Six Months On: Colegio de San Rafael Archangel Opens Doors and Hearts to Local Youth

By RVA News | January 22, 2026

On August 25, 2025, the Archdiocese of Caceres in the Philippines inaugurated its first college, Colegio de San Rafael Archangel in Pili, Camarines Sur—now, six months later, already transforming the lives of vulnerable youth.

Six months ago, on August 25, 2025, the Archdiocese of Caceres, located in the Bicol Region of the Philippines, took a historic step toward educational inclusivity with the inauguration of its first college institution, the Colegio de San Rafael Archangel, in Pili, Camarines Sur. Half a year later, the college is already transforming lives, particularly for the most vulnerable youth in the community.

Offering a Bachelor of Education majoring in Special Needs Education, the college welcomed 157 pioneering students in its first cohort. Fr. Enrico Julian Paglinawan, the inaugural dean, reflects on the journey so far:

“The establishment of this college program is a reflection of our aspiration to create a school that serves the poorest segments of society,” he says, noting how the initiative seeks to break barriers that have long kept many young people from pursuing higher education.

Fr. Enrico Julian Paglinawan: “The establishment of this college program is a reflection of our aspiration to create a school that serves the poorest segments of society.”

The initiative seeks to break barriers that have long kept many young people from pursuing higher education.

Paula Remittera: “This program gives us hope. It offers affordable education and the chance to work, enabling us to support our families while pursuing our studies."

Beyond academics, students are actively contributing to the community through apostolate work.

The idea for the program emerged from parish data showing that many local youth were out-of-school, eager to learn but constrained by financial limitations. To bridge this gap, the college partnered with local businesses to provide affordable education paired with employment opportunities through a benefactor system. Today, 27 establishments have pledged support, offering students a chance not only to study but also to work and support their families.

For students like Paula Remittera, the program is more than a path to a degree—it is a lifeline:

“This program gives us hope. It offers affordable education and the chance to work, enabling us to support our families while pursuing our studies,” she shares.

The impact of the college has already been recognized nationally. On December 7, 2025, the Angat Ka Guro Award Body honored the school and its founder with the Best Pastoral Leadership in Education Program Award, highlighting its innovative approach to faith-driven education.

Beyond academics, students are actively contributing to the community through apostolate work. They teach reading and writing to children in public schools and provide catechetical instruction to parents, turning their learning into service that strengthens the bonds within the community.

Half a year on, the Colegio de San Rafael Archangel stands not only as an institution of learning but also as a beacon of hope—proving that with vision, collaboration, and compassion, education can become a bridge to a brighter future for the youth of the Archdiocese of Caceres.