ILIGAN CITY, LANAO DEL NORTE, AUGUST 20, 2026 – The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) Region X successfully held its 2026 Regional Assembly at La Salle Academy, bringing together more than 150 school leaders, educators, parents, students, and partners in Catholic education from across Northern Mindanao. The assembly carried the theme, “Newness in Catholic Education: Charting a Constellation of Hope.”
The assembly began with a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Rev. Fr. Alberto de Lara, Vicar General and Superintendent of the Diocese of Iligan. Drawing from the readings of the day, he invited participants to reflect on the challenges faced by educators and the presence of God amid these struggles:
“…Behind every struggling teacher is a person who needs support and encouragement. And behind every educational challenge is a call for us to ask, ‘where is God in all of these?’”
Following the Mass, the assembly formally opened with the entrance of colors and the CEAP National and Regional Officers, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem.
The opening program also featured cultural presentations by students, showcasing the rich heritage, traditions, and diverse cultural expressions of Northern Mindanao.
In his welcome message, CEAP Region X Trustee and President of La Salle Academy, Mr. Jay A. Velez, presented the accomplishments and milestones of the region. He also recognized CEAP member-schools that received certification from the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC), as well as outstanding Catholic schools in the region.
An inspirational message was then delivered by CEAP President and President of Ateneo de Davao University, Fr. Karel San Juan, SJ. In his keynote address, he reflected on education as a “constellation of hope,” drawing from Pope Leo XIV’s call to see educators as “choreographers of hope” who guide learners not only in acquiring knowledge and skills, but also in integrating faith, culture, values, and meaning.
Fr. San Juan challenged Catholic educators to renew their vocation through deeper interiority, synodality, genuine relationships with students, the formation of values and virtues, the integration of knowledge and faith, and the promotion of peace and dialogue. He ultimately called on schools and educators to remain active, innovative, collaborative, and responsive—shining as “stars” that illuminate the path toward truth, goodness, beauty, and service.
Fr. San Juan also reflected on the recent incident in Zamboanga and the response of the Catholic educational community, emphasizing the importance of solidarity, compassion, and collective action in the face of darkness.
“When I saw the president of AdZU Fr. Ernald Andal, my brother Jesuit, when I saw that our lay faculty and administrators doing the best they can in expressing compassion and love and care for the victims, or their families, and then processing our students in terms of trauma, debriefing, psychological first aid sessions…That is the hope, that we can fight this darkness together. As stars–individual, but more powerful if we unite together as a constellation of hope. In Zamboanga, in Mindanao, in the Philippines, and in the whole world.”
In his keynote address, Fr. Mauricio “Mau” Ulep, CMF, emphasized that Catholic education is called to connect diverse communities, institutions, and gifts, working together to draw new maps of hope and become a constellation that guides learners and society toward a shared future.
“…universities, religious congregations, lay associations, educational movements, professional centers, families, pastoral initiatives, and communities whose diverse lights can together chart a course. And he [Pope Leo XIV] gives us a mandate: draw new maps of hope.”
The afternoon sessions provided participants with opportunities for consultation, learning, and dialogue on emerging concerns in Catholic education. A consultation session with the Regional Trustee allowed participants to raise concerns and discuss matters relevant to their schools and the region. This was followed by a plenary session featuring discussions on AI in Education: Opportunities, Risks, and Classroom Applications, the development of Safe and Enabling Learning Environments, and updates on JEEPGY and PEAC, providing school leaders and educators with timely perspectives and updates to support their respective institutions.
The assembly concluded with a synthesis, reflections, and resolutions led by Rev. Fr. Mark Harvey Elloren, SSJV, CEAP Region X Vice Regional Trustee. His synthesis gathered the key insights and commitments emerging from the day’s discussions, reinforcing the assembly’s call for Catholic schools to respond to the changing educational landscape with renewed faith, collaboration, and hope.
The gathering formally closed with a prayer and final blessing led by Rev. Fr. Max V. Ceballos, SSJV, CEAP Region X Auditor, sending participants forth with a renewed commitment to their mission of forming learners and building communities of hope.
