PM Educators Gather at St. Peter’s College of Toril for 2025 Congress

TORIL, DAVAO CITY – Educators from Presentation of Mary (PM) schools across the region convened at St. Peter’s College of Toril, Inc. (SPCT) on March 17, 2025, for the PM Educators’ Congress 2025. The event, themed “Educators’ Congress: gratefully blazing in evangelization!” brought together employees from various PM institutions for a day of learning, reflection, and community building.

The congress commenced with the arrival of delegates from St. Michael’s School of Padada, Inc. headed by Sr. Elizabeth L. Garrote, PM, MA, Notre Dame of M’lang, Inc. headed by Sr. Elvie G. Borlado, PM, PhD, Holy Cross College of Calinan, Inc. headed by Sr. Cherie Eloisa L. Garrote, PM, PhD, Holy Cross of Mintal, Inc. headed by Sr. Zosima A. Escolano, PM, PhD, Holy Cross of Sta. Maria, Inc. headed by Sr. Stephanie T. Gimena, PM, PhD, Holy Cross of Malalag, Inc. headed by Sr. Stephanie T. Gimena, PM, PhD, Holy Cross of Malita, Inc. headed by Sr. Anna Mae S. Sonsona, PM, MA, Presentation of Mary School of Clarin, Inc. headed by Sr. Elnora R. Taparan, PM, PhD, St. Peter’s College of Toril, Inc. headed by Sr. Lorna B. Murillo, PM, PhD, and the Philippine Province headed by the Sr. Charito Gorgonio, PM, the Provincial Superior. The opening ceremony, led by Masters of Ceremonies Ms. Glaiza H. Villarobia and Mr. Aaron Dewy F. Espaldon, featured a parade of schools, each showcasing their school spirit through songs and banners.

Following the parade, participants engaged in an opening salvo performance by St. Peter’s College of Toril, Inc. (SPCT) administrators, faculty, and staff, and a spirited cheers and yells presentation from each participating school. The morning session also included a keynote address by Father Michael Ondras, Jr. DCD, who delivered an inspiring message to the assembled educators.

A segment titled “Grateful Thoughts,” hosted by Atty. Grecel B. Paclipan, PhD, provided a platform for educators to share their experiences and reflections on their roles within the PM community. Participants included Mr. Fernald Secareo from Holy Cross of Sta. Maria, Inc., Mrs. Maria Edna Ocon from SPCT, Dr. Melina Gonzales from Holy Cross College of Calinan, Inc., Ms. Fritzie Ruelan from Holy Cross of Malita, Inc., Ms. Florence Marie Montuya from Presentation of Mary School of Clarin, Inc., Mr. James Andrew Retes from Holy Cross of Malalag, Inc., Ms. Fe Marie Eno from Holy Cross of Mintal, Inc., Mr. Christian Bumagat from Notre Dame of M’lang, Inc., and Ms. Virgilia Villapaz from St. Michael’s School of Padada, Inc.

A Holy Mass was celebrated in the gymnasium, followed by a lunch break and raffle draw. The afternoon session featured breakout learning sessions covering topics such as “Creative Evangelization Strategies in Schools,” “The Fire Within: Reigniting Our Passion for Education,” “Integrating Faith in Education,” “Stories of Challenges and Successes,” “Rivier Educators in the Changing World,” “AI Frontiers,” and “Work Ethics.” Speakers included Sr. April Margarette Hiquial, PM, Sr. Edel Gula, PM, Dr. Mary Deocariza, Ms. Mary Rose Billion, MAED, Sr. Lodivina Cansico, PM, Dr. Clarisa Apale, and Atty. Grecel B. Paclipan, PhD.

Food and game booths, organized by the participating schools, provided opportunities for networking and relaxation. The closing ceremony included the announcement of raffle winners, an Educators’ Commitment Prayer led by Sister April Margarette Hiquial, PM, and acknowledgments from Provincial Superior, Sister Charito Gorgonio, PM. The PM Educators’ Congress 2025 concluded with an Educators’ Commitment Prayer, led by Sr. Charito Gorgonio, PM, Provincial Superior. School administrators and department heads from participating Presentation of Mary schools joined in the recitation, reaffirming their dedication to educational service. It was followed by the Exit of Colors and the singing of “To Christ Through Mary.” Sponsors and contributors, including Quipper Philippines, DIWA Learning Incorporated, Don Bosco Press, SPCT PGTA, and all participating PM schools, were recognized for their support.

As the delegates departed, the SPCT community bid them farewell with wishes for safe travels and anticipation for next year’s gathering. The event underscored the importance of gratitude, unity, and evangelization in the journey of Catholic education. (Mr. Alfie Billion, MAED | Photos: SPCT Golden Harvest FB Page)