Seventeen schools, colleges and a university in the Philippines, members of the Daughters of Charity-St. Louise de Marillac Educational System (DC-SLMES), gathered in Concordia College, Manila last November 11-13 to celebrate God’s faithfulness and providence! Sisters, lay mission partners and learners united to give praise to God for the 25 years of being of one mind, one heart, and one mission in the formation and education of the youth, with the theme: “Joyfully Journeying Together to Keep the Vincentian Spirit and Mission Alive.”

The 3-day celebration started with a Eucharist presided by Fr. Gerardo VIBAR, CM, Provincial   Director. It was followed by a remarkable entrance of banner of each DC school, the DC logo and the DC-SLMES logo. Sr. Maria Ana Rosario G. EVIDENTE, DC, and Sr. Anna Wiwiek SOEPRAPTIWI, DC, then gave their warm welcome address and inspirational message, respectively, via on-line.  

The celebration included the recognition of 2 outstanding alumni: former Vice President of the Philippines, Leni Gerona ROBREDO, a graduate of Universidad de Santa Isabel and former Commission on Audit Commissioner and Undersecretary of the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight, Ms. Heidi M. MENDOZA, a graduate of Sacred Heart College. They lived and continue to live the Vincentian values of excellence, integrity, truth, and faith-inspired dedicated service for the country and its people, especially those at the margins.

Presentations showcasing the cultural heritage of the regions where the schools are located added brilliant colors to the anniversary. Learners with the lay mission partners and Sisters danced and sang, giving the audience a glimpse of the richness of its people.

The participants also had an opportunity to engage in community service. Grouped in two, some had a tree-planting activity at DC Provincial House in line with our commitment to care for our Common Home while others had an encounter with persons with special needs, the elderly, and the children in Hospicio de San Jose in line with our commitment to respecting Human Dignity.

Participants walked through a carousel of exhibits that each region prepared; eyes and ears feasted on the displays and video presentations about the best practices of each DC school in curriculum and instruction, research, and community engagement while the tongue savored different food delicacies particular to each region.

Dr. Pamela MANTUHAC of the Adamson University, Manila, gave a talk on systemic change. Subsequently, the participants sat down for work: brainstorming and crafting concrete plans of action for the betterment of the educational system for the next years to come.

Over the past 25 years, the DC-SLMES has been a beacon of learning, a nurturing ground for Vincentian excellence, and a catalyst for positive change in the lives of countless individuals. Its passion and commitment to mission make itself an advocate for holistic formation. To God be the highest glory and praise! May this celebration be the start of another 25 years of journeying with and for the young to form a better world to live in!

Aberdeen, Jhana, Jlyne, Renz,

Ron, Rosyll, and Sr. Shirley, DC