When Blessed Alvaro del Portillo, the first Prelate of Opus Dei, visited Cebu in 1987, he was deeply moved by the stark contrast before him — the towering skyscrapers symbolizing progress stood in painful contrast to the rows of makeshift homes clustered beneath Mactan bridge. In a country still struggling to rise after the shadows of Martial Law, Blessed Alvaro saw with clear eyes what he called the tragic gap between “enormous wealth and crippling poverty.”
But for Blessed Alvaro, compassion was never passive. In one of his gatherings, he made a heartfelt call: something must be done. He urged the faithful of Opus Dei to take bold, concrete steps to rescue young people and struggling families from the clutches of poverty. His answer was clear: education — not as a band-aid, but as a powerful, lasting solution.
Inspired by his deep love for the poor and his service to the Church, Blessed Alvaro transformed his words into action. Rallying the support of prominent educational leaders in the Philippines and Italy, he championed the establishment of a school that would not only teach skills but would break the cycle of poverty, address job mismatch, and provide real opportunities for the marginalized. Thus, CITE (Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise) Technical Institute, Inc. was born — a gift forged from Blessed Alvaro’s vision and compassion, a beacon of hope for countless Filipino families.
Since opening its doors in June 1991, CITE has remained anchored in Blessed Alvaro’s vision and the teachings of St. Josemaría Escrivá, founder of Opus Dei. Both shared an unshakable commitment: to uplift the poor and bring dignity through honest work and education.
CITE: BRINGING THE DREAM TO LIFE
Today, CITE stands as a beacon of transformation. Its 3-year diploma programs have empowered over 5,000 alumni, offering life-changing opportunities. Delivered through the Dual Training System (DTS), students benefit from 1.5 years months of hands-on, in-school training, followed by 1.5 years of real-world industry exposure — equipping them with the skills and confidence to succeed.
Beyond technical training, CITE nurtures the whole person. Students receive one-on-one mentoring, spiritual guidance, and holistic support that promote their overall well-being. Close collaboration with parents — through monthly parenting seminars — ensures that family bonds are strengthened and cherished Filipino values are preserved, even amid financial hardship.
Guided by the example of Blessed Alvaro, CITE’s faculty and staff are deeply committed to their mission. Their love for teaching and their readiness to adapt to evolving educational demands ensure that students are prepared both in skill and character.
In partnership with industry leaders, CITE ensures that trainees experience meaningful, supervised workplace immersion, leading to job offers even before graduation.
Believing in the wisdom that “it takes a village to raise a child,” CITE has built a powerful support network — tapping civic groups, local government units, NGOs, corporate partners, alumni, and generous individuals to provide financial assistance. These grants help families shoulder the costs of transportation, meals, and lodging, making education accessible even for the poorest.
THE DREAM CONTINUES
From humble beginnings, CITE’s mission has flourished. Its success in alleviating poverty in the Visayas and Mindanao has garnered recognition from local governments and educational authorities, who see CITE’s model as worth emulating.
Today, CITE graduates fuel the technical workforce both in the Philippines and abroad — working as technicians, engineers, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals — living testaments to Blessed Alvaro’s dream.
And the mission is far from over. With every young person who steps through its doors, CITE continues to forge new paths of hope, transforming dreams into reality through opportunity and hard work.
Join us in celebrating this enduring legacy. Be part of the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration in honor of Blessed Alvaro del Portillo, first Prelate of Opus Dei, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 (time TBA) at CITE.