Relacion 2020: Rector and President Reports on the Colegio’s Condition Amidst CoVID-19

Kylie Niechols Miranda & Prince Robel Tecson

Rev. Fr. Victor Clarence Marquez O.P, Rector and President of Letran Manila and Bataan delivered his report on this year’s Relacion held on October 8, 2020 (Thursday) via facebook live. Hosted by Miss Maribel Capitle, the Rector’s address gives the Letran Community an insight on the achievements of the Colegio from the past academic year and what to look forward to for the current school year.

Relacion 2020 started with the Rector and President’s speech empathizing with the Letran community with regards to the drastic changes brought by the CoVID-19 pandemic. Fr. Rector mentioned how lonely the Colegio and Intramuros has gotten, due to lack of visitors. More so, he also talked about rising up despite the challenges that Letran is currently facing.

Following, the Rector then proceeded to the first part of his report regarding the accomplishments of Letran during the school year 2019-2020. Because of the suspension of face-to-face classes which started March of this year, the accomplishment rate of Letran was greatly affected. However, strategies and methods of operations were adjusted to reach the targets set by the Colegio. Despite the drastic effect on accomplishment rate, Letran-Manila was still able to achieve numerous goals during the academic year 2019-2020. Four academic programs were reported to have performed above the national passing rate. Furthermore, the Basic Education Department of Letran Manila has received the highest level of PAASCU accreditation.

Moreover, in terms of the faculty member's performance rating, 82.35% of the Collegiate Faculty members are vertically aligned to the subject they are teaching, and more than 60% of Faculty members handling professional subjects are industry-immersed. Additionally, Outcome-based education has been fully implemented; while E-learning systems have been set in place for the Senior High School Department. The Rector also mentioned that more than 70% of students have managed to finish their studies and graduated on time. The Rector also took pride in Letran's recent win in the NCAA Season 95 Championship in the Seniors Basketball and Juniors Badminton tournament.

Next, the Rector and President highlighted the accomplishments of the Colegio in terms of Research. He mentioned that the Colegio’s Graduate School now has its own Research Journal entitled, “The Letran Business and Economic Review.” Meanwhile, Letran-Manila also led the development of the research journal, “Brillar”, together with the rest of other Letran schools. He also credited the I.T. Department for the fast transition to online learning and for their other projects.

Aside from improving the conditions of the Colegio, the engagement on Community Services Activities were highlighted as well that have focused on helping people including the victims of the Taal Volcano eruption. Also, Letran’s partnership with Red Cross and Starkey Foundation were the only quadricentennial valentine’s gift that happened last school year. It was also mentioned that Letran will continuously support advocacies pertaining to human rights. Additionally, Financial support was also given to Letran’s third party employees such as security guards and maintenance staff when Quarantine started.

Subsequently, the Rector discussed how everyone is still in the adjustment period, as they were forced to shift to online learning. He also went on to explain that despite the difficulties being experienced; the overall faculty evaluation rating remains at a high rate, very satisfactory.

After the Rector’s speech, the program went to its final segment, the Reaction. This part of the program gives an opportunity for members of the Letran community to raise their concerns and queries regarding the school’s current status/standing, the future plans and projects. The questions and inquiries were all answered by the Rector and President, together with the rest of Letran-Manila and Letran-Bataan’s Administration.

The Rector’s overall speech did not only answer the questions of the community but also provided hope that the Colegio will rise through the challenges amidst this pandemic.