MANILA, Philippines – The College of the Holy Spirit Manila launched a new education center on Wednesday, July 20.

Dubbed as Center for Continuing Education, the new center offers short non-degree courses on languages and social enterprise to provide learning opportunities to students from all walks of life.

“The CCE can be a hub for innovation. In the long run, the center could be an area where people can exchange ideas and be innovative,” said Dr Jesusa Marco, President of College of the Holy Spirit Manila.

Classes are set to start soon, according to Grace Songcuya-Mascenon, Director-in-Charge of the Holy Spirit Alumni Management Corporation, 

“We can start with a class of 5 up to 30. If it exceeds, we will create another class. We’re as flexible as that. We will start even with a small class,” the director added.

The first batch of students are 5 Holy Spirit sisters, to be taught English language courses.

According to Mascenon, the center will offer other courses apart from language and social enterprise if there is a demand for it.

New management

Established in 1913, the college has been run by the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit. More than a century after, a new management takes over.

College of the Holy Spirit Manila is now managed by the Holy Spirit Alumni Management Corporation (HSAMC), composed of 14 alumnae and one non-alumnae who is well-recognized in the education field.

With the new management, several changes are to be expected said Marco. It starts with the launch of the Center for Continuing Education, according to her.

“What changes do we expect? Physical changes. We will be adding Wi-Fi and facilities will be updated,” said Guillermina Ong, board member of the HSAMC.

The new management took over last May 1, 2016. According to Ma. Theresa Abeleda-Llave, President of HSAMC, the decision was made because of the sisters wish to be not involved in operations anymore.

“It is still owned by the Sisters but they want to disengage because they are getting old,” said Llave. “Besides, there are not many newcomers joining the order. Particularly, the sisters,” Llave added.

According to Mascenon, the decision took about 3 years before it materialized. The head chapter of the Holy Spirit Sisters in Rome has to approve the change in management.

However, Llave clarified that they are not running the school independent from the Sisters. They consult with them from time to time.

“The difference now is that there is more involvement of the students, the faculty and the public,” she said.

Home to about 1,000 students, College of the Holy Spirit Manila currently offers Kindergarten, Grades 1 to 3, High School and Undergraduate courses in health sciences, business, fine arts, social science and education. It started accepting male students in 2009.

In 2017, the college will be opening the entire elementary school by offering classes to Grades 4 to 6 students.

“Just give us time to catch up,” said Llave.– Rappler.com

To learn more about Center of Continuing Education, you may visit their website or call 735-6021 and look for Benjo Macaso or Joy Flores.