Marking a significant milestone in the institution’s history, St. Bridget College formally installed Dr. Bernadette I. Manalo as its new college president during a solemn ceremony held at the SBC Manuela Q. Pastor Auditorium, Batangas City, September 15, 2026.
The celebration opened with the Holy Eucharist presided over by Rev. Fr. Angel Marcelo Pastor.
Drawing inspiration from the Gospel account of Mary standing beside Jesus at the foot of the Cross, Fr. Pastor emphasized in his homily that true leadership is rooted in presence, accompaniment, and commitment to mission.
He reminded the Bridgetine community that institutions flourish not merely because of their buildings or programs, but because of people who faithfully stand by one another and remain committed to a shared purpose.
Reflecting on Mary’s example in the Gospel, he said that the most meaningful leaders are not always those who lead from the front, but those who walk beside others, help them discover their gifts, and contribute to the mission of the community.
The installation rite was led by Sr. Mary Susan Montano, RGS, Provincial Leader of the Religious of the Good Shepherd and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, who formally appointed Dr. Manalo as president and entrusted her with a lamp symbolizing the college’s motto, “Let Your Light Shine.”
The lamp served as a reminder of her responsibility to guide the academic community in living out the institution’s mission and values.
Dr. Manalo subsequently received the academic symbols of office, including the ceremonial mace, the school flag, the administrative and faculty manual, and scrolls bearing the names of the institution’s employees.
Presented as part of the symbolic transfer of leadership by outgoing president Sr. Ma. Ananita Borbon, RGS, PhD, the mace represented the responsibility and accountability of the presidency, while the school flag signified commitment to the institution’s identity and purpose.
The administrative and faculty manual reflected the dedication and collaborative work of the academic community, and the scroll symbolized the employees’ partnership and commitment to the college’s mission.
She also received tokens of support from department heads and representatives of the local government, signifying the community’s trust, acceptance, and commitment to work alongside her in realizing the vision and mission of St. Bridget College.
Following the presentation of symbols, Rev. Fr. Angel Marcelo Pastor blessed Dr. Manalo with holy water, invoking God’s guidance and blessings upon her as she assumes her new role.
She then took her oath of office, formally pledging to faithfully fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the presidency and to uphold the institution’s mission and educational ideals.
The conferral of the academic collar signified Dr. Manalo’s readiness to carry the responsibilities of academic leadership and to guide the institution in fulfilling its educational mission.
In her acceptance speech, Dr. Manalo reflected on her journey from being a working student to leading the institution she considers her home.
Expressing gratitude to the Religious of the Good Shepherd, her family, mentors, teachers, colleagues, and all those who contributed to her personal and professional formation, she described her appointment as a shared achievement of all partners in mission.
She underscored her commitment to preserving the college’s rich Catholic heritage while embracing innovation, enhancing academic excellence, and strengthening values formation.
Guided by the principles of being anchored in legacy, driven by innovation, and united in mission, she called on the community to continue building the Bridgetine legacy together.
The ceremony concluded with a closing prayer, the singing of the St. Bridget College Hymn, and a renewed commitment to the institution’s mission of faith, excellence, and service.
by:
Dr. Imelda B. Vergara
Institutional Research, Planning and Publications Officer