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With nostalgic tunes that captured the spirit of decades filling the Cordillera Convention Hall of Baguio Country Club (BCC), Saint Louis University (SLU), this year’s host school, welcomed about 120 delegates of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM) Philippine Schools Network (PSN) Governance Assembly 2025 on 9 July 2025. The welcome reception took place with an Open House, featuring a performance by the SLU Center for Culture and the Arts (SLU CCA) Rondalla that set a festive tone for the event. Following this, clad in their costumes, representatives of participating schools took part in a series of social activities, highlighted by the “Dance your Decade” performances featuring the 70s (University of Saint Louis – Tuguegarao), 80s (SLU-Baguio), 90s (Saint Louis College – San Fernando City, La Union), 20s (SAINT LOUIS – Mandaue City, Cebu & CICM Maryhill School of Theology, Inc. -Quezon City), and 2010s (Saint Mary’s University – Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya). Keeping in step with the rhythm of the reception’s curated renditions, the SLU CCA performing groups — SLU Concert Orchestra, SLU Dance Troupe, SLU Glee Club, and Tanghalang SLU — took center stage for the highly anticipated “Mixtape” performance, evoking a wave of melodic nostalgia. The overture features alluring interpretations of popular singles such as “Eye of the Tiger,” “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” You Can’t Stop the Beat,” “Take on Me,” “Summer Night,” “Greased Lighting,” and “Don’t Stop Me Now.” The second part delighted the audience with Filipino favorites including “Alapaap,” a VST Medley, an Original Pilipino Music (OPM) Medley-Latin Dance, “Bongga Ka Day,” and “Pinoy Ako,” celebrating Pinoy music lovers across time. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗜𝗖𝗠 𝗣𝗦𝗡 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗹𝘆 As part of the CICM PSN established activities, the network annually holds its governance assembly to usher in updates and developments, to even set the seal on the schools’ commitment. The event gathered leaders and representatives from different clusters of the six CICM-affiliated schools across the Philippines. Among these include SLU under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD; SMU spearheaded by Sir John Octavious S. Palina, PhD; SLC guided by Rev. Fr. Roderick “Erick” G. Villamar, CICM, PhD; USLT led by Rev. Fr. Macwayne N. Maniwang, CICM, PhD; SLCC headed by Sir Juvelito “Sai” Veliganio, PhD; and MST, under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Rene C. Cabag, CICM. This year, anchored on the theme “CICM-PSN: Sustaining A Beautiful Mission Through Innovation, Collaboration, and Synergy,” the Governance Assembly is anticipated to be an avenue of furthered knowledge, stronger partnership, and enriched aspiration for our respective schools and for our dear Congregation. In the succeeding days, 10 to 11 July, the assembly will get to the grindstone for the core events: the governance assembly proceedings, cluster reports, a plenary session, and a series of plannings and discussions. The CICM PSN Governance Assembly 2025 reception set a tone of unity and forward-looking collaboration as the network continues to embody its motto, “One Family, One Heart, One Soul.”

The Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM) Philippine Schools Network (PSN) Governance Assembly 2025 officially opened on 10 July 2025 with a Eucharistic Celebration held at the Cordillera Convention Hall (CCH), Baguio Country Club (BCC) presided by Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, President of the host university, Saint Louis University (SLU). The shared act of worship reminded the assembly of their unity in Christ and their shared purpose as a CICM community. It fostered a sense of belonging and collective mission, which is crucial before undertaking important discussions or decisions rooted in this year’s assembly’s theme, “CICM-PSN: Sustaining A Beautiful Mission Through Innovation, Collaboration, and Synergy.” In his homily, Fr. Sales warmly welcomed each one to the grace-filled moment and said that the assembly is not just a gathering for planning or reporting. “It is a space for renewal. It is a sacred time to listen, to reflect, and to discern together as one educational mission family under the CICM congregation. Our coming together is rooted in our conviction. We cannot move forward in isolation. The educational landscape today is filled with challenges: academic, financial, ethical and spiritual. No school, no office, no leader can address all these alone. That is why we have this network — not just as a structure for coordination, but as a community of communion,” he said. Atty. Shellah Yzanne P. Merced, the SLU Vice President for Administration, in her message affirmed how the CICM Philippine Schools Network collectively treads the journey grounded on Missio et Excellentia. Solidifying this mandate, Atty. Merced reiterated that the annual Governance Assembly serves as an avenue of furthered knowledge, stronger partnership, and enriched aspiration for the CICM Schools, especially in the times today. “As we navigate through our collective plans and goals, may the spirit of camaraderie and shared goals shine bright. It is our fervent hope that each participant brings home with them the calm of the Baguio weather, the warmth of being with old friends, and the renewed commitment to pursuing our beautiful mission,” Atty. Merced encouraged. The SLU Vice President for Academic Affairs, Felina P. Espique, PhD, acknowledged the participants of the assembly. “As we move through the sessions and conversations ahead, may we be reminded that the most meaningful contributions are never done in isolation, but through genuine collaboration and shared purpose…As we have come to understand through our own journeys in the academe, the work we do has always been more than educational management. At its heart, it is the sacred stewardship of people and of values– distinguished by compassion, action, and purpose,” she said. Establishing the cohesion needed for the cluster meetings and plannings, Mr. Reuben L. Aslor, Human Resource Management Consultant and Trainer at the Council for the Restoration of Filipino Values (CRFV), facilitated the plenary session, “Unlocking Potential: The Power of Employee Engagement.” Concluding the productive day were the breakout sessions of the various clusters for their Action Planning session for Academic Year 2025-2026. The CICM PSN looks forward to the remaining time of this meaningful gathering, confident that the network will continue to sustain its beautiful mission through innovation, collaboration, and synergy.

Rediscovering identity! The University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao (USLT) finally unveiled its new logo, marking a new chapter of growth and milestones in the institution’s journey. The redesigned logo seamlessly blends elements honoring the Louisian identity and a subtle integration of the Tuguegarao identity. It uses modern symbols of innovation and technology, representing USLT’s vision as a center of 21st-century education and its readiness to adapt to the evolving landscape of higher education. The logo incorporates several meaningful elements that embody its values and mission. The sword and shield represent fortitude, while the lily and cross symbolize integrity and faith, respectively. Furthermore, the inclusion of a bulb highlights the importance of technology-driven education in the modern era. The depiction of corn and rice stalks showcases the university’s commitment to contributing to the development of the Cagayan Province and Cagayan Valley Region. The colors blue and white signify the love and life of a dedicated person close to Christ, while yellow symbolizes the golden harvest of Cagayan’s prime products. It also features USLT’s motto, “Wisdom Builds,” and the diamond signifies the university’s 60th founding anniversary. As the university enters this new chapter in its history, it aims to uphold its tradition of providing quality education and contributing to the holistic development of its students.

The 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼 𝗜𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗲- 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 (CICM-PSN)— consisting of the 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘆𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆, 𝗦𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗶𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲-𝗖𝗲𝗯𝘂, 𝗦𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗶𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲-𝗦𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗦𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗶𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗦𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘆’𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗶𝘀— has always been resolute in its commitment to the pursuit of a beautiful mission — one that pursues the formation of the community grounded on the values of justice and peace. The CICM-PSN reiterates this commitment by ensuring that significant, historical milestones remain indelibly etched in the nation’s narrative. This is not only to recognize the people who sacrificed themselves during those events, but to also 𝗲𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆. February 25 or the 𝗘𝗗𝗦𝗔 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 is a historical breakthrough for the Philippines. Its essence should 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 be 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱, 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘁, and 𝗼𝗯𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱. It is in this profound recognition of this day that, with one heart and one soul, the CICM-PSN declares 𝟮𝟱 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 (Tuesday) as a 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗻𝗼𝗻-𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗮𝘆 in its schools nationwide; 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱.

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Saint Louis University (SLU) hosted the first CICM Philippines School Network (CICM-PSN) Research and Innovation Conference via Zoom on 28 June 2024, setting a significant milestone in the pursuit of sustainable solutions for climate change. With the theme “Sustainable Solutions for Climate Change: A Call to Action by CICM-PSN,” the conference brought together presenters from SLU and participants from esteemed CICM schools namely: Saint Mary’s University, Saint Louis College of San Fernando, La Union, University of Saint Louis, SAINT LOUIS College-Cebu, and SLU, fostering a collaborative environment aimed at addressing one of the most pressing global challenges of our time.

The CICM Philippine Schools Network Governance Assembly continued on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Bulwagang Teodulfo Domingo, USL Main Campus. Building on the discussions and work from the previous day, the members continued to develop and finalize the Cluster Action Plans for the upcoming academic year 2024-2025. The plans were carefully deliberated upon and ultimately received the approval of the governing body. A Eucharistic celebration at the Good Shepherd Chapel, presided over by Rev. Fr. Roderick G. Villamar, CICM, Ph.D., SLC President, commenced the day’s closing ceremony. Following the mass, University President Rev. Fr, Macwayne N. Maniwang, CICM, Ph.D., led the turnover rites of the CICM-PSNGA hosting to the next host school, Saint Louis University. The CICM-PSNGA concluded with a luncheon.

Featuring the theme “Frontiers of Education: Navigating Change through Innovation and Adaptability,” one-hundred twenty (120) delegates from six (6) CICM schools convened at the Bishop Constant Jurgens Campus today for the CICM Philippines Schools Network Governance Assembly (CICM-PSNGA). The network is comprised of the following CICM schools: Maryhill School of Theology, Quezon City; Saint Louis College, City of San Fernando, La Union; Saint Louis College-Cebu, Mandaue City; Saint Louis University, Baguio City; Saint Mary’s University, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya; and University of Saint Louis, Tuguegarao City. Manifesting a good and beautiful mission, today marks the start of an opportunity for collaboration and discussion among these esteemed institutions.

CICM-PSN GA day two commences With the theme, “CICM Mission in Education: Moving Forward Together in Synodality,” Saint Louis College, the host of the event, kicks off day two of the CICM-Philippines Schools Network General Assembly 2023 at the Fr. Burgos Gymnasium on July 19. A Eucharistic celebration was conducted in the morning at The Transfiguration of Our Lord Chapel, presided over by Rev. Fr. Rene Cabag, CICM, the Vice-Provincial of the CICM Philippine Province, and concelebrated by other CICM priests. A picture-taking of the delegates was held in front of Fr. Spincemille Building after the mass. To start the meeting proper, delegates gathered in their respective clusters at the Fr. Burgos Gymnasium. Saint Mary’s University cluster chairs presented the minutes and the accomplishments from the 2022 Governance Assembly. The crafting of action plans for this year’s assembly for each cluster was done separately in the afternoon.

As one family with one heart and one soul, CICM-PSN delegates gathered for the final day of this year’s general assembly, July 20. With their fruitful encounters and discussions on the previous days, the cluster heads presented their action plans, which aim to improve the operations and services of the CICM schools in their communities. The CICM schools’ presidents also took part in the momentous signing of the CICM-PSN 2023–2028 Strategic Plan, which was conducted at the Fr. Burgos Gymnasium. Before the closing ceremony, Rev. Fr. Ramon R. Caluza, CICM, presided over a Eucharistic celebration at the Transfiguration of Our Lord Chapel, followed by the ceremonial turn-over rite held after the mass. Fr. Caluza, SLC President, passed on the CICM-PSN flag to Rev. Fr. Macwayne F. Maniwang, University of Saint Luis-Tuguegarao President, as they will host the network’s general assembly for the following year. Further, certificates and tokens were awarded to the 104 delegates from the six CICM schools. The event ended with a heartwarming closing remark from Rev. Fr. Roderick G. Villamar, CICM, the VP for Mission and Identity of SLC. The upcoming CICM-PSN GA is set to happen in May 2024.

To commemorate the 6th CICM – Philippines Schools Network (PSN), delegates from six CICM schools attended the Eucharistic Celebration at the Transfiguration of Our Lord Chapel, July 19. Rev. Fr. Rene Cabag, CICM, along with different CICM priests, presided over the said celebration. In his homily, Rev. Fr. Rene Cabag, CICM, emphasized the essence of tenderness and forgiveness for one another. After the celebration, the delegates took pictures together in front of the Fr. Alfred Spincemille Building.