Fr. Anthony A. Morillo USJR's New President

"I am humbled and at the same time greatly honored with my appointment as President of this prestigious university, young as I am. And I am not quite sure now how will I look like after my three-year term, considering the tough task - the duties and responsibilities - attached to this office," Rev. Fr. Anthony A. Morillo disclosed.

With much humility of the privileges and obligations of a university president, Fr. Morillo accepted the charge of the Office of the President and the stewardship of the entire Josenian Community. Fr. Morillo confidently said that he could successfully lead and bring USJ-R to greater heights. He is also looking forward to better achieve the goal of Quality Christian Community Oriented Education with the help and guidance of the Almighty God and with the support of his religious brothers and the whole Josenian family.

Fr. Morillo averred that he does not view his election as president a promotion because, as a priest, being president is just a responsibility to be undertaken. "We just take turns in the administration of our schools. Now, it is my turn to be the president, next time it will be theirs," explained Fr. Morillo.

The 5th president of the University, and so far the youngest, 35-year-old Fr. Morillo was born in Calubian, Leyte, who finished his elementary education at the Calubian Elementary School. His high school years were spent at the Colegio de Santo Tomas-Recoletos in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental. He has a baccalaureate in Philosophy at the Casiciaco Recoletos Seminary in Baguio City.

He finished his Theology at the Recoletos Formation Center in Quezon City. He holds a master's degree in Theology at the San Sebastian College-Recoletos in Metro Manila. He also holds another master's degree in Educational Administration at the University of San Jose Recoletos in Cebu City.

Though barely two weeks as USJ-R president, Fr. Morillo confidently accepted the challenge, not because he is the most qualified person for the position but because he believes that he has something to share and contribute to the institution.

Fr. Morillo's competence for his present position can be gleamed from his background: In 1997-2002, as a young priest, Fr. Morillo volunteered to be assigned in Taliao, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Republic of China where he was the parish priest. He was also in-charge of the Filipino communities. In 2002-2003, he was Vice President for Student Welfare and Head for Student Affairs at the San Sebastian College-Recoletos in Cavite City. These past positions have given him much insight into the problems of students.

Prior to his designation as the USJ-R president, Fr. Morillo was also VP for Student Welfare at the same university. He was also the Scholarship Director, Sports Moderator, READS Coordinator, AD-DRAC Ensemble Moderator, Forward Moderator and NSTP/CWTS Coordinator.

Fr. Morillo pledged to do everything in his power to guide, to bring the best possible future, to place the interests of the students, teachers and staff of the university as his priority.

The University of San Jose Recoletos is a post-liberation institution established in 1947, by the Order of Augustinian Recollects (OAR), and is one of the top universities in Cebu.

As USJ-R's newly elected president, Fr. Morillo challenged all the members of the Josenian community, "If you believe you belong to this family, let us join hands and let us be one in achieving the same goal."