The DICES community gathered for the annual Mass of the Holy Spirit presided over by Most Rev.
Reynaldo G. Evangelista, D.D., at the Parish of the Holy Family in Alapan 2B, City of Imus on July 19,
2024. The event, which resonated with joy and solemnity, not only marked the beginning of a new
academic year but also celebrated the dedication and achievements of the educational system.

Central to the ceremony was the induction of new Gurong DICES through the symbolic Pinning
ceremony. Accompanied by senior teachers, the newly hired Gurong DICES were warmly welcomed into
the DICES family as a significant milestone in their careers that emphasizes their commitment to uphold
the values of dedication, integrity, excellence, and service.

Following the Pinning ceremony, all Gurong DICES stood together to recite the Oath of Fidelity to the
DICES Mission and Vision, led by Ms. Jessielyn Cansino, DICES Learning Team Leader for Intermediate
Level and Guidance Services. This solemn pledge reaffirmed Gurong DICES’ dedication to providing
quality education and nurturing a supportive learning environment within their respective schools.

The ceremony also honored the contributions of outgoing personnel who had dedicated years of service
to DICES. Each outgoing personnel was recognized individually with a heartfelt citation and presented
with a certificate of recognition. Among those honored were:

• Eric C. Bocalan – DICES Program Officer for Curriculum and Instruction – Senior High School Level - STEM Strand
• Ma. Aileen B. Marges - DICES Program Officer for Guidance Services
• Jessielyn A. Cansino - School Principal of Santo Rosario Catholic School, Inc.
• Lydia D. Dimapilis - School Principal of Nazareth School of Gen. Aguinaldo, Inc.
• Helen B. Terrado - School Principal of Paraclete Foundation Community School, Inc.
• Rowena G. Occasion - School Principal of St. Augustine School-Tanza, Inc.
• Rev. Fr. Paul De Leon - School Director of multiple institutions including St. Jude Parish School, Holy Cross Catholic School, St. Gregory Academy, St. Augustine School-Mendez, and Academia de San Vicente Ferrer, Inc.
• Rev. Fr. Dominador C. Duroy, Jr. - Assistant Superintendent of Diocesan Schools

The ceremony also paid tribute to the contributions of retirees who were acknowledged not just for
their professional contributions but also for the personal impact they had on countless students and
colleagues throughout their careers. The list of retirees included the following:

• Mrs. Charito S. Albarico - SAST, 7 years
• Mrs. Jocelyn J. Estacio - OLPCS, 9 years
• Mrs. Estela A. Arevalo - OLPCS, 15 years
• Mrs. Charito D. Lepardo - SASM, 15 years
• Mrs. Emma L. Rodelas - SAST, 22 years
• Mrs. Liza A. Dela Cruz - SGA, 35 years
• Mrs. Ma. Gina D. De Castro - SMI, 36 years
• Mrs. Maida D. Vislenio - SASM, 38 years

In his special message, Mr. Bryan Esguerra, DICES Support Team Leader for Human Resource, expressed
gratitude to the outgoing personnel and retirees, expounding on gratitude and loyalty that reflect their
legacy at DICES. He also wished all the awardees well in their future endeavors.
As a representative of the retiring Gurong DICES, Mrs . Maida Vislenio delivered her heartfelt speech
that captured the essence of dedication, passion, and service that define the DICES community.
Furthermore, the program highlighted the official launching of Garantisadong Pagkatuto Program,
DICES’ flagship initiative aimed at enhancing educational outcomes and nurturing the holistic
development of every Batang DICES.
Ms. Anna Esposo, DICES Learning Team Leader for Pre-elementary and Elementary Levels, introduced
this innovative program through a simple yet meaningful “passing of Garantisadong Pagkatuto Program”
logo and printed GPP booklets among those involved in implementing this comprehensive program. The
enlarged printed GPP logo was passed on my Mr. Romar Reyes, DICES Learning Team Leader for Senior
High School to Rev. Fr. Alain P. Manalo, underscoring DICES’ ongoing commitment to educational
excellence and student-centered learning.
As significant part of the event, Rev. Fr. Alain P. Manalo then gave his comprehensive talk on the “Global
Compact on Education,” in which he urged Gurong DICES to revive the commitment for and with the
younger generations, renewing the passion for a more open and inclusive education.
According to Fr. Alain, the Global Compact on Education was introduced by Pope Francis as a powerful
initiative that seeks to promote the values of care for others, peace, justice, goodness, beauty,
acceptance, and fraternity through education.
Additionally, he thoroughly explained each of the Seven (7) Commitments for the Global Compact on
Education, which include the following:
1. To make human person in the center in the center of every educational program, both formal
and informal, rejecting the lifestyles that encourage the spread of throwaway culture;
2. To listen to the voices of children and young people to whom we pass on values and knowledge
in order to build together a future of justice and peace;
3. To encourage the full participation of girls and young women in education’
4. To see in the family the first and essential place of education;
5. To educate and be educated for acceptance and in particular openness to the most vulnerable
and marginalized;
6. To be committed in finding new ways of understanding the politics that can truly stand at the
service of the human person and the entire human family; within the context of an integral
ecology; and
7. To safeguard and cultivate our common home

The attendees were then divided into groups based on these commitments, sharing insights on the
challenges and steps needed to fulfill them, guided by key questions posed by Fr. Alain: “Ano ang
paanyaya at inaasahan sa atin at ano ang hakbang na ating ggawin upang maisakatuparan ang mga ito?”

The event proved to be a success, with the DICES member schools sharing their initially discerned
commitment/s of Global Compact on Education that they will pursue and embracing their commitment
to DICES Garantisadong Pagkatuto Program toward another year of growth, transformation, and
continued excellence in quality Catholic education.

duniabiru