ZAMBOANGA CITY, AUGUST 17, 2026 — The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) Region IX and Western BARMM held its 2026 Regional Assembly on August 17 at Martires de Barbastro Hall, Claret School of Zamboanga City, gathering Catholic educators and school leaders for a day of formation, reflection, updates, recognition, and shared learning centered on the theme, “Newness in Catholic Education: Charting a Constellation of Hope.”
The assembly provided a venue for CEAP member-schools in the region to strengthen communion, engage with emerging concerns in education, and deepen their shared commitment to the mission of Catholic education.
The assembly commenced with the Eucharistic Celebration, presided over by Rev. Fr. Aldrin M. Castillones, CMF, School Director of Claret School of Zamboanga City. Following the Mass, the assembly formally opened with the Entrance of Colors, the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, and the Zamboanga Hermosa Hymn. The delegates were then welcomed by Fr. Guillrey Anthony “Ernald” M. Andal, SJ, Regional Trustee of CEAP Region IX and Western BARMM.
CEAP President Fr. Karel S. San Juan, SJ, then delivered the Inspirational Message, offering a reflection on the continuing mission of Catholic education and encouraging participants to remain committed to their shared vocation. This was followed by the National Report presented by Executive Director Mr. Narcy F. Ador Dionisio, who provided updates on the Association’s programs, initiatives, and continuing work in support of its member-schools.
The assembly also recognized CEAP institutions celebrating significant milestones. Notre Dame of Bongao was recognized for its 75th anniversary, while Notre Dame of Sibutu received recognition for its 50th anniversary. A plaque of recognition was likewise presented to Annie Ebreo, Regional Program Coordinator (RPC) for CEAP Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula / ZAMBASULTAPS), in appreciation of her long-term service to the association.
The keynote address was delivered by Rev. Fr. Jessel Gerard “Jboy” M. Gonzales, SJ, Director of the Ignatian Spirituality and Formation Office (ISFO) of Ateneo de Davao University. In his talk, he emphasized that Catholic education should not try to compete with technology by becoming more technologically expert; instead, it should deepen the distinctly human, relational, and formative dimensions of education.
The assembly also featured the CEAP Region IX and Western BARMM Regional Elections, facilitated by Dr. Elnora Perez, Dean of the College of Education of Pilar College of Zamboanga City, Inc.
Following the elections, the J-E-E-P-G-Y-M Roadshow was launched through an introduction to the J-E-E-P-G-Y-M Framework, presented by Ms. Mary Elizabeth Apolonio, Program Coordinator of the Ateneo Peace Center (APC).
The election results were later announced, with Rev. Fr. Aldrin M. Castillones, CMF, School Director of Claret School of Zamboanga City, proclaimed as the new Regional Trustee of CEAP Region IX and Western BARMM, succeeding Fr. Ernald Andal.
The afternoon program featured three concurrent sessions addressing identified key concerns and opportunities in Catholic education in the region, which included AI in Education, Safe and Enabling Learning Environments, and Social Action in Catholic Education: Basic and Higher Education Perspectives.
Together, the region continues to chart its constellation of hope, strengthening communion and advancing Catholic education in service of the Church, learners, and communities.
