May 18, 2026 — The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines , through its IMPACT Program (Institutional Mission Partnerships for Advancement, Capacity-building, and Transformation), convened an introductory partnership dialogue between University of Immaculate Conception (UIC) and St. Magdalena of Canossa Catholic High School (SMCCHS) as part of its continuing efforts to strengthen Catholic educational institutions through collaboration, accompaniment, and institutional development.
The online meeting gathered representatives from the partner institutions and the CEAP National Office to discuss the initial direction of the partnership and identify the priority needs of St. Magdalena of Canossa Catholic High School, a Catholic school serving geographically isolated communities in Eastern Samar.
Present during the meeting were S. Ma. Marissa R. Viri, RVM, President of UIC; Rev. Fr. Emmanuel O. Carilla, Director of SMCCHS; Mr. Narcy F. Ador Dionisio, CEAP Executive Director; Ms. Marilou L. Manalili and Mr. Marlon Cuadrante from the Membership Services and Communications Unit; and Ms. Lalaine R. Romero from the Planning and Development Unit.
The dialogue centered on the current realities and challenges faced in providing quality Catholic education to geographically isolated communities. Discussions focused on the school’s immediate priorities, including faculty development, instructional support, infrastructure rehabilitation, and the strengthening of its Senior High School program in preparation for the implementation of the new curriculum. The participants also discussed concerns related to the rehabilitation and improvement of classrooms, science laboratories, and library facilities, as well as preparations for the opening of classes.
As part of the initial partnership directions, the group explored possible faculty development and academic planning initiatives, instructional planning, and internal quality assurance support. Plans for continuous coordination, sharing of resources, and possible future school visits were also discussed as part of the ongoing collaboration between the partner institutions.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening solidarity among Catholic educational institutions and supporting mission schools through collaboration, capacity-building, and accompaniment under the CEAP IMPACT Program.