Newly appointed administrators of La Consolacion College Bacolod were oriented on the school’s revised vision and mission statements, institutional identity and Strategic Plan 2026–2031 during a presentation led by Dr. Rodjhun B. Navarro.
Navarro said the orientation was intended to help administrators understand not only the institution’s long-term priorities but also the Catholic, Augustinian and Marian identity that gives direction to its programs, policies and services.
He explained that being Augustinian means that LCC Bacolod’s identity is rooted in the philosophy and spirituality of St. Augustine, whose “restless heart” reflects the human search for truth and for God.
“Learning is not merely the transfer of knowledge,” Navarro said. “It is a journey toward truth and, ultimately, toward God.”
He said reflection is a defining feature of Augustinian pedagogy because it leads students toward an inward journey. Education, he added, should help learners examine themselves, search for meaning and recognize the truth that gives direction to their lives.
Navarro also discussed the Augustinian understanding of excellence, saying it is connected to the flourishing of the human person and the fulfillment of God’s promise for each person to become capable of greatness.
While people are capable of greatness, he said, they still need grace in the process, and grace can only be received through humility.
He emphasized that the journey toward truth is not undertaken alone but always with others in community.
Navarro linked this idea to unity, explaining that individuals grow through relationships and shared responsibility. Charity, or love, binds people into a community as they strive to flourish and offer the best of themselves in the service of others, he said.
He also explained the institution’s Marian identity, describing Mary, under the title Our Lady of Consolation, as a model of faith and humility.
Mary’s “fiat,” or her willingness to accept God’s will, is an example of the humility needed to receive grace, Navarro said. He also cited the influence of St. Monica’s persistent prayers and devotion in the conversion of St. Augustine.
Navarro said the school’s relationship with its students should be similar to that of a mother caring for, guiding and accompanying her children.
Anchored on this Augustinian-Marian identity, he presented the revised vision and mission statements, institutional goals and objectives, and explained how these were translated into five Strategic Priority Areas.
The priority areas cover mission-centered institutional alignment and governance; academic excellence, curriculum relevance and learning innovation; faculty and academic human capital sustainability; research, knowledge creation and societal engagement; and learning environment, infrastructure and institutional resilience.
Navarro also explained how the Strategic Priority Areas will be translated into Key Result Areas, strategic objectives, major initiatives and target activities from 2026 to 2031.
He said the Strategic Plan provides the institution’s long-term direction, while the Annual Operational Plan translates that direction into yearly office-level action.
Administrators were introduced to the parts of the AOP, including the Key Result Area, Strategic Priority Area, strategic objective, major activity, VMGO alignment statement, quality management and accreditation reference, lead and support offices, expected deliverables, key performance indicators, timelines, evidence requirements, risks and opportunities, and budget requirements.
Navarro stressed that the AOP should not be treated as a list of routine activities. Each activity must demonstrate a clear connection to the institution’s mission, strategic priorities and expected results.
He also outlined the responsibilities of administrators in implementing the plan, including preparing realistic AOPs, coordinating with support offices, monitoring progress, maintaining evidence, addressing risks and recommending corrective actions.
“The work of strategic planning is not finished when the plan is approved,” Navarro said. “It begins when the plan is translated into daily decisions, office priorities, programs, services and measurable outcomes.”
The orientation sought to help newly appointed administrators understand their role in ensuring that LCC Bacolod’s identity and mission are reflected in institutional governance, academic programs, student services, research, community engagement and administrative operations.