USJ-R chooses its first Cebuano president
IN a not-so-conventional manner, the religious order running the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) for the first time appointed a Cebuano as the school’s new president.
The Order of the Augustinian Recollects installed Rev. Fr. Cristopher C. Maspara as the school’s new leader in an investiture ceremony held last June 23. Fr. Maspara, the seventh president of the university, succeeded Rev. Fr. Enrico Peter A. Silab who held the helm for the past six years.
Born in Cebu City, with his family eventually moving to Talisay when he was four, Fr. Maspara attended the Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy, a private elementary school run by Augustinian Recollect sisters in Minglanilla, where he was first inspired by the charisms of the Order.
He pursued seminary studies in the Order’s formation houses in Negros, Baguio and Quezon City until he was ordained a Recollect priest in 1997.
“Before, we have that assumption that if you come from that town, di ka i- assign, kay lage( you won’t be assigned there because) ‘no prophet is accepted in his own country,’” Fr. Maspara said, quoting the Bible. “I did not entertain the thought nga ma- assign pako’g( that I’ll be assigned in) Cebu because it’s rare that a religious is assigned to his home place, but I’m just glad I’m here.”
The 44-year-old priest will be charged with leading the university in the face of the changing landscape of education as the effects of the government’s K to 12 Program will finally be felt in colleges and universities nationwide in the next couple of years.
In 2016 and 2017, no college freshmen will be enrolling as fourth year high school students will proceed to grades 11 and 12, or the junior and senior high school program.
“I tell you even now, this early, by the grace of God we will live through these confusing times in terms of these educational transitions,” Fr. Maspara said in his inaugural speech.
He also said that the administration “will do its best” to help its faculty members and staff retain their jobs despite the absence of college enrollees.
He believed that USJ-R is well equipped in term of facilities and personnel expertise to take on the senior high component of K to 12.
Fr. Maspara will have plenty of support from his Recollect brothers in the administration of the University. Rev. Fr. James T. Bumangabang serves as vice president (VP) for Academics; Rev. Fr. Nestor C. Raras takes on the task of VP for Student Welfare; and Rev. Fr. Niño Cesar R. Ruiz is the VP for Religious Affairs.
Rev. Fr. Rellyric G. Delos Santos was appointed director of the University’s Campus Ministry Office, while Bro. Jaazel Jakosalem is the university’s property administrator.
Three USJ-R administrators who did not receive reassignments will help the new-comers in their transition process. Rev. Fr. Vicente L. Ramon, the community prior, will still function as VP for Business and Finance. Rev. Fr. Emilio P. Jaruda Jr. assumes the post of VP for Administration, and Rev. Fr. Hernando Coja will continue with his task as director of religious education and NSTP.