Zamboanga City, June 21, 2025 – The Ateneo Learning and Teaching Excellence Center (ALTEC) of Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU), in partnership with the School of Education (SED), the Department of Education Region IX (DepEd IX), and the Mindanao Educators Mutual Benefit Association, Inc. (MEMBA), successfully held the culmination of the Leaders and Innovators Geared towards High-Impact Transformation (LIGHT) Program at the AdZU Lantaka Campus.
The LIGHT Program is anchored on the Certificate in Educational Administration (CEA), an extensive leadership development initiative designed to equip educators with advanced knowledge, practical skills, and transformative values. With 10 modules equivalent to 30 academic units, the program provided participants with intensive training in leadership, management, and educational innovation. By the end of their journey, the participants—proudly called LIGHT Bearers—emerged more empowered to lead schools, nurture learners, and drive meaningful change in their communities.
The culmination program opened with Mr. Rogin Christ J. Eribal, ALTEC Director, who expressed gratitude to the partners, trainers, and participants who made the success of LIGHT possible.
AdZU President Fr. Ernald M. Andal, SJ followed with an inspiring message affirming the university’s mission of forming teacher leaders. His sentiments were echoed by Atty. Jessica Anne Marguerrite Resurreccion Lacson-Hizon of the AMAARA Group of Companies and Dr. Ruth L. Fuentes, CESO IV, DepEd IX Regional Director, who both commended the LIGHT Bearers for their commitment to educational excellence.
One of the most meaningful highlights of the event was hearing the stories of the LIGHT Bearers themselves. Through testimonials, participants shared how the program transformed not only their professional skills but also their perspectives as leaders and educators. Their stories were captured in the audio-visual presentation “Bearing the Light: A Journey of Hope and Leadership.” These moving narratives were encapsulated in an audio-visual presentation titled
“Bearing the Light: A Journey of Hope and Leadership”, which reflected the transformative impact of the program on both the individual and collective level.
The program concluded with an Awarding and Recognition Ceremony, formally honoring the LIGHT Bearers and marking the beginning of new opportunities and responsibilities for them as leaders in education.
Closing the ceremony, Dr. Dorothy Joann Lei Labrador-Rabajante, Dean of the School of Education, congratulated the graduates and expressed optimism for their future contributions to the community and the education sector.
The culmination of the LIGHT Program stands as a testament to the spirit of Compañerismo—a movement of solidarity, collaboration, and service for the common good. With renewed strength and inspiration, the LIGHT Bearers now move forward with a deeper commitment to transform education in Zamboanga City and beyond.
– Meghann Leah Dela Cruz