May 5, 2026 – Guided by a shared commitment to mission and service, an initial dialogue was convened to explore a potential partnership under the IMPACT Program (Institutional Mission Partnerships for Advancement, Capacity-building, and Transformation). The engagement gathered key leaders united by a common commitment to renew, strengthen, and sustain the mission of Catholic education in a rapidly changing world.
The meetings were facilitated by the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) National Secretariat, led by Executive Director Mr. Narcy F. Ador Dionisio, together with members of the Membership Services and Communications Unit and the Advocacy and Public Engagement Unit, who provided program coordination support across both engagement sessions.
The first meeting brought together representatives from La Salle Green Hills, led by its President, Br. Edmundo L. Fernandez, FSC, together with Mrs. Maria Carmela A. Boncodin, Vice President for Academics and School Principal; Ms. Josefina T. Burgos, Vice President for Lasallian Mission; and Mr. Jigger M. Rayel, Corporate Affairs Assistant to the President. Also present were representatives from Immaculate Heart of Mary School (Bulacan), Inc., namely Sr. Pheobe Maria Bual, School Registrar, and Sr. Lydia O. Cañon, School Principal.
In a separate but related meeting, representatives from De La Salle Lipa, also led by its President, Br. Edmundo L. Fernandez, FSC, joined discussions with Dr. Teodosia Merlin “Yamie” Suarez, Chancellor; Dr. Tessie Palma, Vice Chancellor for Academics; and Mr. JAC Climaco, Corporate Affairs Executive from the Office of the President, alongside representatives of Blessed James Cusmano Academy, Mr. Manuel Balela, School Principal, and Rev. Fr. Clemente P. Aluad, SDP, School Director.
The sessions served as introductory engagements aimed at deepening mutual understanding of the context, strengths, and needs of Immaculate Heart of Mary School and Blessed James Cusmano Academy as prospective partner-beneficiary institutions.
La Salle Green Hills and De La Salle Lipa, as adopting institutions, expressed openness to accompany the schools through a process of discernment and sustained engagement. Both teams emphasized the importance of on-site visits to better appreciate school realities and identify appropriate areas for collaboration. This proposed engagement reflects a commitment to responsive and context-sensitive partnership aligned with the broader goals of educational transformation and mission effectiveness.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to proceed with coordinated next steps, including the submission of key institutional data and the use of a needs assessment tool to guide further planning. Overall, the encounter marks the beginning of a collaborative partnership grounded in faith, solidarity, and shared responsibility toward strengthening Catholic education in service of the common good.