(By Gino Antonio A. Rivera III) For over four decades, Ms. Vilma B. Clerigo has poured her heart and soul into the mission of shaping students and nurturing a community of faith, discipline, and excellence at San Beda College Alabang (SBCA). Today, as Principal of the Integrated Basic Education (IBED) K–12, her leadership is not just a role but a calling—one that intertwines her deep Bedan values with her journey as a mother, mentor, and servant-leader.
Her colleagues often describe her as firm and strict, yet with a nurturing side that only a mother’s heart can understand. It’s this delicate balance that has made her not just a principal but a role model of strength and compassion. Through her leadership, she has shown that achieving balance is essential to guiding and supporting her students and faculty.
A Life Dedicated to Service
Ms. Clerigo’s path to leadership was shaped by over 40 years of dedication to education, beginning in 1985 as a Physics teacher at Benedictine Abbey School (now SBCA). Over the years, she has served in various roles—from Vice Principal to Prefect of Student Activities—before stepping into her current position as Principal of IBED. Her career is a testament to her commitment to both personal and institutional growth.
Her responsibilities as Principal extend far beyond administrative duties. Every day, she supervises academic programs, supports faculty development, and implements policies to ensure students receive the best education possible. But more than these tasks, Ms. Clerigo’s leadership is centered on her deep connection with students and faculty. She believes in leading by example and being a living embodiment of the values that San Beda College Alabang instills in its students.
“The role of a principal is not just about managing,” she reflects. “It’s about leading people toward a shared vision of growth, rooted in our Bedan values.”
Ms. Clerigo’s leadership goes beyond administration. She is deeply invested in fostering an environment where every individual—be it a student, faculty member, or staff—feels supported, valued, and motivated to become their best self.
Leading Amidst the Trials: The Challenges That Shaped Her Leadership
Like all great leaders, Ms. Clerigo’s journey has not been without its challenges. From navigating the diverse personalities of her team to making difficult decisions that may not always be popular, her leadership has been tested at every turn.
“Not everyone in your team will be easy to handle,” she admits with a knowing smile. “But you must lead with grace and kindness.”
She understands that leadership involves making decisions that affect many—and that those decisions are not always easy to accept. This is especially true when long-standing habits or values within a department need to change. But instead of shying away from these challenges, Ms. Clerigo embraces them as opportunities for growth. She has become a master at fostering dialogue, encouraging communication, and building understanding among those she leads.
One of her greatest leadership challenges came during the global pandemic, when the world of education was turned upside down. Ms. Clerigo helped lead the transition from traditional learning to online platforms with grace and decisiveness. As Principal, she spearheaded the implementation of a business continuity plan, hosted webinars to help teachers adapt, and ensured that no student was left behind. Her vision for the future of education helped maintain a sense of normalcy and hope during uncertain times.
For Ms. Clerigo, leadership is about finding solutions—not just pointing out problems. Her approach to overcoming challenges is rooted in deliberate effort and strategic planning, always seeking ways to move forward despite adversity. Her ability to remain composed and focused has earned her the respect of her colleagues and the admiration of her students. She believes that leadership success requires intentional effort, a commitment to growth, and a willingness to see challenges as stepping stones to progress.
Leading with a Purpose
While Ms. Clerigo’s resume is impressive, her true success lies in the lives she has touched. Her legacy is measured not in awards or accolades but in the personal growth of her students and the strength of the community she has cultivated.
“I have always been committed to providing an education that leads each learner to experience the dignity of being created in the image and likeness of God,” she says, her voice filled with conviction.
Her initiatives go beyond academics—they are also about character formation. She takes immense pride in creating programs that support both the intellectual and emotional needs of her students. Her focus on developing well-rounded individuals who are morally grounded, compassionate, and reflective of their divine dignity is what makes her leadership truly transformative.
Her work with faculty has been equally impactful. She has worked tirelessly to ensure that teachers are equipped with the tools and support they need to succeed. Whether through professional development, new teaching strategies, or simply offering a listening ear, Ms. Clerigo has been a constant source of encouragement. Her commitment to capacity building ensures that every educator under her leadership is empowered to thrive.
A Mother’s Heart for Everyone
As Principal, Ms. Clerigo’s leadership is felt in every classroom and every interaction. She believes that education is not just about the transfer of knowledge, but about the formation of the whole person. She strives to ensure that each student at SBCA is prepared not only for academic success but also for a life rooted in the Bedan values of service, truth, and excellence.
Her leadership style fosters an environment where every student feels seen, heard, and understood. This sense of belonging lies at the core of her philosophy. She understands that students, faculty, and staff alike need to feel that they are part of something bigger—something that values their contributions and nurtures their growth.
A Legacy Rooted in Love and Leadership
As Ms. Clerigo nears her 40th year at SBCA, she reflects on her journey with humility and gratitude. Her story is one of consistent, intentional growth—a journey of service, sacrifice, and love for the community she leads. It is a journey that has shaped not only countless students but also the faculty and staff who have had the privilege of working alongside her.
Her message to the next generation of leaders is simple, yet profound:
“Life is not a matter of chance; it is always a matter of choice.”
The choices she has made—to lead with integrity, to serve with love, and to never stop learning—have created a legacy that will continue to inspire and guide the community she has helped build.
In the halls of SBCA, Ms. Vilma B. Clerigo’s legacy is not just written in the accomplishments she has achieved, but in the lives she has touched and the hearts she has inspired. Through her leadership, she reminds us that true success is not measured by the accolades we accumulate, but by the lives we transform, the hearts we uplift, and the love we give to the world.
