DUMAGUETE CITY — The Association of Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities celebrated its 80th Founding Anniversary and 64th National Convention on May 11–13, 2026, at Silliman University, Dumaguete City, gathering leaders and educators of Christian institutions under the theme: “80 Years of God’s Grace: Educating for Christlike Character, Transformation and Hope.”
A significant highlight of the gathering was the acceptance message of Dr. Irineo G. Alvaro Jr., President of Wesleyan University-Philippines, who will serve as ACSCU President from June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027.
In his message, Alvaro accepted the responsibility with humility and gratitude, acknowledging the leadership of outgoing ACSCU President Dr. Betty Cernol-McCann, President of Silliman University, whose service, he said, leaves a legacy “that deserves not only recognition, but continuation.” He assured the assembly that he and Wesleyan University-Philippines would serve ACSCU with “sincerity, dedication, and faithfulness to the mission entrusted to us by God.”
Alvaro underscored that Christian schools are facing difficult realities, including economic pressures, political instability, social divisions, global conflicts, education gaps, and the mismatch between industry needs and graduates’ skills. He called on ACSCU institutions to become “more responsive, more collaborative, and more forward-looking,” while keeping learners at the center of every policy, program, partnership, and undertaking.
He emphasized that ACSCU schools are not merely institutions that produce graduates, but communities of faith called to transform lives. For Alvaro, the success of Christian education is not measured only by rankings or recognitions, but by the kind of people learners become—men and women who love God, serve others, live with integrity, and become instruments of hope in society.
Among the salient concerns raised during the convention were the need to strengthen complementarity between public and private education, expand ACSCU membership among Christian schools, respond to the findings of EDCOM II, revisit curriculum, strengthen industry partnerships, improve practical and experiential learning, and prepare students not only for employment but also for life, service, and faithful stewardship.
ACSCU traces its beginnings to the original cooperative organization of evangelical schools first sponsored by Dr. Harland F. Stuart and organized in 1934 in Manila by Central Philippine College, Silliman Institute, and Philippine Christian College. By 1938, the association had ten member schools. After the war, it was reorganized on May 13, 1946, as the Association of Christian Schools and Colleges, with Dr. Arthur Carson of Silliman University taking the initiative and later serving as its first president until 1960.
Through the years, ACSCU has grown as a fellowship of Christian educational institutions committed to Christ-centered education, character formation, and nation-building. It collaborates with professional, educational, funding, and regulatory institutions, including PEAC, PERAA, DepEd, CHED, TESDA, PRC, DOLE, DOH, BIR, the Philippine House of Representatives and Senate, and other agencies. It also works with accrediting bodies such as ACSCU-ACI and other agencies under the Federation of Accrediting Agencies in the Philippines to promote quality, excellence, relevance, responsiveness, efficiency, and effectiveness among member schools.
In her congratulatory message, outgoing ACSCU President Dr. Betty Cernol-McCann described the 80-year milestone as a testament not only to institutional resilience but, more importantly, to a steadfast commitment to Christ-centered education that has shaped generations of learners, leaders, and servants. She noted that ACSCU has remained anchored in its mission to nurture minds, form character, and cultivate faith grounded in the Gospel.
McCann also called attention to the challenges of the present educational landscape, including rapid technological change, global instability, and shifting cultural values. She affirmed that Christian institutions are called not only to be academically excellent, but spiritually grounded and socially responsive.
Bishop Dr. Elorde M. Sambat, ACSCU Executive Director, likewise extended greetings to the association and affirmed that the 80th anniversary stands as a testament to an enduring commitment to shaping lives through faith-centered education. He reflected that for eight decades, ACSCU schools have nurtured generations not only in knowledge, but also in character, compassion, and purpose.
Sambat further reminded educators that education is not merely the filling of minds, but the lighting of a fire—an invitation to awaken hearts and minds with purpose and hope. He expressed hope that the convention would inspire renewed dedication, strengthen shared vision, and empower educators and institutions to become instruments of transformation in today’s world.
With Silliman University serving as the lead school and ACSCU Visayas Schools from Regions 6, 7, 8, and NIR as hosts, the convention became both a celebration of heritage and a call to renewed mission. As ACSCU enters a new year of leadership under Alvaro, the association carries forward its enduring commitment to educate for Christlike character, transformation, and hope.
As Alvaro declared in his message, ACSCU’s 80 years were not sustained by God merely for survival, but for transformation. He called the member institutions to move forward together—united in purpose, grounded in faith, and guided by God’s wisdom.
Article and photos by Gladys P. Mangiduyos
