With emphasis on the commitment to uphold the values of integrity and unity for the mission, St. Bridget College Batangas marked the beginning of Academic Year 2025-2026 with its General Assembly and Lay Mission Partners’ Day at the SBC Manuela Q. Pastor Auditorium, Batangas City, August 19, 2025.
The event centered on the theme “Called to Shine: Pilgrims of Hope Guided by Integrity.” This established the spirit of inspiration and direction for the entire Bridgetine community.
The significance of the day was further deepened as the institution commemorated the feast day of St. John Eudes, whose life and mission inspire everyone to rekindle the commitment to live with compassion, zeal, and spirit of service.
Sr. Ma. Añanita Borbon, RGS, PhD, College President, delivered an inspirational message, urging each partner in mission to live out the words of St. Mary Euphrasia: “Do well all that you do.”
The Eucharistic Celebration at the SBC Chapel, provided a solemn and reflective tone to the event. In his homily, Rev. Fr. Cyrus Gonzales, OSJ, mass presider, emphasized the importance of integrity, calling the community to live with righteousness and uphold moral values in every aspect of their lives.
After a short break, the activity formally resumed with the singing of the national anthem, followed by the presentation of the Vision, Mission, and Goals by Mrs. Ma. Socorro Lalap, CFP Officer.
Subsequently, Mr. Carlos Flores III, Safeguarding Focal Person, provided an update on the Congregational Safeguarding Code of Conduct (COC), discussing its purpose and recent revisions. This was followed by the formal signing of the COC by employees.
To present the institutional updates and projections creatively, the members of the Executive Committee (EXECOM) introduced a special segment titled “EXECOM-versations: Usapang Projections,” where each member shared key updates and projections for School Year 2025-2026. To further keep the participants engaged, an interactive game called “EXECOM-petition” was held, where individuals were rewarded for quickly responding with correct answers during the discussion.
In the afternoon session, Dr. Amor Borbon, College Dean and Quality Assurance Officer, presented an update on Quality Assurance and One Bridget School System.
This was followed by the presentation of Dr. Imelda Vergara, IRPP Officer, who provided an overview of the Academic Calendar and Key Events for the current school year.
Moreover, those in new positions and the newly hired employees were introduced, bringing a cheerful vibe with their intermission number.
Meanwhile, Sr. Mary Florencia Tio, RGS, presented the outgoing and incoming officers of the Institutional Faculty and Staff Association (IFSA). The newly elected officers were Ms. Maria Ethel Atienza, President; Mrs. Gracielle Manongsong, Vice President; Mrs. Lelibeth Valdez, Secretary; Mrs. Krisza Matining, Treasurer; Ms. Leoncia Catapang, Institutional Programs and Services Representative; Mr. Leonardo Pedraja, College Representative; Ms. Jazel Paula Blanco, Senior High School Representative; Mrs. Ailyn Abando, Junior High School Representative; Mrs. Maricel Cultura, Elementary Representative; and Mrs. Daisy Ibon, Maintenance Representative.
The Commissioning Rites, led by Sr. Florencia Tio, emphasized the call to deepen the commitment of the lay mission partners as partners in the mission of the Religious of the Good Shepherd of St. Bridget College. During the ceremony, they solemnly pledged to uphold their responsibilities with integrity, serving as guiding lights in their shared mission.
Lay mission partners were also presented with a Confirmation of Appointment, symbolizing the institution’s deep gratitude for their commitment to fulfilling the mission with diligence and integrity.
by:
Ms. Andrea M. Kalalo
IRPPO Staff