The Franciscan College of the Immaculate Conception (FCIC) community is thrilled to share some incredible news. Dr. Maria Victoria A. Gonzaga, our dynamic Dean of the Graduate School and the College of Teacher Education, has been named a Top 5 Finalist in the Academic Heads category for the National Outstanding PERAA Members (TOPM) awards.
If you aren’t familiar with the TOPM search, it is an annual initiative by the Private Education Retirement Annuity Association (PERAA) to recognize the best of the best in private education. It honors educators and support staff across four specific roles: Academic Head, Administrative Head, Full-Time Teacher, and Administrative Staff. The goal is simple but powerful: to lift up the people who go above and beyond, making a real, lasting impact on their schools and local communities.
A Thorough Search for Excellence
The road to the finals is a long one. Nominations for the 2026 awards opened back in November 2025 and wrapped up on February 27, 2026. PERAA doesn’t just look at a job title; they look at the whole person. To even be considered, nominees have to submit a comprehensive portfolio that covers a massive range of achievements:
- Educational Background & Professional Growth: A history of continuous learning.
- Work Competence & Effectiveness: This includes an evaluation of their employment history over the last ten years, performance ratings over the last three years, and any research or publications they have created to move their field forward.
- On-Campus & Off-Campus Impact: A maximum of five major school activities, professional activities, and community involvement projects from the last three years.
- Awards & Recognition: A record of up to five major awards over the last five years.
- A Personal Essay: A 250-to-300-word statement outlining their personal philosophy and heart for education.
Dr. Gonzaga’s dedication to her work and her students easily set her apart. On July 2–3, she participated in the intense Final Screening alongside other top-tier academic leaders from across the country, including finalists from the University of Cordillera, University of Baguio, Cebu Institute of Technology, and the Technological Institute of the Philippines.
Living Out the Mission
What makes this milestone so special for us at FCIC is how truly Dr. Gonzaga reflects who we are as an institution. Our mission is to provide a quality, transformative Franciscan education, one that shapes students into innovative, globally responsive citizens who communicate with purpose and commit to making life better for others.
As a leader, Dr. Gonzaga doesn’t just manage programs; she lives out our core values. Whether it is championing “Integrity in Excellence” in the classroom or advancing research that addresses real societal needs, she brings a spirit of simplicity and joy to everything she does. She truly embodies the Christ-centered, compassionate leadership that Saint Francis and Blessed Maria Theresia Bonzel envisioned for our school.
The Road to Baguio City
Now, the anticipation builds. From this elite group of five finalists, the final Top 3 will be chosen. The official announcement and celebration will take place during the 46th Annual Meeting and 54th Anniversary of PERAA on Friday, September 11, 2026, in the beautiful city of Baguio. Finalists receive fully covered travel and accommodation, and the winners will take home plaques, cash prizes, and well-deserved national recognition.
Please join the entire FCIC family in sending our warmest congratulations, love, and prayers to Dr. Maria Victoria A. Gonzaga. No matter what the final announcement brings in September, her outstanding achievement is already a massive victory for our school, and we are so blessed to have her leading the way for our future educators.
Congratulations, Dr. Gonzaga! We are so immensely proud of you!
_Sister Maria Isabel A. Arnaiz, OSF
