Bringing together regional advocates from over 17 regions across the Philippines — the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) successfully opened its first CEAP Regional Advocacy Meeting for the year 2026 last March 16, 2026 via Zoom.
From Luzon — the meeting was graced by Dr. Joselito C. Gutierrez, Executive Assistant to the President, Saint Louis University; Mr. Edward Dunhill P. Chico, Faculty Member, Lourdes School Quezon City; Ms. Gloria C. Sison, Head of the Community Extension and CICM Advocacies Office, Saint Louis College of San Fernando; Ms. Princess H. Ancheta, Faculty Member, Colegio San Jose de Alaminos; Ms. Grace C. Lacatan, School Principal, Saint Mark School, Inc; Mr. Barnie G. Cunanan, School Principal, Concepcion Catholic School; and Dr. Rebecca Torres, Special Projects Officer, President’s Office, Ateneo de Naga University.
Representing the Visayas were Fr. Jose Jezryl Quirante, Superintendent, San Carlos Diocesan Schools System; Fr. Edione R. Febrero, College President, St. Anthony’s College; Fr. Conrado C. Sedillo Jr., Superintendent, Archdiocesan Catholic Schools of Cebu System; and Ms. Wenefrida M. Pascual, CESO Director, Christ the King College of Calbayog.
Meanwhile, Mindanao was proudly represented by advocates — Ms. Aurora C. Gonzales, Social Development Unit Director, Ateneo de Zamboanga University; Ms. Emma S. Pabahe, School Principal, Pilar High School Inc.; Atty. Romeo Torres Cabarde Jr., Asst. to the President for Advocacy and Legal Affairs, Ateneo de Davao University; Mr. Remark Z. Mortalla, Director for Community Engagement and Extension Services (CEES), San Pedro College; Fr. Daryll Dhan Bilbao, DCC, Vice President for Administration and Finance, Notre Dame of Tacurong College; Mr. Guilbert R. Mantala, Assistant Vice President (AVP) for PRISM, St. Paul University Surigao; and Ms. Loriza Cecillia T. Marte, Secretary, Notre Dame of Siasi.
The meeting was convened to set the strategic direction of CEAP’s JEEPGY (Justice, Ecology, Engaged Citizenship, Poverty Alleviation, Gender Equality, and Youth Empowerment) mission for 2026, with the aim of strengthening the complementarity of national and regional arms. In his call to order and perspective setting, CEAP Vice President Fr. Wilmer Tria emphasized the importance of building a strong and active network of advocates across the country. “CEAP needs armies of advocates across the country,” he remarked, underscoring the critical role of regional committees in co-laboring towards social, political and environmental justice.
As part of the discussion, participants openly shared updates on the level of awareness and implementation of the JEEPGY mission in their respective regions. The exchange highlighted both ongoing efforts and existing gaps — pointing to a stronger need to amplify and raise awareness of JEEPGY initiatives. Participants emphasized the importance of cascading information at a multi-sectoral level—reaching school administrators, teachers, students, and even parents—to ensure broader participation and whole-of-society approach in JEEPGY advocacies.
Another key highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the anti-political dynasty campaign by Mr. Karlo Abadines, the Executive Director of Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB). The group expressed their full support to the campaign and offered practical knowledge on implementing the signature campaign on the ground.
As a concluding note, four strategic actions were set in place. First, Fr. Wilmer urged the regional advocacy meeting attendees to sustain their efforts by becoming long-term members of their regional advocacy committees. Secondly, the participants were tasked to identify new members for their regional advocacy committee to strengthen their efforts in addressing gaps and challenges in implementing JEEPGY programs.
Third, Fr. Wilmer highlighted plans for the upcoming JEEPGY caravan, which aims to bring orientation and awareness directly to communities in provincial areas. Finally, as an important step for continuity, the members agreed to formally establish CEAP Youth groups within their regions.
By listening to one another, sharing insights from across the regions, and solidifying the JEEPGY mission, CEAP reaffirms its commitment to harnessing Catholic education as a powerful force to meaningfully advocate for societal transformation and progressive national development.