CSRA installs 1st president
By Pamela F. Tria
Pili, Camarines Sur – On December 14, one of the most anticipated events in the school calendar was held, as the Investiture Ceremony took place for Fr. Wilmer Joseph S. Tria to be formally installed as the inaugural president of Colegio de San Rafael Arcangel (CSRA) becoming a further highlight to the school’s recognition as the first archdiocesan college of Caceres.
It became a grand Saturday afternoon introduction to the Archdiocese of Caceres, as the event started with a motorcade, roaming the streets of the town of Pili which featured several floats from student departments. After the motorcade, the students then gathered at the patio to witness the arrival of Caceres Archbishop Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, D.D.
At 3.30 in the afternoon, the Eucharistic Celebration started, followed by the Investiture Ceremony held at St. Raphael the Archangel Parish Church. Archbishop Alarcon was the main celebrant and officiating prelate.
Hosted by Fr. Jene Lois Sarmiento, parochial vicar, the investiture ceremony began with the reading of the board resolution by Fr. Domingo Florida, CSRA Corporate Secretary. Fr. Wilfred Almoneda, Vicar General of Caceres, read the letter of appointment. Then, Eddie Crescine, a member of the Board of Trustees, read the missioning statement. Thereafter, Fr. Tria recited the oaths of office and of fidelity.
Aside from Fr. Florida and Crescine, the Trustees are Fr. Dario Echipare, School Director of Naga Parochial School and Fr. Eugene Lubigan, Rector of the Peñafrancia Basilica Minore. Most Rev. Alarcon is the Chairman of the Board.
Dr. Rebecca Torres Director of Formation, led the symbolic imposition of the presidential medallion while Bonifacio Borebor, Vice President for Finance and Administration handed over the college mace to Fr. Tria. Fr. Enrico Julian Paglinawan, former school principal of Pili Parochial School (PPS) is now CSRA Vice President for Academics.
Dr. Jean Cardiño, Chief Administrative Officer of CHED and Atty. Floranie P. Jacob delivered salutary messages. Fr. Echipare read the message of Fr. Albert Delvo, President, Manila Ecclesiastical Parochial School Systems Association. Fr. Karel San Juan, SJ, President of College Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) and PEAC President Rhodora Ferrer sent video messages.
Fr. Tria delivered his inaugural address before the event concluded with the CSRA School Hymn. In his address, he thanked the parish community for their support to PPS, and now, CSRA. He said Engr. Merly Jean Plaza, Parish Pastoral Coordinator, and Purita Imperial Ombao, Finance Council Head, gave priority to the school over other parish needs, in recognition of PPS’ role in Catholic education.
He explained the school’s vision of Transformational, Inclusive and Developmental Education. Currently, the college offers Bachelor in Special Needs Education. He said next academic year, another course on Early Childhood Education, will be opened.
He also thanked the numerous sponsors who continuously shared their resources that kept the school afloat to eventually evolve as a College.
Fr. Tria was assigned PPS School Director in 2019 during the episcopacy of Archbishop Emeritus Most Rev. Rolando J. Tria Tirona, OCD, DD who approved that PPS should become a college. The prelate also selected the name Colegio de San Rafael Archangel in honor of the parish’ patron saint.
Comments