Centralians speak during ACSCU Visayas Zonal Convention
The Association of Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities (ACSCU) held a Visayas Zonal Convention on June 9, 2022 with the Theme: “Shaping a Humane, Just, and Inclusive Society.” The convention was held via Zoom and was hosted by Silliman University.
The meditation was given by Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director for Communications of Central Philippine University. He was introduced by Ms. Grace C. Hughes, President of Fortress College. Before the message, Rev. Cris Amorsolo V. Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church, CPU, gave the opening prayer.
Rev. Jalando-on expounded the theme and that said “what is humane can be found in Jesus Christ. What is just can be found in Jesus Christ. What is inclusive can be found in Jesus Christ.” He shared three main points which are – First, what is humane is to love without boundaries and conditions. Second, what is just is what is right, and what is right starts with God. Thirdly, what is inclusive is to follow the perspective of Jesus. He ended his message with the words of Paul found in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This means that no barrier – be it race, economic class, or gender – should exists but all are in equal footing.
The second part of the program is the Keynote Message. The speaker was Prof. Franklin G. Robite, Former Chairperson, Department of Social Sciences, CPU. He was introduced by Prof. Janet P. Jaco, Vice Chairperson, ACSCU Visayas, and Principal of the CPU Elementary School. Prof. Robite connected his message about the theme with the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. He also said that the Preamble of the Philippine Constitution also states that we need to have a “Humane, Just, and Inclusive Society.” He also answered the question, “What is the main enemy here?” He emphasized that the enemies are “Discrimination and Prejudice.” He explained how we are discriminated because of our gender, class, age, language, race, marital status, and many more. He also said that we need to challenge injustice and unfairness. He shared that this happen around us all the time may be in the form of jokes, stereotypes, and insensitive comments. We also need to report discriminatory content wherever we can find it. He also challenge the member institutions to seek to change school policies which are discriminatory.
After the Keynote Message, Rev. Dr. Bernabe C. Pagara, Dean, College of Theology Central Philippine University together with three persons from Filamer Christian Univeristy, Fortress College and Silliman University shared their experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic, and how schools are “Embarking on a Journey of Limited Face to Face Learning.”
The convention also had their Business Meeting presided by Judge Benjamin D. Turgano and was assisted by Dr. Earl Jude Paul Cleope. It was ended by a worship and installation and commission of the new set of officers.
The one-day convention was attended by more than 60 school leaders from the member institutions of ACSCU Visayas Zone. The Program Chairperson and Master of Ceremonies was Dr. Beulah Torres, Director, Office of Instruction, Silliman University.
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