Official preparations for the upcoming Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) National Congress 2026 are officially underway following a key coordination meeting held today, September 17, 2026, at the Wespresso Conference Room.
Led by Atty. John R. Jacome, COCOPEA Managing Director, together with Ms. Trisha Mae Fabiantes, Administrative Assistant, the meeting served as a venue to establish strategic roles, outline committee assignments, and lay down operational guidelines crucial to the execution of the national event. The COCOPEA
National Congress 2026 would to take place on November 24–25, 2026, at the SMX Aura Convention Center, centered on the theme: “65 Years of Advancing Private Education: Unifying Voices in Reinforcing the Nation.”
Present in the meeting from Wesleyan University-Philippines were President Irineo G. Alvaro, Jr. (COCOPEA Chairperson and Association of Christian Schools, Colleges, Universities (ACSCU) President), Gladys P. Mangiduyos (VP for Planning and Development), Wilfredo C. Ramos (VP for Academic Affairs), Rio Anne B. Dizon (Head Executive Assistant and Office for Internationalization Director), Atty. Lyndon John S. de Leon (University Registrar), Ryan John L. de Lara (College of Engineering and Computer Technology Dean), Jelwin D. Bautista (College of Business and Accountancy Dean), Dulce Amor S. Padilla (College of Hospitality and Tourism Management Dean), Joepet G. Portana (Alumni Affairs Office Director), Jaziel Naomi C. Reyes (Gender and Development Office Director), Emmanuel John R. Pangan and Rev. Marlonito Gonzales (Executive Assistants), John Carlo S. Dauz and Jhoanna D. Andres (Public Information Staff), Laira Joy I. dela Cruz (Secretary to the VPAA), and Rizalyn Mariden Relusco (Secretary to the VPAP).
During the session, organizational leads aligned working committees to ensure a seamless flow of activities from pre-event logistics to execution days. Concrete plans were established for promotion, publicity, and registration processes to guarantee an efficient experience for delegates attending from across the country. Parallel discussions highlighted priorities for finance, sponsorships, and ways and means to secure comprehensive support for all operational requirements.
Beyond administrative workflows, the meeting expanded on technical and ground operations for the two-day assembly. Key areas covered included reception, ushering services, program execution, physical arrangements, lights and sounds, as well as the production of the official souvenir program, delegates’ tokens, and formal awards. Strategic coverage via documentation and press relations was also addressed to maximize media reach and effectively communicate the key advocacies, resolutions, and insights of the private education sector.
This successful coordination meeting underscores the shared dedication of Wesleyan University-Philippines and COCOPEA to advancing quality education across the nation. Through proactive planning and close collaboration across all committees, the COCOPEA National Congress 2026 is poised to be an impactful and memorable gathering for the Philippine private education community.
Article by Jhoanna D. Andres (PIO)
Photos by John Carlo S. Dauz (PIO)
