NDKC Hosts COPRISA General Assembly
KIDAPAWAN CITY, August 6, 2026 — School Presidents, Principals, Student Affairs Directors, and Sports and Socio-cultural Coordinators from private educational institutions across the Province of Cotabato convened at the Br. Norman Roy, FMS Gymnasium of Notre Dame of Kidapawan College (NDKC) for the 1st Cotabato Private Schools Association (COPRISA) General Assembly for Academic Year 2026–2027.
The program formally opened with an ecumenical prayer, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, the ASEAN Hymn, the Rehiyon Dose Hymn, the Kidapawan Hymn, and the NDKC Hymn. The NDKC Notre Dame Dance Troupe energized the delegates with an opening salvo that showcased the institution’s vibrant performing arts culture.
In his welcome address, Dr. Klemm Ryan Z. Bernabe, Vice President for Administration of Notre Dame of Kidapawan College, warmly welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of solidarity among private educational institutions in addressing the evolving challenges and opportunities in education.
The assembly featured keynote addresses from distinguished leaders in Philippine education. Representing the Basic Education sector, Mr. Romelito G. Flores, CESO V, Schools Division Superintendent of the Department of Education – Schools Division of Cotabato, underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships between public and private educational institutions to advance accessible and quality education.
Representing the Higher Education sector, Dr. Rody P. Garcia, Regional Director of the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office XII (CHEDRO XII), shared valuable insights into the evolving landscape of higher education and encouraged institutions to pursue innovation, academic excellence, and collaborative development.
During the business session, Br. Arnel S. Alfanta, FMS, COPRISA President, presented the President’s Report, highlighting the association’s accomplishments, ongoing initiatives, and future directions. This was followed by the Treasurer’s Report delivered by Lerry Tan-Cabalinan, MS, who provided delegates with a comprehensive financial report on the association’s operations.
The delegates were also treated to outstanding cultural performances by student-artists who achieved podium finishes during the Regional PRISAA Meet 2026. Featured performers included the NDKC Latin Dancesport Team, bronze medalists; Alexa Letada of NVCFI, silver medalist in Vocal Solo; and the CMC Likhang Pawan Dance Company, silver medalists in the Hip Hop Dance Competition. Also showcased was the NDKC Modern Standard Dancesport Team, gold medalists in the Batang Pinoy National Games 2025.
The cultural presentations culminated in a vocal duet by Rachelle Ann C. Bajenting and Jencer Vynz H. Pontesor of NDKC, who brought pride to COPRISA and PRISAA Region XII after being named 3rd Runner-Up in the National PRISAA Meet 2026 held in Bacolod City.
The successful conduct of the COPRISA General Assembly underscored the association’s commitment to fostering unity, collaboration, and excellence among private educational institutions in the Province of Cotabato. More importantly, it reaffirmed the vital role of educational institutions in working together to provide transformative, values-based, and quality education for every learner while strengthening partnerships that contribute to the advancement of education in the region.
