TUBIGON, BOHOL — August 13, 2026. Catholic educators from across Region VII gathered at Mater Dei College, Tubigon, Bohol, for the CEAP Region VII Assembly, coming together in fellowship, and shared commitment to the mission of Catholic education.
The assembly highlighted the continuing call for Catholic schools to form not only competent and knowledgeable learners, but persons who are grounded in faith, guided by conscience, committed to service, and capable of building communities marked by unity and hope.
In his homily, Most Rev. Patrick Daniel Y. Parcon, D.D., Bishop of Talibon reflected on the reality of a society increasingly marked by division and polarization. He challenged Catholic educators and leaders to confront these realities and remember that they are “called to reconciliation, not to continue fuelling the fire that is already burning in our society.”
Bishop Parcon emphasized that Catholic education must go beyond academic and professional formation. “Don’t just form successful professionals for responsible citizens. Don’t just want competent leaders for servant leaders. Don’t just teach your people how to compete; teach them how to cooperate. Don’t just teach them how to win arguments; teach them how to reconcile.”
He reminded educators that the future of the country depends not only on technology, infrastructure, or schools, but ultimately on “the kind of persons our schools form.” For him, one of the clearest signs of Christian formation is the capacity to forgive and choose reconciliation: “I was hurt, but I will not become a person who hurts others. I was wrong, but I will not allow resentment to control my life. I remember what happened, but I choose to forgive.”
“This is the education of the heart. That is the education of the Gospel. This is what Catholic education is all about,” Bishop Parcon affirmed, calling schools to make forgiveness and reconciliation visible not only in religion classes, but also in classrooms, faculty rooms, offices, and communities.
Adding to this call, Rev. Fr. Eduardo S. Celiz, Jr., OAR, Regional Trustee, welcomed the assembly and presented the Regional Trustee’s Report for Academic Year 2025–2026. The report highlighted the shared journey of Catholic educational institutions in Region VII and their continuing efforts in collaboration, formation, service, and community engagement.
Among the undertakings highlighted were the region’s response to communities and schools affected by the Northern Cebu earthquake, strategic planning and formation activities, student and school activities, civic engagement, and preparations for the CEAP National Convention. These initiatives reflected the region’s continuing efforts to strengthen collaboration among Catholic schools and respond concretely to the needs of their communities.
Meanwhile, in his inspirational message and keynote address, Rev. Fr. Karel S. San Juan, SJ, reminded Catholic educators that they are “not alone” but part of a much larger community of Catholic educators throughout the Philippines and the world. He described them as a “galaxy of educators,” each with a unique contribution to make Catholic education shine amid a world experiencing various forms of darkness.
Using the image of a constellation and the elements of earth, air, water, and fire, Fr. San Juan reflected on the different dimensions of Catholic education. Earth speaks of rootedness, stability, faith, culture, and connection to the realities of the community. Air points to intellectual formation, communication, critical thinking, and dialogue—particularly important in a polarized society where Catholic education is called to help overcome divisions.
Water represents depth, empathy, healing, and care. Fr. San Juan emphasized that work in Catholic schools is not merely a job but a “vocation, calling, and mission.” He challenged schools to become “oases of hope and healing” for young people who struggle with pain, family concerns, and other challenges, through genuine accompaniment and care.
Fire, meanwhile, represents energy, initiative, courage, and prophetic leadership. Fr. San Juan called Catholic educators to form leaders who are willing to stand for truth and exercise leadership in the spirit of service. He stressed the need for courage to speak truth to power, particularly in the face of dishonesty, manipulation, and injustice.
Bringing these reflections together, Fr. San Juan reminded the assembly that Catholic education must form young people who are “intellectually competent, morally upright, socially responsible, spiritually mature, and actively committed to building a civilization of truth, justice, love, and peace.” He emphasized that the future of Catholic education will not depend solely on new technologies, facilities, or policies, but on people whose hearts remain captivated by Christ, leaders who govern with wisdom and humility, and schools willing to walk together as one Church and one learning community.
As the CEAP Region VII Assembly concluded its gathering, it renewed the call for Catholic educators to continue shining together, not as isolated institutions, but as a community united by one mission: to form young people in the heart of Christ and to contribute to the building of a more just, compassionate, peaceful, and hopeful society.
