April 20, 2026, Quezon City – In a spirit of shared mission and solidarity, a meaningful and forward-looking dialogue was convened to explore a strategic collaboration under the IMPACT Program (Institutional Mission Partnerships for Advancement, Capacity-building, and Transformation). The engagement brought together key leaders united by a common commitment: to renew, strengthen, and sustain the mission of Catholic education in a rapidly changing world.
The meeting gathered representatives from the Apo Jose Catholic Educational System (ACES), led by Fr. Lloyd A. Nepomuceno, School Superintendent and Region III Trustee; Ateneo de Manila University, represented by Dr. Leland Joseph R. Dela Cruz, Assistant Vice President for Social and Environmental Engagement for Development and Sustainability (SEEDS); and the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines National Secretariat, led by Executive Director Mr. Narcy F. Ador Dionisio, together with members of the Membership Services and Communications (MCU) and Advocacy and Public Engagement (APU) Units.
Anchored on both urgency and hope, Fr. Nepomuceno articulated the priority areas that will shape the partnership’s direction. These include the deepening of teacher professional formation, the strengthening of student leadership through meaningful exposure, and the enhancement of institutional linkages and school identity. These priorities resonate strongly with the partnership domains outlined in the Implementing Guidelines particularly those on Leadership and Governance and Instructional Quality, underscoring a holistic vision of school transformation.
ACES, as the partner school system, brings together ten (10) Catholic educational institutions across Nueva Ecija:
- St. Nicholas Academy of Caranglan
- St. Pius X Institute of Nampicuan
- Liceo de Christ the King of Talugtog
- Sacred Heart Academy of Lupao
- Saint Andrew’s Academy of Pantabangan
- Dominican High School of Sto. Domingo
- St. Pius X Institute of Cuyapo
- Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College of Guimba
- Holy Family of Quezon, Nueva Ecija
- St. Joseph’s School of San Jose, Nueva Ecija
For its part, Ateneo de Manila University, as the adopting institution, expressed its strong openness to engage in meaningful pathways of accompaniment and support. Dr. Dela Cruz highlighted that the University will mobilize its offices and networks to ensure that the collaboration is both mission-aligned and sustainably resourced, drawing on its longstanding commitment to social engagement and educational transformation.
The dialogue concluded with a shared commitment to move from vision to action. Initial next steps include the finalization of a draft Memorandum of Agreement, alongside internal coordination within Ateneo to identify strategic areas of engagement. A follow-up meeting or courtesy call is envisioned in the coming weeks to further deepen the partnership.
More than a preliminary engagement, this encounter signals the beginning of a collaborative journey grounded in faith, excellence, and service. It reflects a growing recognition that the future of Catholic education will be secured not in isolation, but in communion, through partnerships that empower educators, strengthen institutions, and form learners who are not only competent, but also compassionate and committed to the common good.