Fr. Maspara with his family during his installation as new president of USJ-R.
(CONTRIBUTED)
The religious order running the University of San Jose-Recoletos 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, OAR as the school’s new leader in an investiture ceremony held last June 23.
Fr. Maspara, the 7th president of the university, succeeds Rev. Fr. Enrico Peter A. Silab, OAR.
He was born in Cebu City but his family moved to Talisay when he was 4. 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.
The 44-year old priest will lead the university in the face of the changing landscape of education as the effects of the K-to-12 program.
There will be no college freshmen in 2016 and 2017 as 4th year high school students will proceed to Grades 11 and 12.
“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.
“We will surface from the shadows of confusion, stronger and firmer in our resolve to usher in a new age of academic life,” he added.
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.
The former president of San Sebastian College-Recoletos Manila believes USJ-R is well-equipped in terms of facilities and personnel expertise to take on the senior high component of K to 12.
Arriving with him from their previous assignments are Rev. Fr. James Bumangabang, OAR, who serves as VP for Academics; Rev. Fr. Nestor Raras, OAR, who takes charge as VP for Student Welfare; and Rev. Fr. Niño Cesar R. Ruiz, OAR, VP for Religious Affairs.
Rev. Fr. Rellyric Delos Santos, OAR, was appointed Director of the University’s Campus Ministry Office, while Bro. Jaazel Jakosalem, OAR is the university’s Property Administrator. /Ioannes P. Arong, USJ-R External Affairs Office