Fr. Francisco Antonio T. Estepa, SVD, Ph.D. was formally installed as the 12th President of the University of San Carlos on September 15, 2023, at the Michael Richartz Conference Center in Talamban Campus, Cebu City.
Fr. Francisco Antonio T. Estepa, SVD, Ph.D. is the 12th President of the University of San Carlos.
Affectionately known as “Father Kito,” Fr. Estepa already served as the 8th President of the University of San Carlos from 1999 to 2002. After that, he went on to head the Divine Word College of Legazpi as President from 2002 until 2008. Prior to his recent re-election at the University of San Carlos, he was the president of Holy Name University in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, for 12 years from 2008 until 2020. After the HNU presidency, he was the director of Liceo del Verbo Divino, Tacloban City from 2020-2022.
Fr. Estepa earned his doctorate in educational administration from The Catholic University of America in Washington in 1997. He completed his Master of Arts in Philosophy at the Divine Word Seminary (1984) where he also earned his degrees in AB Philosophy and Theology.
As the 12th University President, Fr. Estepa aims to focus on the following areas during his term, namely academic excellence, research and innovation; community engagement; local and global partnerships; technology and infrastructure; enhanced students’ campus experience; and good governance.
Moreover, he also expressed his plan to “steadfastly pursue USC’s ISO accreditations while also setting sights on potential accreditation by the Philippine Quality Award (PQA) in the future.” According to him, USC will be guided by an organizational structure that fosters effective communication, synergistic collaboration, and unwavering accountability.
To make all of these possible, he invites various stakeholders to join hands in harmonious cooperation, united by a shared vision and a resolute commitment to the pursuit of excellence. Download the press kit to read details of Fr. Estepa’s vision for the University of San Carlos.
Vicar General Msgr. Vicente Rey M. Penagunda (center) officiated the Holy Mass assisted by University Chaplain Fr. Dindo Anthony F. Fallarme, SVD, M.A. (left) and SVD PHS Provincial Superior Fr. Rogelio K. Bag-ao, SVD, M.A. (Photo credit: Fr. Generoso Ricardo B. Rebayla Jr., SVD, M.M.)
Vicar General Msgr. Penagunda blessed the emblems, including the Presidential Collar presented by Chief Justice (ret.) and USC BOT Member Hilario G. Davide Jr. (Photo credit: Fr. Semei B. Rebayla, SVD)
USC Board of Trustees Chair Carmelita I. Quebengco, Ed.D.-E.M. presents to Fr. Estepa the University Mace, assisted by University Registrar Engr. James Anthony T. Toledo, M.B.A., M.M. (Photo credit: Fr. Generoso Ricardo B. Rebayla Jr., SVD, M.M.)
Fr. Arthur Z. Villanueva, SVD, M.A., representing the 11th President Fr. Narciso A. Cellan Jr., SVD, D.Comm. who joined the ceremony through a pre-recorded message, bestows the Presidential Collar on Fr. Estepa. (Photo credit: Fr. Generoso Ricardo B. Rebayla Jr., SVD, M.M.)
Commission on Higher Education Region VII Director Maura Consolacion D. Cristobal, Ed.D., CESO III administered the oath of office. (Photo credit: Fr. Semei B. Rebayla, SVD)
Fr. Estepa signs the oath of office as CHED RO7 Director Cristobal looks on. (Photo credit: Fr. Semei B. Rebayla, SVD)
Department of Education Region VII Director Salustiano T. Jimenez, J.D., Ed.D., CESO V presents the University Seal to Fr. Estepa. (Photo credit: Fr. Generoso Ricardo B. Rebayla Jr., SVD, M.M.)
Emphasizing that USC is a Catholic institution, Vicar General Msgr. Penagunda charged Fr. Estepa with upholding the Christian faith by presenting him with the crucifix. (Photo credit: Fr. Generoso Ricardo B. Rebayla Jr., SVD, M.M.)
SVD Philippine Southern Province Superior Fr. Rogelio K. Bag-ao, SVD, M.A. presents the Holy Bible to his confrere, Fr. Estepa. (Photo credit: Fr. Generoso Ricardo B. Rebayla Jr., SVD, M.M.)
Applause all around as Fr. Francisco Antonio T. Estepa, SVD, Ph.D. was formally presented as the 12th President of the University of San Carlos. From left: Dir. Jimenez, Dir. Cristobal, Dr. Quebengco, Fr. Estepa, Fr. Bag-ao, and Msgr. Penagunda. (Photo credit: Fr. Generoso Ricardo B. Rebayla Jr., SVD, M.M.)
