NASIPIT, AGUSAN DEL NORTE – A total of 197 participants from 38 member-schools of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) CARAGA Administrative Region gathered for their Regional Assembly on September 5, 2026, at Saint Michael College of Caraga, centered on the theme, “Newness in Catholic Education: Charting a Constellation of Hope.”
The gathering opened with a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Most Rev. Cosme Damian R. Almedilla, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Butuan, with Rev. Fr. Marlon A. Lacal, PhD, Superintendent of the Diocese of Butuan Educational System, serving as homilist.
The celebration was complemented by performances from the Michaelinian Performing Arts Guild (MPAG), showcasing the talents of the students and adding a cultural dimension to the assembly.
Following the Eucharistic Celebration, Regional Trustee Rev. Fr. Ronniel G. Babano, STL, President of Saint Michael College of Caraga, delivered the welcome message, formally opening the CARAGA Regional Assembly.
CEAP President Fr. Karel S. San Juan, SJ, then delivered an inspirational message, encouraging Catholic educators to remain grounded in their mission and to embrace the call to renewal in Catholic education. An open forum with Fr. Ronniel and Fr. Karel followed, providing participants with an opportunity to raise concerns and discuss matters relevant to the CEAP CARAGA Region.
The assembly’s keynote address was delivered by Rev. Fr. Randy Jasper C. Odchigue, STh, President of Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU), who challenged participants to reflect on the role of Catholic schools in helping young people navigate a rapidly changing world.
Fr. Odchigue asked participants to consider what Catholic schools must become so that young people can find direction and meaning amid the changes and challenges of the present time.
“What kind of constellation must our schools become so that young people find their bearings in a changing world? The way I see it, Catholic schools, they are more than institutions. The work in Catholic education, yes, involves strategic planning, budgeting, in fact, the conversation is centered around budgets and how we survive. But beyond that, I think, the work in our schools is [a] vocation. It is [a] vocation because … even us at [Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU)] have difficulty keeping up with the rates of the Department of Education or the state universities. But nevertheless, we are here because we want to walk with our students.”
His reflection emphasized that while financial sustainability, strategic planning, and institutional management are realities that Catholic schools must address, these should not overshadow the deeper vocation at the heart of Catholic education—the commitment to accompany learners.
The assembly continued with a regional dialogue and consultations with the CEAP CARAGA Officers, with Regional Trustee Fr. Babano, Vice-Trustee Fr. Glenn C. Infiesto, DCT, and Secretary Sr. Ana Marie L. Jamora, MSM, providing participants with a space to raise concerns, exchange perspectives, and identify areas for greater collaboration within the region.
Concurrent sessions and CEAP CARAGA reports followed, covering key matters concerning the region, allowing the delegates to participate in conversations that shape the direction of Catholic Education in Northeastern Mindanao.
Anchored on the call for “Newness in Catholic Education: Charting a Constellation of Hope,” the CEAP CARAGA Regional Assembly brought together educators and school leaders in a shared effort to discern new ways of carrying out their mission. Through reflection, dialogue, and collaboration, the assembly affirmed the continuing vocation of Catholic schools to accompany young people and help them find their bearings in an ever-changing world.
