July 29, 2026 – The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines–Negros Island Region (CEAP-NIR) gathered Catholic education stakeholders for its Regional Assembly on July 29, 2026, at the Bethel Guest House in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. Anchored on the theme “Newness in Catholic Education: Charting a Constellation of Hope,” the assembly brought together Catholic school leaders, educators, clergy, religious, and partners to reflect on the mission of Catholic education amid changing educational and social realities. The gathering provided a space for formation, dialogue, regional and national updates, and renewed collaboration among CEAP member-schools in the region.
The assembly began with a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Most Rev. Julito B. Cortes, D.D., Bishop of Dumaguete. In his homily, Bishop Cortes invited Catholic schools to become like Bethany, a welcoming home where Christ is encountered through hospitality, genuine listening, love, and care, especially for those who are often overlooked. He emphasized that beyond sustaining strong institutions, Catholic education must remain rooted in Christ and committed to forming and sending disciples who walk together in faith and hope.
Following the Eucharistic Celebration, the formal opening program included the National Anthem, a welcome dance, acknowledgment of participants, and a welcome message from Fr. John Renil Quiliope, Superintendent of the Diocese of Dumaguete Association of Catholic Schools. The opening activities welcomed delegates into a day of reflection, dialogue, and shared discernment on the future of Catholic education in the Negros Island Region.
Fr. Karel S. San Juan, SJ, CEAP President, presented Philippine Catholic education as a “constellation of hope.” In his inspirational message, he drew on four elements that reflect CEAP’s 85-year mission: Earth for faith and rootedness, Air for learning and dialogue, Water for care and accompaniment, and Fire for prophetic leadership and social transformation.
Together, these elements embody the spirit of CEAP and its continuing mission, always centered on Jesus Christ, the “Morning Star” and the source of its light and hope. He called Catholic schools to shine together as communities of faith, formation, service, and hope, with Jesus Christ remaining at the center and source of their mission.
Meanwhile, Mr. Narcy F. Ador Dionisio, CEAP Executive Director, presented the CEAP National Report through a recorded video, highlighting the Association’s continuing efforts to strengthen Catholic education through shared responsibility, educational reform, formation, advocacy, solidarity, and strategic partnerships. He encouraged Catholic schools to remain firmly rooted in their identity and mission while responding creatively and collaboratively to emerging educational and social realities.
An open forum followed the messages of the CEAP President and the NIR Trustee, Br. Joaquin Severino S. Martinez, FSC, allowing participants to raise concerns and share realities encountered by their schools. Most Rev. Gerardo A. Alminaza, D.D., also graced the event and participated in the open forum, offering insights that enriched the discussion and encouraged participants in their shared mission of Catholic education.
The keynote address, “Newness in Catholic Education: Charting a Constellation of Hope—A Vocational Perspective Inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s ‘Drawing New Maps of Hope,’” was delivered by Fr. Jose V.C. Quilongquilong, SJ, Consultor of the Congregation for Catholic Education. He presented renewed Catholic education as a vocation rooted in three inseparable dimensions: identity, lifestyle, and mission, knowing who educators are in Christ, living as witnesses of that identity, and bringing their mission into the world. He emphasized that Catholic education must go beyond producing knowledgeable and competent graduates to forming “pilgrims of hope” who understand who they are, how they are called to live, and for whom they are sent.
The afternoon sessions featured regional and government education updates. Br. Martinez presented the regional report, highlighting CEAP-NIR’s recent initiatives and continuing efforts to strengthen collaboration and support among member-schools in the region.
Representatives from key government education agencies also presented developments affecting schools in the region: TESDA Specialist I Pepito F. Piral highlighted the agency’s partnership with Catholic schools in expanding technical-vocational education. DepEd-NIR Assistant Regional Director Anthony H. Liobet discussed shared concerns of public and private schools and updates on the strengthened Senior High School curriculum. Meanwhile, CHED Regional Director Dr. Raul C. Alvarez Jr. encouraged Catholic higher education institutions to strengthen academic quality, faculty development, lifelong learning, and global competitiveness.
As the assembly drew to a close, a raffle draw and acknowledgment of sponsors were held. Br. Martinez delivered the closing remarks, followed by the closing prayer, bringing the gathering to a prayerful conclusion.
The CEAP-NIR Regional Assembly reaffirmed the shared mission of Catholic schools to remain rooted in their identity while responding to the signs of the times. As a “constellation of hope,” member-schools are called to work together in forming communities that witness Christ and contribute to the transformation of society.
