Anyone would wonder about the fondness of President Rodrigo Duterte for the image of lions, colors red and white, and even the raised fist as shown evidently in his media interviews and public speeches. Unknown to many Filipinos, such symbolisms definitely ring a bell among Bedans. The cult-like tightness of Bedans for these symbols are attributed to the same traditions shared in San Beda’s more than a hundred years existence since 1901.
In the workplace, Bedans bring with them the sense of brotherhood as they share the same mold and education that led them to who and where they are now. Once they have identified their educational background, these Bedansinstantly form a bond that cultivates relationship and better communication among each other. Even under fire and criticism, they will always say to one another to always protect the school’s namesake from getting tarnished by their costly mistakes.
Citing the idea of Jim Collins from his book Built to Last, cultism around symbolisms and brotherhood is unifying.
Yet, creating an environment that reinforces dedication to an enduring core ideology is heritage building. In the case of San Beda, that core ideology revolves around the deep sense of Benedictine values instilled among its students.
The oneness of the whole Bedan community is indeed laudable and should serve as inspiration for other institutions.
The strong foundations set forth by the forefathers of the institution, the Benedictine monks, have been the cornerstone of success of San Beda. But sustaining it is the most difficult of all.
The present school administrators carry the pressure to keep the flame burning at the very heart of the institution.
That is why the administrators are the architects of the present day San Beda. They have studied the past so that the community will appreciate the roots of the tradition. They are laboring the present management so that the community will continue rejoicing its glory. And they will diligently map the future so that the community will keep the visions alive and help push the standards up and up, forever.
Starting tomorrow, San Beda administrators, together with some students and faculty members, will all convene in the Strategic Planning Seminar for San Beda 2017-2022 at the Montserrat Center of Spirituality and Religious Formation in Silang, Cavite. This strategic approach in school management aims tosolidify the presence of San Beda as the only Catholic Benedictine school in Asia and as soon to be San Beda University.
Animo San Beda! (Dr. Ramon Ricardo A. Roque, CESOI, Diplomate)