Leveling Up Salesian Education at SEC 2025
by: CYM correspondence
Salesian Educators from five Don Bosco schools in the Visayas and Mindanao gathered for the Salesian Educators’ Congress (SEC) 2025, held from February 7-9 at Saint Louis School of Don Bosco (SLS-DB) Dumaguete and Southview Hotel.
A total of 187 participants, including teachers and Salesian priests (SDBs), represented Don Bosco Technical College (DBTC) Cebu, Don Bosco Technical Institute (DBTI) Victorias, Don Bosco Formation Center (DBFC) Lawaan, Don Bosco Training Center (DBTC) Mati-SHS, and host school Saint Louis School of Don Bosco (SLS-DB) Dumaguete.
With the theme “LevelUp: Salesian Education in the 21st Century,”the congress aimed to strengthen Salesian education, address modern educational challenges, and foster collaboration among educators. This marked the second run of the congress, following its inaugural gathering in 2023.
The congress opened on February 7 at SLS-DB with a Eucharistic celebration presided by Fr. John Quincy Caballo, SDB, followed by a welcome program. The succeeding sessions at Southview Hotel featured discussions on the evolving education landscape.
Fr. Fidel Ma. Orendain, SDB, FIS Provincial Superior, delivered two plenary sessions: Salesian Education in the 21st Century and A Salesian Look at Artificial Intelligence. Fr. Orendain underscored the essence of Salesian pedagogy, emphasizing that “Salesian Education is more than knowledge transmission—it is a journey of formation, relationships, and lived experiences.”
Other sessions tackled key topics such as Understanding and Engaging Gen Z and Gen Alpha Learners byMs. Mary Gayle Certeza, Educator Well-being by Ms. Joji Racelis, and Education Law and Policy for Educators by Fr. Abundio Bacatan, SDB.
Beyond the learning sessions, SEC 2025 also fostered camaraderie among Salesian Educators through meaningful interactions, culminating in a Fellowship Night on February 8. The congress concluded on February 9 with a Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Randolph A. Figuracion, SDB, DBTC-Cebu Rector.
Reflecting on the significance of the congress, Mr. Almer Tayactac of DBTC-Cebu shared that “The Level Up Congress is Don Bosco FIS’ version of upgrading its operating system to meet societal demand, streamlined by every Salesian Educator strengthening the Bosconian Brand to a better level every time.”
Through SEC 2025, Salesian Educators reaffirmed their commitment to providing holistic and transformative education, ensuring that Salesian Education remains relevant and responsive to the ever-evolving needs of today’s learners.
