In Her Own Words: A Heart-to-Heart with Sr. Irene Cecile Torres, r.a., Ph.D. President, Assumption College San Lorenzo
A new chapter begins at Assumption College, San Lorenzo—not just in leadership, but in spirit.
At the helm is Sr. Irene Cecile Torres, r.a., Ph.D., a woman of faith, intellect, and quiet strength, entrusted with guiding the community into a future full of promise.
Her presence brings both continuity and newness, rooted in the deep traditions of the Religious of the Assumption yet open to the call of transformation.
In this special feature, Sr. Irene Cecile shares from the heart – on who she is, what drives her, and how she hopes to walk alongside students, faculty, parents, staff, and alumnae in this sacred journey of education and mission. Through these questions, we invite you to get to know not just the leader, but the soul behind the role.
Assumpta: Who is Sister Irene Cecile Torres, RA, Ph.D.— beyond the title? Can you share with us a glimpse of who you are—your journey, your vocation, and what grounds you as you step into this new role as President of Assumption College San Lorenzo?
Sr. Irene: I am Sr. Irene Cecile Isip Torres, from Pampanga, and blessed to be part of a big family of twelve children. My family was my first place of formation. Through and with my parents, brothers, and sisters, I learned about life and faith, experienced love and care, and grew in prayer, sacrifice, obedience, and generosity.
In many ways, my life story is similar to that of Mother Marie Eugénie. We were a happy and comfortable family until life brought us many detachments. Unlike her, my parents did not separate; in fact, we became even closer and more united because of the trials we faced. We cared and sacrificed for one another, and I learned to dream not only for myself, but for the good of others. Through it all, God remained faithful to us — hindi Niya kami pinabayaan. My heart is full of thanksgiving for His steadfast love, and my desire to respond in love to His great love led me to follow Him as a Religious of the Assumption. My Word is: “Nothing can separate us from the love of God.”
My formation continued as a Sister, enriched by many mission experiences. I served as Finance Officer in Assumpta Technical High School; Campus Minister at Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan; and Directress of a diocesan school for tribal youth in Xavier de Kibangay High School in the Diocese of Malaybalay. I was also School Head of Assumption Antipolo, Provincial Councilor, and later, General Councilor. Today, I serve as President of Assumption College.
I am deeply grateful for these varied experiences—within and beyond Assumption, both local and international. I did not choose these missions; I believe it is God who called and sent me. And so, I always count on Him to walk with me, lead me, and guide me. My YES to Him brings me consistently to greater love and greater life.
Assumpta: As you begin this chapter of leadership, what is your vision for Assumption and the community you’re called to serve? In today’s world that feels volatile, uncertain, and fragile, what does leadership mean to you? How do you hope to guide students, parents, educators, and alumnae in staying rooted in our Assumption values while navigating change?
Sr. Irene: I believe in the original grace and charism of every mission. Assumption College has always been dedicated to the transformation of society by forming women of faith and women of action. As the new President, I feel deeply called to remain faithful to the founding grace while engaging in meaningful dialogue with the realities of today. Refoundation is an ongoing task—we are invited to discern how we can participate in building God’s Kingdom here and now. This calls us to find new and creative ways of making Jesus Christ known, loved, and served. This is the mission of Catholic transformative education.
The beautiful thing is that I am not alone in this journey, we walk together as mission partners. We are co-responsible as sisters, lay, students, parents, alumnae, and friends.
Looking back at the experiences of St. Marie Eugénie, we have seen how she lived during a time of significant social and political upheaval in France, particularly marked by the French Revolution and its aftermath. Out of this turbulent reality, emerged the Assumption Congregation. Her inspiration and passion centered on transforming society through Christian education—Christianization of the intelligence and character formation.
Today, we face challenges of a different kind—rapid, complex, and often unexpected. In such an environment, leadership calls for openness, deep listening, genuine dialogue, and a welcoming of diversity while working for true inclusion. It is less about having all the answers, and more about exploring possibilities, fostering participation, encouraging collaboration, and sharing responsibility for the mission.
In this journey, it is essential to keep a positive gaze and a hopeful and a grateful heart—seeing challenges as opportunities for growth and conversion. As a leader, I hope to guide students, parents, educators, and alumnae to stand firmly rooted in Gospel values, so that even when the future feels unpredictable, our purpose remains clear. We must not be afraid to explore new and diverse ways of responding to the realities we face, always choosing what leads to greater life.
Assumpta: What message would you like to leave with the Assumption community—especially the young, the hopeful, and those discerning their own purpose? What invitation would you like to extend to all of us—to lead lives of faith, courage, and mission in this world?
Sr. Irene: One quotation of Mother Marie Eugénie that speaks deeply to me is: “Every detail of our life has been an object of a divine thought, and that thought is one of love.” My invitation is for each of us to enter wholeheartedly into God’s plan. Remember how God has been faithful in your journey. Let us not work only for our personal dreams, but let us dare to dream God’s dream for us. Then, everything will be love, and everything will be grace.
PRESS PLAY: In her own words! Sister Irene tells us about God’s LOVE, translating into Mission & Service and God’s CALLING to all her various roles.
Warmest congratulations Sr. Irene on your appointment as the new President of Assumption College. Your dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the values of Mother Marie Eugenie make you an inspiring choice for this important role. We look forward to the continued growth and success of Assumption College under your visionary leadership. Best wishes as you begin this exciting new chapter, Sr. Irene!
We extend our deepest gratitude for Ola Regala’s dedicated leadership and service over the past years. Thank you for guiding the college with MME’s vision with confidence and grace. Your contributions have made a lasting impact, and you leave behind a legacy of excellence and commitment. Wishing you all the best in your next chapter, Ola!