The 63rd National Convention of the Association of Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities (ACSCU), hosted by the North Luzon cluster, opened on June 2, 2025, at the gymnasium of Wesleyan University-Philippines (WUP), the lead institution for this year’s gathering. The event welcomed delegates from member institutions in the country.
The convention commenced with registration and an opening worship service led by WUP. This was followed by the morning plenary session, where ACSCU President Dr. Betty C. McCann formally declared the convention open.
Dr. Maria Cynthia Rose Banzon Bautista, member of the Advisory Council of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), delivered the keynote address. In her speech, she emphasized the broader purpose of education: “Education is not only about knowledge or honed competence. It is about meaning. It is about cultivating human spirit, nurturing conscience, and preparing individuals to live responsibly in a complex, wounded world.”
The afternoon program included greetings from institutional leaders and partner organizations. Speakers included Atty. Juanito Carlos, Chairman of the WUP Board of Trustees; Fr. Karel F. San Juan, SJ, Chairperson of COCOPEA; and Ms. Minnie Anne M. Calub, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines.
During the regional breakout session, delegates discussed the state of education in their areas, citing specific institutional and community-level challenges. They also presented potential solutions focused on collaboration, contextualized learning approaches, and strengthened mission alignment.
The day ended with reports from the ACSCU President, the Executive Director, and representatives from the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC), including Bishop Dr. Elorde M. Sambat and Dr. Rhodora Angela Fernandez Ferrer. A dinner and welcome night sponsored by the Philippine Christian University (PCU), with WUP taking charge of the program, concluded the day’s activities.
The three-day convention focusing on Quality Assurance for Christ-centered Education: Transforming Learners, Impacting Community will run until June 4.
Article by Jessica Maureen Gaurano (PIO)
Photos by Julian Jade Mariano and John Carlo Dauz (PIO)
