This is intended to be the first in a regular (as much as possible) series of short columns on news and important matters that impact Fernandez College of Arts and Technology (FCAT) or the field of education in general, especially in the Philippine context. This column does not intend to be an official statement on behalf of the school and may contain some information that is a matter of individual opinion. That having been said, it intends to discuss matters that will be productive to the faculty, staff, students, parents, and other stakeholders of the school and Philippine education in general. It is the intention of the writer to provide information for constructive and academic consideration.
For this pilot column, the writer would like to share information about the Core Value the school will focus on this School Year. For the First Semester of School Year 2026 to 2027, the faculty, staff, and students of FCAT are strongly encouraged to focus on professionalism as one of the five core values: professionalism, active nationalism, global excellence, environmental consciousness, and Spirituality. We must remember that one of the hallmarks of a Profession is having a Code of Ethics, being aware of moral principles– thus, for School Year 2026 to 2027, the theme is “Professionalism Begins with Ethics”. As the writer observed, we already have many very intelligent and competent people involved in managing our country and the business sector, but without ethics, they do more harm than good. What the nation needs are people with a genuine heart for service and servant leadership.
The writer strongly advocates that the entire school community inculcate meditation and reflection on ethics into their daily activities throughout the school year. Sometimes students, teachers, and professionals become too focused on achievement and the bottom line that they forget that how you do something is equally important as the results. Real success means doing things the right way and helping others, especially the less fortunate. Let us all work together to build a community of learners, teachers, and professionals with strong ethics who will truly work towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and national development, proud and tall as Filipinos.
Erwin Rommel Y. Fernandez, LPT, RGC, Ed.D.
FCAT President
