SEPTEMBER 7, 2026 – The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) BARMM Regional Assembly brought together Catholic school leaders from across the Bangsamoro region for a meaningful conversation on educational reforms, teacher formation, institutional sustainability, interreligious dialogue, peacebuilding, and the continuing mission of Catholic education.
The assembly was attended by CEAP President Rev. Fr. Karel S. San Juan, SJ; Executive Director Mr. Narcy F. Ador Dionisio; CEAP BARMM Regional Trustee Ms. Aida J. Magsipoc, AND; and members of the CEAP BARMM Regional Council, together with representatives of member schools from Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao, and other parts of the region.
Following the opening prayer led by Ms. Magsipoc and the welcome message of Br. Cristino Sta. Ana, FMS, Fr. San Juan emphasized CEAP’s commitment to accompanying Catholic schools in their mission and advocacy. He called on the BARMM regional leadership to develop a concrete action plan addressing priority needs, particularly teacher formation, leadership development, mental health, and interreligious dialogue, assuring the region of CEAP National’s support.
Mr. Ador Dionisio presented updates on CEAP’s national advocacy and educational initiatives, including engagements with DepEd, CHED, PEAC, COCOPEA, and other stakeholders on major reforms. He stressed that meaningful educational change requires adequate preparation, consultation, and attention to the integral formation of learners. He also highlighted CEAP’s professional development programs and initiatives such as IMPACT, which enables larger institutions to support smaller mission schools through mentoring, teacher development, leadership formation, technology assistance, and resource sharing.
In her regional report, Ms. Magsipoc highlighted the challenges faced by Catholic schools across the geographically dispersed BARMM, including teacher formation, school safety, environmental concerns, sustainability, and the need for stronger communication and collaboration among member schools. She underscored the importance of returning to the spirituality, identity, and mission at the heart of Catholic education and called for greater engagement in peacebuilding, dialogue, and stewardship of creation.
The regional school leaders echoed these priorities. Rev. Fr. Dante C. Boringgot, CMF of Claret School of Maluso emphasized the urgent need for teacher formation suited to the predominantly Muslim communities served by many Catholic schools and highlighted the importance of sustained interreligious dialogue.
Fr. Kapunan supported bringing CEAP’s formation programs closer to schools in the islands, particularly the region’s last-mile mission schools. He also highlighted the need for mental health and guidance services and expressed appreciation for CEAP National’s continuing advocacy for Catholic schools.
Br. Sta. Ana proposed that formation and dialogue also include parents, particularly in communities where Catholic schools serve predominantly Muslim populations. He noted that bringing Catholic and Muslim perspectives into constructive conversation can strengthen mutual understanding and the schools’ mission.
Sr. Merlinda B. Paderes, OND, the Treasurer of CEAP BARMM, likewise emphasized the difficulties faced by schools in remote island communities and supported a coordinated regional process for identifying teachers’ formation needs and planning future activities.
A key outcome of the assembly was the call for the development of a CEAP BARMM Regional Action Plan. The participants were encouraged to begin with practical and achievable priorities, including teacher and leadership formation, interreligious dialogue, mental health support, and a face-to-face regional gathering. CEAP National expressed its readiness to provide resource persons, online learning opportunities, mentoring, and support for appropriate regional initiatives.
The assembly affirmed that the challenges facing Catholic education in BARMM require solidarity and collaboration among schools, CEAP National, government, civil society, and other partners. Despite geographical and institutional challenges, the region remains committed to strengthening Catholic education as a means of formation, peacebuilding, and service to the common good.
The gathering concluded with a prayer led by Fr. Kapunan, who entrusted the region, its schools, learners, and leaders to God and prayed that Catholic schools in BARMM would continue to bring out the best in their learners and remain faithful to their Christian and Catholic identity.
The assembly closed with a shared commitment to become a constellation of hope for the young people and communities of BARMM.
