By: Thea Divina
Rev. Fr. Raymund Fernando P. Jose, OP. (with the Rectorial Medallion) is the 82nd Rector & President of Letran Manila & Bataan. Arriba Fr. Jose! Photo courtesy of Julian Bhojwani of The LANCE.
August 31 marks the formal installation of Letran-Manila and Bataan’s 82nd Rector and President Rev. Fr. Raymund Fernando P. Jose, OP.
Letran-Manila’s administrators, faculty, student representatives, alumni association members, board of trustees together with Letran-Bataan’s contingent admin and staff lead by Executive Vice President Rev. Fr. Rafael B. Lusuegro, OP. and Vice President for Religious Affairs Rev. Fr. Reynor E. Munsayac, OP., Dominican priests and nuns gathered at the SC Auditorium for the installation rites and celebration of the holy eucharist presided by Rev. Father Jacinto A. Jose, D.D., the Bishop of Urdaneta.
Bishop Jose is also a relative uncle of Rector and President Fr. Jose. In his homily, Fr. Jose sermoned with a quote of wisdom, “If the goal is clear, the journey is easier and faster”. He establishes this with leadership and Synodality which means journeying together. Dual components which will be major contributing factors with the Colegio’s new rector and president’s term.
“Don’t speak about you are too young to lead, because leadership does not mean you are in front. Leadership does not mean that you are also behind. But leadership means staying at the side of the faculty, the staff, teaching and non-teaching personnel, the students, parents, alumni and those involved in the order,” said Bishop Jose.
Introducing Fr. Raymund Jose
Fr. Jose was previously Vice President for Financial Affairs (VPFA) of Letran Manila and served as the Executive Vice President (EVP) and Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) of Letran Bataan from 2015–2016.
He is also the second eldest among his five siblings. During April 1996 to May 1997, he received his Dominican habit at the shrine of the Lady of Holy Rosary in Manaoag. He conducted his first profession on May 14, 1997 at the Sto. Domingo church in Quezon City. He was also the director for religious affairs at the UST Angelicum.
Sealing the new rector and president’s authority and position in the Letran community, Fr. Jose received the Imposition of the Rectorial Medallion, symbolizing his duties, responsibilities and accountabilities.
Followed by the handing over of the Letran Mace which personifies the knightly characteristics and Dominican identity of courtney, nobility, integrity, and bravery.
82nd Vision and Mission
In his inaugural address, Fr. Jose highlighted his priorities, his vision and mission for both Letran-Manila and Bataan, first with the pursuit of academic excellence. Second, he proposed nurturing the catholic values and Dominican identities of Letranites by engaging more with partner communities with collaborative activities. Third, impactful research is one of the pillars Fr. Jose aims to foster.
Sustainable development is also an integral initiative for quality education and life-long learning process the rector aims to achieve. Furthermore, with local and international accreditation and strengthening the One Letran consortium among the four Letran branches.
In the next four years, Fr. Jose envisions developments in Letran such as technological innovations, educational technology, harnessing the use of AI for excellence in the unique Letran teaching and learning practices, promoting global citizenship, and applying sustainability in all aspects of its operation.
“Our colegio is more than 400 years old. 403 to be exact. Some would say that we are an old school, but I would say that we are not outdated, old fashioned, and obsolete, rather we are timeless and relevant. Why? Because we have not stagnated. Rather we have embraced chance and constantly innovate,” Fr. Jose declared.
“I am here to listen to you, to dialogue with you, and to collaborate with you. So that together we can make Colegio De San Juan De Letran as a beacon of inspiration a force for positive change in our society,” said Fr. Jose, closing his speech.
Fr. Raymund Jose accepted his new role last July 28, 2023 prior to his formal installation. He is set to an administering term of four years starting academic year 2023 to 2027.