The College hosted the November 20, 2007 meeting of the Association of Women Presidents/Chancellors of Private Colleges and Universities (SOPHIA), where President Lourdes A. Sese is a member. The meeting was presided by its founding President, Dr. Teresita Quirino in the absence of Dr. Patricia Licuanan, the Association’s President, who had to attend to her sick mother. In attendance were Sr. Gertrude Borres, President of Assumption College, Sr. Leticia Andrea Garcia, President of Sacred Heart College Lucena, Dr.Encarnacion Raralio, President of Imus Institute, and Dr. Grace De Leon, former Chancellor of University of Perpetual Help System Las Pinas.

In the afternoon, a forum on Women and Migration was held at the St. Theodore Hall of Saint Michael’s College of Laguna. In her remarks, the College President Dr. Lourdes Almeda-Sese presented the scenario on how the country has become the world’s largest supplier of government-sponsored contract labor and the social costs it has brought specifically to women with a powerful multi-media presentation. She likewise presented the support systems that are being done in the College like the EXPAT San Miguel, a core group of OFW children that meet regularly for counseling and socialization among others under the Counselling and Career Services Center and the annual Tribute to the OFW Heroes, where Balikbayan parents who visit for the holidays or special occasions like graduation rites are feted on a meaningful gathering.

A panel of experts that included Dr. Nanette Dungo of the Department of Migration Studies of Miriam College and Dr. Carmelita Dimzon, the Deputy Administrator of Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA), presented their perspectives on the phenomenon, Ms. Teresita Balla, a former migrant worker gave her touching testimonial as a caregiver in Taiwan and a domestic helper in Singapore. Judging from the reactions and questions raised during the open forum the event successfully stirred the student participants’ awareness on the emergent issue.