“Perplexity opens doors to clarity.” Fr. Alain P. Manalo, the PCSS Chairperson, related the Gospel to the journey of the Philippine Catholic Schools Standards - Basic Education (PCSS BE) team as they reflected on their eleven years of work on the PCSS document. The challenges in understanding the document have paved the way for making it clearer, better, and more profound.

On the third day of the writeshop, Msgr. Michael Feliciano I. Veneracion, one of the PCSS BE technical consultants (TCs), drew a connection between the day's Gospel and the team's experience in revising the PCSS document during his homily. As the Gospel says, "There is a time to plant, and a time to uproot what has been planted." Though the team faced challenges in both deconstructing and reconstructing the document, Msgr. Veneracion encouraged everyone to trust the process, assuring them that the project would be accomplished beautifully, with the reminder that God is the master of time.

For the fifth time this year, the PCSS technical consultants gathered to continue the ongoing refinement of the PCSS BE document. The PCSS BE writeshop took place from September 25 to 27, 2024, at the Oloph Building, Phoenix Publishing House, Inc., in Quezon City.

Led by Fr. Manalo, the team included Msgr. Veneracion, Fr. Elmer G. Dizon, Sr. Ma. Nilda Hechanova, RA, Dr. Miguel Q. Rapatan, and Dr. Amelia G. Ronquilo. Each of them expressed eagerness to complete the revision and prepare the document for its official launch in early 2025.

The refinement of this document marks not only a milestone in the team’s journey but also the fulfillment of the CEAP-PCSS mission: to enhance Catholic institutions and strengthen Catholic identity, serving as a beacon of hope and excellence for the future.

The Philippine Catholic Schools Standards (PCSS) provide a framework for the continuous improvement and sustainability of Catholic schools across the Philippines. By ensuring these schools uphold high standards of Catholic education, the PCSS promotes faith formation, academic excellence, and the holistic development of students, all in alignment with the teachings of the Catholic Church.