Columban College Inc. (CCI) lit up the school quadrangle with vibrant colors anew during the Blessing and Lighting of the Unity Christmas Tree and Advent Wreath on December 4, 2023. At past 5 pm, attendees, including administrators, students, teaching, and non-teaching staff, gathered to witness the lighting of the salakot-inspired Christmas tree.

CCI President Fr. Rayman G. Catindig led this year's celebration where he emphasized the significance of preparing for Christmas by sharing the love of the Lord. "If we continue to share the Lord, siguro lahat tayo magiging mabuti, lahat tayo magiging maganda ang buhay, lahat tayo ay isasabuhay kung ano talaga ang meaning ng Christmas, which is Christmas is giving and Christmas is sharing the love of the Lord," he said. Fr. Catindig also took the opportunity to congratulate the College of Nursing (CON) for achieving a 100% pass rate in the recent Philippine Nursing Licensure Exam (PNLE).

The lighting of the Christmas tree, an annual tradition at CCI, marks the official start of Christmas celebrations on campus. Dr. David Cababaro, Vice President for Academic Affairs & Student Services (VP-AASS); and Dr. Eric A. Matriano, Vice President for Finance & Administrative Services (VP-FAAS), joined in illuminating the tree.

Reflecting on the event, freshman Angelito S. Basilan expressed the impact of Fr. Catindig's message on sharing and giving the love of the Lord. "Sa akin po, personally, na remind ako sa sinabi ni Father na it’s about sharing, giving the love of the Lord, and para sa akin napaka big impact non as a student, as a first-year student sa akin. Kasi nandito yung stage na kung ano ba yung environment na kinagagalawan ko, kung paano ba sila maki-socialize," he said. The event concluded with the audience staying for photo opportunities around the Unity Christmas Tree at the center of the school quadrangle.

✏️ Kane Darryl Muega | Staff Writer
📷 John Angelo Manabat, Joh