLAND P. BUYAGAN
Administrator, Our Lady of the Atonement Cathedral (Baguio Cathedral)
9:00- 9:10 a.m. OPENING CEREMONIES
Invocation
Philippine National Anthem
9:10- 9:15 a.m. WELCOME REMARKS and PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
REV. FR. GILBERT B. SALES, CICM, PhD
President, Association of Catholic Universities of the Philippines, Inc.
President, Saint Louis University
9:15- 9:20 a.m. Acknowledgement of Participants
9:20- 9:25 a.m. INTRODUCTION OF THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER
9:25- 10:05 a.m. KEYNOTE ADDRESS
“THE YOUTH’S ROLE IN SYNODALITY AND NEW EVANGELIZATION”
REV. FR. JASON H. LAGUERTA
Director, Office for the Promotion of the New Evangelization Archdiocese of Manila
10:05- 10:35 a.m. STUDENT PANEL OF REACTORS
San Beda University
University of St. La Salle
Notre Dame of Marbel University
10:35- 11:20 a.m. OPEN FORUM
MS. MARI ERNESTINE N. OKOL
President, Student Council
MR. YUVAL C. ADERA
Senate President, University of St. La Salle Student Senate
MR. JOHN RYAN B. HUQUERIZA
President, Supreme Student Government
11:20- 11:30 a.m.
PRESENTATION OF THE PLAQUE and TOKEN OF APPRECIATION
Photo Opportunities
ACUP Board and Presidents of Member Universities
11:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. LUNCH
Afternoon Theme: EMPHASIZE the unique roles of the youth in matters of the environment, social transformation, and technology in line with the teachings of the Church
1:00- 1:15 p.m.
ICE BREAKER
Youth Ministry
1:15- 1:20 p.m.
1:20- 2:00 p.m.
2:05- 2:10 p.m.
2:10- 2:25 p.m.
Introduction of speaker
“THE YOUTH and the ENVIRONMENT: THE ROAD to LAUDATO SI’ SCHOOLS”
MR. RODNE GALICHA
Executive Director, Living Laudato Si’ Philippines
Introduction of the Speaker
“THE YOUTH and SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION: INSPIRATIONS to UPLIFT THE COMMUNITY” (Video Message)
MS. MAY PARSONS
Associate Chief Nurse- Director for Risk, Governance and Compliance
Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, United Kingdom
The Filipina nurse who inoculated the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine
2:25- 2:30 p.m. Introduction of the Speaker
2:30 - 3:10 p.m. “THE YOUTH and TECHNOLOGY: HOW TO COUNTER INFORMATION DISORDER”
MR. GABRIEL BILLONES, JR.
Founder and Lead Organizer, Break the Fake Movement
Obama Foundation Scholar, Columbia University, New York City
3:10- 4:10 p.m. OPEN FORUM
4:10- 4:20 p.m. PRESENTATION OF THE CERTIFICATES and TOKENS OF APPRECIATION
Photo Opportunities
ACUP Board and Presidents of Member Universities
4:20- 4:30 p.m. Wrap up of Day One and announcement re Dinner and Fellowship
4:30- 4:45 p.m. HEALTH BREAK
4:45- 6:45 p.m. DINNER and FELLOWSHIP
6:45 p.m. Conclusion of Day One
MR. JOHN RHEY ENARES ESPINOZA Coordinator, Philippine Conference on New Evangelization and
MS. HAZEL LORRAINE GONZALES ICALIA
Radio Anchor, Radio Veritas
Masters of Ceremonies
24 JULY 2024 (WEDNESDAY)
Theme: EMPOWER the youth to take a proactive stance in line with synodality for social transformation
7:30- 8:00 a.m. Registration
8:00- 9:00 a.m.
EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION
Rev. Fr. Emery E. Mwako, CICM
Parish Priest, Saint Aloysius Gonzaga Parish Vice President for Mission and Identity, Saint Louis University
9:00- 9:25 a.m. Mobilization of participants from the Chapel to the Hall
9:25- 9:30 a.m.
INTRODUCTION OF THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER
BR. BERNARD S. OCA, FSC
Treasurer, Association of Catholic Universities of the Philippines, Inc.
President, De La Salle University
9:30- 10:00 a.m.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
“TAYO-TAYO: THE YOUTH’S INVOLVEMENT IN SYNODALITY AND SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION”
ATTY. MARIA LEONOR G. ROBREDO
Chairperson and President, Angat Pinas, Inc
Former Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines
10:00- 10:30 a.m. OPEN FORUM
10:30- 10:45 a.m. PRESENTATION OF THE PLAQUE and TOKEN OF APPRECIATION
ACUP Board and Presidents of member universities
10:45- 11:00 a.m.
SHARING FROM THE AUDIENCE
11:00- 11:05 a.m. VIDEO TEASER on Aim for Change and Unleash Potential (ACUP): The ACUP Research Drive on Sustainable Practices
11:05 - 11:25 a.m.
“THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDG) JOURNEY OF THE LOUISIAN COMMUNITY”
PROF. JOSELITO C. GUTIERREZ, Ph.D.
Executive Assistant, Office of the President, Saint Louis University
Officer-In-Charge of the SDG and Laudato Si Center, Saint Louis University
11:25- 11:30 a.m. Workshop and Breakout Rooms Reminders
11:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. LUNCH
1:00- 1:10 p.m. ICE BREAKER Youth Ministry
1:10- 1:15 p.m.
1:15- 3:15 p.m.
3:15- 3:30 p.m.
3:30- 5:00 p.m.
5:00- 5:15 p.m.
Transfer from Plenary to Workshop Rooms
WORKSHOP on MISSIONARY DISCIPLESHIP
Training •Kerygma •Encounter
HEALTH BREAK
BREAK OUT SESSION: THE YOUTH’S CALL TO ACTION
Missionary Discipleship with a focus on: Environment
Social Transformation Technology
PLENARY YOUTH SHARING
Environment
Social Transformation (Group Three) Technology
5:15- 5:20 p.m. Synthesis of Outputs
5:20- 5:30 p.m.
CLOSING REMARKS
REV. FR. GILBERT B. SALES, CICM, PhD
President, Association of Catholic Universities of the Philippines, Inc.
President, Saint Louis University
5:30-5:45 p.m.
5:45- 7:30 p.m.
HEALTH BREAK
DINNER AND CULTURAL PRESENTATION
7:30 p.m. Conclusion of Day Two
KeynoteSpeaker
Atty. Maria Leonor Robredo was the 14th Vice President of the Philippines, serving from 2016 to 2022. During her term, she reinvented the Vice President’s office into an advocacy-centered organization, through a flagship poverty alleviation program that thrived on private-public partnerships. Angat Buhay (which means “uplifting lives”) brought much-needed interventions on education, health, nutrition and food security, rural development, women empowerment, and housing and resettlement.
The kind of leadership she has long believed in—ethical, empowering, efficient, and inclusive—was further highlighted during the height of the pandemic, when she and her office stood at the forefront of COVID response operations.
Robredo’s work in politics was heavily inspired by her years as a human rights lawyer. After serving in government, she set up the non-profit Angat Pinas, Inc., which now carries the Angat Buhay program. It strives to empower volunteers across the country in the collective mission to uplift Filipino lives.
Robredo has also been sharing her insights and experiences with academic institutions, think tanks, and different organizations in the Philippines and overseas. For Fall Term 2022, she joined the Harvard community as one of its Kennedy School’s Hauser Leaders, where she provided perspective, particularly on the impact of disinformation and influence operations in the Philippines. For 2024, she was selected for the Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Residency Program in Italy.
ATTY. MARIA LEONOR G. ROBREDO
14th Vice President of the Philippines Chairperson, Angat Pinas, Inc.
KeynoteSpeaker
Fr. Laguerta is a Diocesan priest for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila. He is currently the Director of the Philippine Conference on New Evangelization, a yearly gathering of thousands that celebrates different themes aligned to the mission of evangelization. He also serves as the Director of the Office for the Promotion of the New Evangelization and the Archdiocesan Institute for Research and Development. He is also appointed by the Archbishop of Manila as the Episcopal Vicar for the Implementation of the Archdiocesan Roadmap: Traslacion.
Fr. Laguerta is a Professor of Philosophy and Theology at the Royal and Conciliar San Carlos Seminary in Makati City where he finished his formation for the priesthood. He holds a Doctorate Degree in Psychology from the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.
He currently serves as the Parish Priest of Sta. Maria Goretti Parish, UN Ave., Manila.
FR. JASON HUBILLA LAGUERTA
Director
Office for the Promotion of the New Evangelization
Plenary Speaker
Rodne “Rod” R. Galicha is the national convenor of Aksyon Klima Pilipinas. He is the former Philippine Manager of Washington,D.C.-based The Climate Reality Project, founded by Nobel Laureate and former US Vice President Al Gore, and former Southeast Asia Coordinator of Bank Information Center. Currently, he leads the Living Laudato Si Philippines movement focused on ethical and environmentally sustainable investments and practices of Catholic institutions and individuals, and voluntarily heads Climate Action for Sustainability Initiative (KASALI). He also founded the independent faith-based environmental news agency, OeconoMedia.
While currently serving as Chairperson of a grassroots cultural and ecological organization Bayay Sibuyanon Inc., he is also a board of trustee member of Greenpeace Philippines and Green Convergence for Safe Food, Healthy Environment and Sustainable Economy.
Tatler Asia included him in the 2018 Generation T list as one of the 50 brightest connectors, creative visionaries, influential innovators, and disruptive talents in the Philippines. Recognizing his contribution to environmental education, he was awarded as one of the 2018 Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) in the Philippines. He is also a recipient of 2013 Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan. He is a voting member of Romblon Provincial Development Council and MIMAROPA Regional Development Council (2013-present). At the Vatican, he sits down as one of the global steering board members for Laudato Si’ Action Platform.
Rod is an alumnus of the University of Santo Tomas. He is the author of the book We Are Nature.
MR. RODNE R. GALICHA Convenor, Aksyon Klima Pilipinas Executive Director, Living Laudato Si’ Philippines
Plenary Speaker
Gabriel Billones Jr. is the founder of Break the Fake Movement, an alliance of over 500 young professionals across Southeast Asia who fight fake news, promote media and information literacy, and encourage responsible digital citizenship. Since 2017, Gabriel’s organization has launched events, programs, and competitions across Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia, to build a community of media and information-literate citizens who leverage the power of critical thinking to protect online spaces, debunk disinformation, and promote digital rights and media inclusion.
Break the Fake’s programs include a media civics lab, factchecking academy and summit, workshops with grassroots communities, and a digital literacy program that offers media toolkits, live masterclasses, webinars, boot camps, and competitions. Gabriel aims to expand his impact through the Scholars program by developing a plan to increase access to media and information literacy resources across Southeast Asia.
Gabriel holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the Iligan Institute of Technology at Mindanao State University in the Philippines. He has participated in fellowships with the U.S. Department of State, the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab, the International Fact-Checking Network, and Deutsche Welle’s Akademie for international media development. In 2023, he became the first Filipino Obama Scholar at Columbia University.
MR. GABRIEL BILLONES, JR. Founder, Break the Fake Movement
Plenary Speaker
Associate Chief Nurse and the Director for Risk, Governance and Compliance, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust
May Parsons is a Filipino-British Thomasian nurse who has been working within the NHS since 2003.
She is the Associate Chief Nurse Director for Governance Risk and Compliance at Buckinghamshire Healthcare Trust.
She was a modern matron for respiratory at University Hospitals in Coventry since October 2020, when the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak.
May Parsons came to worldwide fame when she delivered the first COVID-19 vaccine outside of clinical trials to Margaret Keenan last December 2020 in Coventry UK.
May’s hard work, determination and vaccination advocacy for patient and staff safety have earned her this privileged historic role in the global fight against the pandemic.
May’s passion for nursing and advocacy for equality is prominent through her work as a Regional Director for the Filipino Nurses Association UK. She is also a member of the Filipino Senior Nurses Alliance and has founded the May Parsons Foundation, a charity for nurses.
The NHS was awarded the George Cross medal in July 2021 which is the highest civilian award given for acts of the greatest heroism or for most conspicuous courage in circumstance of extreme danger by the late Her Majesty The Queen and May has proudly represented NHS England to receive the medal from the Queen herself on July 2022.
As the George Cross recipient, May was also elected to represent NHS England during the Queen’s funeral procession in September 2021.
May is passionate about continuing professional education and completed her Master of Science in Global Healthcare Management at Coventry University during the Pandemic.
MS. MAY CESTINA-PARSONS
Plenary Speaker
PROF. JOSELITO C. GUTIERREZ, Ph.D.
Executive Assistant, Office of the President, Saint Louis University
Officer-In-Charge of the SDG and Laudato Si Center, Saint Louis University
Dr. Joselito C. Gutierrez is the Executive Assistant to the President of Saint Louis University.
Dr. Gutierrez is a Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines Regional Coordinator in the Cordillera Administrative Region for promoting justice and peace, ecological integrity, engaged citizenship, poverty alleviation, gender equality, youth empowerment, and media education. He is the Officer-in-Charge of the SDG and Laudato Si Center of Saint Louis University.
As a testament to his passion and commitment to Catholic education, he was conferred the Catholic Schools Heroes Award in 2022 by CEAP.
Hosts
MR. JOHN RHEY ENARES ESPINOZA Coordinator
Philippine Conference on New Evangelization
JohnRhey currently works as a Coordinator for the Philippine Conference on New Evangelization.
He has extensive experience as a recollection and retreat facilitator committed to the pastoral care of the young, dedicated to youth & media evangelization, and advocates the devotion to the Eucharistic Lord.
He is a graduate of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Mabini Campus, Sta. Mesa, Manila with a degree in Banking and Finance. During his college years, he was a servant-leader of the RCAM Ministry on Campus for PUP Manila.
Committed to his call as a servant leader, he received a Certificate on Youth Ministry, Pastoral Leadership, and Empowerment from the University of Santo Tomas and Roman Catholic Archbishop of Manila in 2019.
A former seminarian for the Diocese of Imus under the formation of Our Lady of the Pillar Seminary (Discipleship Stage: 2019-2021) and Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol (Configuration Stage – Spirituality Year: 2021-2022). He also earned matriculated units on Ecclesiastical Philosophy from the Royal and Conciliar San Carlos Seminary, Makati City.
Ms. Lorraine Icalia finished her Bachelor’s degree for Foreign Service major in Diplomacy at Lyceum of the Philippines University Manila. After graduation, she started volunteering and working for the Philippine Conference on New Evangelization for two consecutive years.
She also worked with NGOs promoting local tourism industry and humanitarian works in relation to environment, youth involvement and civic welfare.
She’s currently one of the anchors of Radio Veritas’ program, Kalakbay ng Pamilya in partnership with the Office for the Promotion on New Evangelization and some ministries under the Council of Pastoral Affairs of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Manila.
HAZEL LORRAINE GONZALES
Radio Anchor, Radio Veritas
MS.
ICALIA
Conference Overview
The Seminar-Workshop on the Role of the Academe and the Youth in Synodality and Social Transformation aims to engage student leaders, academic staff, advisers of organizations, and student affairs officers from ACUP member universities. TAYO-TAYO:
The Youth’s Role in Synodality and Social Transformation is a seminar-workshop that seeks to explore ways in which the youth can be involved in synodal efforts within their schools and communities and emphasize their unique roles in promoting innovative ideas aligned with synodality and new evangelization methods. Furthermore, it aims to empower the youth to take action on environmental issues, social transformation, and technology in accordance with the teachings of the Church.
The two-day event will feature a series of insightful talks. On the first day, participants will hear from Fr. Jason Laguerta, Director of the Office for the Promotion on New Evangelization, Archdiocese of Manila, on “The Youth’s Role in Synodality and New Evangelization.” Mr. Rodne Galicha, Convenor of Aksyon Klima Pilipinas and the Executive Director of Living Laudato Si’ Philippines, will discuss “The Youth and the Environment: The Road to Laudato Si Schools.” Ms. May Parsons, Associate Chief Nurse and Director for Rosk, Governance, and Compliance at the Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust and
the recipient of the George Cross Award, will share her inspiring story during her session on “The Youth and Social Transformation: Inspirations to Uplift the Community.” Mr. Gabriel Billones, Founder of the Break the Fake Movement, will address “The Youth and Technology: How to Counter Information Disorder.”
On the second day, Atty. Leni Robredo, former Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines and Chairperson of Angat Pinas, Inc., will present “Tayo-Tayo: The Youth’s Involvement in Synodality and Social Transformation.” Prof. Joselito C. Gutierrez, Ph.D., Executive Assistant at the Office of the President, Saint Louis University, and Officer-In-Charge of the SDG and Laudato Si Center at SLU, will conclude the seminar with a talk on “The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Journey of the Louisian Community.”
This seminar-workshop promises to be an enriching experience, providing participants with valuable insights and actionable strategies to promote synodality and social transformation within their communities. In walking together in a spirit of synodality, we embrace a shared understanding and a collective vision of a sustainable future. This journey, marked by solidarity and innovation, empowers us to address environmental concerns, social justice, and technological integrity. Tara, tayo-tayo para sa makabuluhang paglalakbay!
About the Host University
Saint Louis University is a missionary and transformative educational institution that endeavors to develop human resources that are creative, competent, socially involved, and imbued with Christian Spirit.
As an autonomous Higher Education Institution, SLU has consistently maintained its legacy of excellence in instruction, research, and extension, ensuring that the quality of school management is at par with International Standards. SLU has likewise received numerous accolades worldwide in recognition of its commitment to sustainability and social impact, cultural richness and diversity, as well as academic excellence and innovation. Its academic excellence is missionary in orientation in that it is aligned to the CICM work of evangelization, that is, of the Christian way of promoting a better quality of life.
Founded in 1911 by the Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae (CICM) missionaries from Belgium, SLU is one of the oldest educational institutions in the country. From a one-room mission school in 1911, SLU became a college in 1952 and was granted university status in 1963. It adopted for its school the motto “Sapientia Aedificat” (“Wisdom Builds”) to affirm the endless potential of education in improving people’s lives and in transforming society into a better place for everyone.
Through the years, it has since evolved to be at the forefront of CICM-Philippines’ educational mission in the country.
Awards and Recognitions:
AUTONOMOUS STATUS granted by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in the Philippines
CHED Center of Excellence
- Information Technology
- Nursing Education
- Teacher Education
CHED Center of Development
- Business Administration
- Entrepreneurship
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Laboratory Science
LEVEL II & LEVEL III Accredited Programs by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU)
One of the Top Performing Schools in various licensure examinations by the Philippine Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) through the years
Best Private Elementary and Secondary Schools in the Cordilleras as recognized by the Department of Education – CAR
ISO 9001:2015 CERTIFIED – provision of Basic Education and Tertiary Education Services
First PH HEI Internationalization Award by the Commission on Higher Education in 2021
Global Citizenship Award during the 2022 ASEAN ICONS by the Commission on Higher Education
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