Prof. Belén L. Tangco, OP, Ph.D. represented the Catholic Teachers’ Guild of the Philippines (CTGP) as National President in the General Assembly of the Union Mondiale des Enseignants Catholiques (UMEC)-World Union of Catholic Teachers (WUCT) held from November 11 to 13, 2022, in Rome.
UMEC Councillor Tangco presented the 2020-2022 CTGP report on activities which was much applauded. She has been representing UMEC-WUCT in the United Nations, and world organizations.
In the General Assembly, Tangco likewise, served as President of the Elections Commission/Board, and officially proclaimed the new Executive Committee of UMEC-WUCT namely, Prof. Jan de Groof of Brussels, President; Academic Director Giuseppe Desideri of Italy, Secretary-General; and Prof. Caroline Healy of London, Treasurer. Archbishop Vincent Dollmann of Cambrai, France is the continuing Ecclesiastical Assistant.
On November 12, 2022, the Assembly participants were individually received by His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican special hall.
Pope Francis addressed the Catholic Teachers with his message, saying “I would like to make one final request of you, one very close to my heart. Your Union can help raise awareness among Catholic teachers of the Global Compact on Education. As you know, this initiative, which has had the support of many educational institutions, aims ‘to unite efforts in a broad educational alliance, to form mature individuals capable of overcoming division and antagonism, and to restore the fabric of relationships for the sake of a more fraternal humanity.”
The Pope added, “A noble task and an important mission await you in the world of education and schooling. May our Lady and all the saints who themselves were educators accompany and inspire you. I too am at your side in this challenge. I cordially bless you, and I ask you, please, to pray for me. Thank you!”
Dr. Tangco held several administrative positions in the university where she is currently the Program Lead of Political Science at the UST Graduate School.
