Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, D.D., paid tribute to the outstanding school administrators from the Manila Archdiocesan and Parochial Schools Association (MAPSA) under the leadership of Msgr. Gerardo O. Santos, Ed.D., in a fitting ceremony at the Villa Immaculada, Intramuros, Manila on February 28, 2008.
In his inspirational message, Cardinal Rosales said the awards extended to outstanding personnel is the ??hurch?? way of expressing its appreciation for the nominees??outstanding achievements, dedicated service and love for Catholic education.??nbsp; He added, ??he awardees were more than mentors and teachers; they are Christ?? disciples in Catholic schools because they are active participants in the ministry of Jesus.??/P>
The Sedes Sapientiae Award speaks of the Blessed Mother?? wisdom guided by genuine love, disciplined and spirit-led service and concern. Sedes Sapientiae award seeks to look into a sound combination of these characteristics appropriately and judiciously applied in different areas of instruction, school management and operations.
Mrs. Virginia C. Cacananta, Executive Vice President of Pasig Catholic College, led the group of honorees as she was adjudged MAPSA?? SEDES SAPIENTIAE OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATOR. Mrs. Virginia C. Cacananta delivered her response on behalf of the other awardees. Dr. Rosalinda C. Natividad, Vice President for Academic Affairs of Pasig Catholic College was 1st runner up, Ms. Marilyn L. Cano, Principal of San Isidro Labrador Catholic School, 2nd runner-up, Dr. Evelyn B. Tallod, H.S. Principal of Holy Trinity Academy, 3rd runner-up and Dr. Evangeline M. Macaso, VP for Academics & Admin, HRMD Head and College Dean of San Ildefonso College, 4th runner-up. Other honorees were Mrs. Angelita A. Concepcion, Principal of Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, Mrs. Carina G. Dacanay, Principal of Good Shepherd Parish Academy, Mr. Joel C. Javiniar, Dean of Cainta Catholic College, and Mrs. Cresisanta A. Vallestero, Principal of Saint Joseph Parish School.
For dedicated services rendered even beyond retirement age, Miss Ofelia S. Meneses, Principal of St. Anthony School, received MAPSA?? LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD from His Eminence Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales, D.D., assisted by Msgr. Roberto A. Espenilla, head of MAPSA Commission on Human Resource Management and Development and Msgr. Gerardo O. Santos, Ed.D., MAPSA Superintendent. Miss Meneses has served different MAPSA schools in various capacities for 50 years.
Message
Mrs. VIRGINIA CRUZ-CACANANTA
MAPSA?? MOST OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATOR
(SEDES SAPIENTIAE AWARD)
February 28, 2008, 10 a.m.-12:00 nn
Villa Immaculada, , Intramuros, Manila
His Eminence, Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales, D.D., Archbishop of Manila, Rev. Msgr. Gerardo O. Santos, Ed.D., Superintendent, MAPSA Inc., Rev. Msgr. Roberto A. Espenilla, Chairman, Commission of HRMD, esteemed priests, directors, superintendents and chancellor, the Search Committee, Fellow Honorees, Guests and Friends, Good Morning!
The Sedes Sapientiae Award speaks of the Blessed Mother?? wisdom guided by genuine love, disciplined and spirit-led service and concern. It also speaks of uncompromised values, sterling character and spirituality, competence and sound human relationships. Sedes Sapientiae award seeks to look into a sound combination of these characteristics appropriately and judiciously applied in different areas of instruction, school management and operations.
The process undertaken by all the candidates was not really a contest of wit, supremacy and prowess. Rather, it was an interplay of faith, prayer, wisdom, expertise and experience. It was an exercise of sharing and complementing. The candidates learned from the shared experiences and expertise of one another and even from the panelists. Sedes Sapientiae Award will always be the nominees??guiding light and reminder to always aspire to meet God?? expectations in everything they do.
All of us will surely agree that win or lose, this undertaking is worth all our time, efforts and prayers. Personally, I looked at the whole process through the eyes of FAITH. Such faith allowed me to conquer my worries and fears. I got particularly inspired by the following quotations from the Scripture:
Matthew 9:29 - Because of your faith, it will happen. . .
Isaiah 1:19 - If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best
from the land.
Proverbs 20:24 - Since the Lord is directing our steps, why try to
understand everything that happens along the way.
For all of us who keep on doing our best for the Lord through our services in the school and in our ministry ??for the youth, for the church, for the country, here are important reminders:
Don?? focus on our weaknesses; focus on our God.
True self-esteem is not based on what we think or feel about ourselves or what others think about us. True self-esteem is based only on what God says about us. We are who He says we are.
Success is a matter of choice and disposition anchored on faith and prayers. You can complain because roses have thorns or you can rejoice because thorns have roses.
However, the BIG CHALLENGE is God?? words to Abraham in Genesis 12:2 ??God said, ?? will bless you. . . and you will be a blessing to many others..??/P>
Blessings are given by God to be shared. I know, all of us, honorees, will share this pride and honor to our families and loved ones, to our school and colleagues and friends, to our students and most especially to the Source of this Special Favor, to GOD, the ALMIGHTY.
However, here?? a bit of caution and healthy reminder to all of us. From an article or message written by Rev. Fr. Eli Cruz of Don Bosco, I came across a line which says, ??inning (a medal, a trophy or any award) is important, but if a person cannot be complete without it, he/she cannot be complete even with it.??nbsp; Following a popular television advertisement, I wish to say, ??e all want to be complete,??with or without any award, because our real strength, our real vitamin is GOD ??HIS WORDS, HIS SACRAMENTS, HIS GRACE, HIS GUIDANCE AND WISDOM, HIS COMMANDMENTS AND HIS HOLY WILL.
May I take this precious opportunity to thank PASIG CATHOLIC COLLEGE, fellow administrators and educators and our school president, Msgr. Gerardo O. Santos, Ed.D., and all the school directors for their trust and confidence which inspired all of us to pursue this undertaking. To my fellow honorees, thank you for your precious company and shared experiences. To my family and loved ones, thank you for your prayers, love and support; to MAPSA, thank you for spearheading this worthwhile endeavor. Above all, to the ALMIGHTY GOD, thank you very much for loving us passionately and unconditionally.
Again, Good Morning. Thank you and God bless all of us!
