The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) held Special Learning Session #38, titled “The Way, the Truth, and the Life: How Teens in the Philippines Relate to Jesus,” on July 20, 2026. The session brought together more than 150 educators, school leaders, campus ministers, and formation practitioners from across the country for a meaningful dialogue on how Catholic schools can better accompany young people in building a personal and life-giving relationship with Christ. Drawing insights from The Open Generation, a 2021 global study on teenagers, the session highlighted practical approaches to faith formation that resonate with today’s Filipino youth.
In his opening message, Mr. Narcy F. Ador Dionisio, CEAP Executive Director, emphasized that Catholic education is called not only to teach young people about Jesus but also to accompany them as they discover Him personally. Citing the study’s findings, he noted that while many Filipino teenagers see Jesus as a source of hope, trust, and inspiration, educators are challenged to help them move beyond admiration toward authentic discipleship and a deeper sense of vocation.
Resource speaker Mr. Jose Paulo M. “Cholo” Santos, a campus minister and youth formation practitioner, shared practical lessons from his years of facilitating freshman recollections and formation programs. Drawing from the research and his pastoral experience, he encouraged schools to create environments where students can genuinely encounter Christ.
He underscored that effective faith formation goes beyond classroom instruction and requires integrating Catholic values throughout school life. Schools, he said, must create safe and supportive spaces where students can ask difficult questions, openly share their experiences, and grow spiritually.
Among the initiatives he presented was the “Coming Home Recollection,” a freshman program centered on the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Through storytelling, small-group conversations, personal reflection, and spiritual direction, the program helps students rediscover God’s unconditional love. He also shared how upper-year recollections incorporate respectful multi-faith dialogue while remaining rooted in the school’s Catholic identity.
The discussion further explored practical ways to make recollections, retreats, and campus ministry programs more meaningful through age-appropriate formation, relevant themes, and student-centered conversations. These insights led into a highlight of the session: a panel of representatives from five Catholic schools who shared how they encounter Jesus in their own lives.
Matthew Benedict B. Benipayo of Saint Paul University Quezon City shared that family, school, and personal prayer work together in shaping a Christ-centered life. He emphasized that faith grows through everyday relationships and the consistent example of others.
Ronell Jose D. Co of Ateneo de Manila University explained how Jesuit education integrates discernment, compassion, and service across the entire educational experience while remaining welcoming to students of diverse faith backgrounds.
Maia Abrielle V. Ferrer of Saint Augustine School, Inc.–Mendez shared how her school helps students stay connected to Jesus by providing safe spaces for healing, reflection, and authentic self-expression.
Juan Miguel Rubiales of Colegio San Agustin-Makati shared that encounters with Christ often happen through simple moments of service, silence, and reflection.
Gianne Dalinas of The Canossa School encouraged young people to prioritize intimacy with Jesus, reminding participants that authentic service flows from a personal relationship with Christ and the faithful witness of mentors.
The session concluded with a renewed call for Catholic educators to accompany young people with compassion, authenticity, and hope. It affirmed that meaningful faith formation begins by listening to their experiences and helping them encounter Christ in both significant milestones and ordinary moments.
