Around 150 Catholic educators and school leaders from across Bicol gathered in the Carillon Hall of the Diocesan Compound of Daet, Camarines Norte, on August 14, 2026, for the 2026 BACS–CEAP V Regional Assembly, reflecting on the theme, “Newness in Catholic Education: Charting a Constellation of Hope.”
In his homily, Bishop Abcede reflected on the experience of being unseen beneath a “mask,” likening Catholic educators to Spider-Man – often expected to remain strong while carrying unseen struggles. He reminded participants that genuine newness is not simply about new curricula, academic calendars, technologies, or buildings, but about remembering who Catholic schools are and whom they serve.
Drawing from the day’s readings, he emphasized that while people may forget, God remembers. Every learner is a child remembered by God, while every teacher is a partner in the work of formation. He likewise called Catholic schools in Bicol to become a constellation rather than isolated stars, sharing their strengths and carrying one another’s burdens.
The call to shared mission continued in the messages of Fr. Karel S. San Juan, SJ, CEAP President, and Mr. Narcy F. Ador Dionisio, CEAP Executive Director. In his prerecorded message, Fr. San Juan reflected on CEAP’s mission through the imagery of the four elements – water, air, fire, and earth – representing different dimensions of its work and coming together as a constellation of hope. Mr. Ador Dionisio’s national report likewise highlighted CEAP’s continuing efforts toward unity, collaboration, and renewed hope in Catholic education.
In his keynote address, Rev. Fr. Wilmer Joseph S. Tria, CEAP V Trustee and BACS President, challenged educators to confront the implications of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. He cautioned that when dependence on AI becomes so great that people can no longer function without it, “the master becomes the slave.”
Fr. Tria urged educators to ask whether technology is cultivating excellence or dependence, creativity or atrophy, isolation or genuine community. Catholic education, he emphasized, must continue to form persons in virtue, creativity, autonomy, and concern for the common good.
The afternoon sessions brought these reflections into the practical realities of school life. CEAP NCR Trustee Rev. Fr. Glenn William Z. Relucio discussed the financial and operational implications of a trimester academic calendar, emphasizing adaptability and thoughtful institutional planning. Meanwhile, Rev. Fr. Augusto Abril addressed teacher wellbeing and retention, highlighting the need to respond to burnout and systemic pressures while creating school communities where educators feel valued and supported.
Together, the discussions affirmed that renewal must involve both the systems of education and the people who sustain them.
The assembly concluded with a synthesis from Mr. Hector A. Alegre, followed by a closing message, prayer, and blessing led by Rev. Fr. Arnel Cabangunay, Sch. P., the newly-elected BACS President and incoming CEAP V Trustee.
More than a gathering to discuss educational changes, the assembly became an invitation to renew Catholic education’s shared mission – to embrace newness while remaining rooted in Christ, to care for educators and learners, and to shine together as a constellation of hope for the communities they serve.
The journey forward now continues under the leadership of the newly elected BACS officers: Rev. Fr. Arnel G. Cabangunay, Sch. P., President; Rev. Fr. Augusto O. Abril, Vice-President; Rev. Fr. John Eric T. Rojas, Secretary; Rev. Fr. Dario I. Echipare, Treasurer; and Rev. Fr. Gil G. Cordova, Auditor. With their new leaders, BACS-CEAP V continues to strengthen collaboration, renew the shared mission, and chart a constellation of hope for generations to come.
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