MANDALUYONG CITY – Graduation is just the beginning for ANCOP sponsored students. For the alumni of Central A (CA), completing their studies means staying grounded in faith and committed to service.
On December 6, 2025, around 12 ANCOP alumni and 13 graduating scholars of Central A gathered at St. Thérèse Private School, Plainview in this city for the first ever ANCOP Alumni & Scholars Grand Reunion.
‘Rooted in faith & service’
“[This reunion] acts as a spiritual anchor for young professionals, helping them pursue their career goals while staying rooted in faith and service,” said ANCOP Alumni Association National Officer and Treasurer Rachelle Alva Fallega in an interview.
She emphasized that the gathering was not just a homecoming, but a reminder of the hope and promising future God has prepared for each participant, as reflected in Jeremiah 29:11.
Themed “Rooted in Faith, United in Service: A Journey Toward a Brighter Career and Deeper Service,” the event welcomed alumni from Batches 2023, 2024, and 2025 and graduating scholars of 2026, marking a meaningful gathering that combined faith, fellowship, and professional development.
The event sought to strengthen alumni bonds, promote career and business opportunities, support scholar-entrepreneurs, and maintain the spiritual bond within the ANCOP community.
Transitioning from school to the workplace
Bro. Ed Reyes also highlighted that the reunion bridged the transition from academic life to professional careers, creating “a dynamic network” for mentoring, collaboration, and entrepreneurial support among alumni and current scholars.
The program began with a powerful opening worship led by Central A – ANCOP Alumni Association Secretary Bro. Lester Verutiao, setting a tone of gratitude, reflection, and celebration.
This was followed by opening remarks from ESP Coordinators Bro. Ed Reyes and Sis. Flory Reyes, who welcomed the attendees and highlighted the purpose of the reunion as a celebration of faith, service, and professional growth.
Moving testimonials
Serving as the host of the entire program, National Officer and Vice President of the ANCOP Alumni Association Bro. John Marc B. Lubay emphasized the importance of staying connected to the ANCOP community even after graduation, encouraging graduates to actively participate in the ANCOP Alumni Association and to continue serving in the community.
A highlight of the event was the moving testimonials from former sponsored students who have since entered professional life.
They shared how ANCOP’s guidance and the values formation through Youth for Christ and Singles for Christ shaped their paths and helped them navigate life’s challenges. Testimonial sharers included:
- Batch 2015 – Rachelle Fallega
- Batch 2023 – Abigail Layco
- Batch 2024 – Toni Rose Baldovino
- Batch 2025 – Ragner Optana
- Graduating sponsored student – Christine Mae Lape
Special recognition
In his keynote address, Bro. Ernie Cabral encouraged participants to see their careers as a way to serve God, integrating faith into their professional endeavors.
The reunion also recognized individual achievements with batch ceremonies and photo opportunities.
During food distribution, sponsored students, who earned Latin honors, as well as alumni, who successfully passed the PRC board examinations, were given special recognition.
Meanwhile, an exhibition and networking session allowed alumni and scholars to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore professional collaborations.
Graduation isn’t the end
Before the program concluded, Bro. John Marc B. Lubay delivered a heartfelt message.
He noted that after graduation, many ANCOP scholars often forget the scholarship that supported them, leaving group chats as if their connection to the community has ended.
This, he said, pains the titos, titas, even the social workers who have guided them, as it feels like their care and mentorship were forgotten.
He encouraged graduates to remain active members of the ANCOP Alumni Association, emphasizing that their journey does not end with graduation.
Now is the time to give back, support the community, and continue the mission of service, he added.
Bro. John Marc reminded everyone that there are programs and opportunities for alumni to stay involved, help others, and carry forward the legacy of faith, values, and service instilled in them.
His words struck a chord, leaving many inspired to recommit to the mission of ANCOP.
Unending gratitude
The organizers also expressed their gratitude to the titos, titas, and Program Implementation Team (PIT) Heads who supported and helped make the event possible.
Special thanks were extended to:
- Albert Abriol – CA2 ANCOP Chapter PIT San Roque
- Jovielyn & Fronie Bitara – CA2 B Chapter PIT Divine Mercy
- Anita Cloribel – CA1 Savio
- Antonio & Ruby Baldovino – CA1 Sacred Heart
- Rocky Bautista – South B
- Natalia O. De Castro – CA2
- Rachel Alviar – ANCOP Chapter PIT Fatima / CA2 ANCOP Cluster Coordinator
- Emma Espanile – CA5
- Sol & Nick Escalona – ANCOP CA2 Couple Coordinators
- Ed & Flory Reyes – ESP Coordinators
Holding the event at the venue would not have been possible without the help of Sis. Marivic Zulaybar, CFC Household Head of the Family Ministry of CA2 and Founder of Genesis to Jesus Theater Productions, who was able to secure the venue for the event free of charge through her close friendship with Ms. Thelma Go, owner of St. Thérèse Private School.
To end the reunion, Central A – ANCOP Alumni President Maribeth T. Salvadora gave the closing remarks, followed by a heartfelt closing worship led by Bro. Ragner Optana.
