Fanning the Flame of Hope for Catholic Education in the Philippines

Superintendents’ Conference Annual Assembly

Day One

The 2024 CEAP Superintendents’ Conference Annual Assembly, themed Fanning the Flame of Hope: Scaling Challenges, Shaping Bright Futures, took place at Acacia Hotel, Davao City, gathering 115 superintendents from Catholic schools across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao from November 10-12, 2024. This gathering was marked by an opening Eucharistic Celebration officiated by Archbishop of Davao, Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., setting a solemn and uplifting tone for the afternoon sessions. In his homily, he said” I thank the Lord because of you”, referring to the superintendents of CEAP. He emphasized the vital role of Catholic schools in the Church’s mission as the guardian of the memory of Jesus, highlighting how the Church significantly benefits from the presence and contributions of Catholic educational institutions. He also said that we live according to Jesus’ teachings.

Day Two

The second full day of the Annual General Assembly included two key presentations designed to inform and inspire educational leaders and updates on Government Financial support to Private schools and from an Independent Journalist tackled Kamusta, Pilipinas, A National Situationer.

“Behind the Slow Start: An Assessment of Early Childhood Care and Development in the Philippines” – Presented by Dr. Valerie Gilbert T. Ulep, a Senior Researcher at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS)via zoom. This talk explored current challenges in early childhood care and strategies to accelerate development in this critical educational area.

“Diskarte Natin: School-Based Knowledge, Innovation, and Management (SKIM) Principles” – This presentation offered a framework for implementing innovation and best practices at the school level, empowering participants with practical tools to enhance learning environments.

The day concluded with a Eucharistic Celebration officiated by His Excellency Most Rev. Abel Apigo, D.D., the Bishop of Mati, bringing the day’s reflections to a close with a shared moment of prayer and gratitude.

Bishop Apigo in his homily said that Faith and Hope in Christ Keep us On Fire!

“Stir the flame!” St. Paul tells his good friend Timothy (2 Tim. 1:6) that the latter serves the Lord. The context may be different, Paul’s time and ours, but one thing is the same – we receive the same gift, that is, the GIFT OF SERVICE. St. Paul encouraged Timothy to keep this gift burning. He urged the delegates to keep the fire burning in the field of Catholic Education. The school is facing many challenges right now in maintaining the hallmarks of Catholic Schools – quality education, faith formation, and well-disciplined pupils and students. He said hope is the reason that we can still be responsive to the demands of time. To conclude, he mentioned the motto we embrace in the Metropolitan Province of Davao, which comprises the Archdiocese of Davao, Dioceses of Digos, Tagum, and Mati. (DaDiTaMa) The motto is “SENTIRE CUM ECCLESIA” which means TO THINK AND TO FEEL WITH THE CHURCH. He also hopes and pray that this convention here in Davao will intensify our solidarity with the Church.

Day Three

On the last day, superintendents were made to reflect on their roles as faith-centered educators and leaders. Rev. Fr. Alain Manalo facilitated “Group Discernment and Sharing on the Call of the Jubilee Year,” a session focused on communal sharing and discerning how the Jubilee call can shape and renew educational missions.

Following this reflective session, the Resolutions Committee presented the 2024 Assembly Resolutions, which were discussed, refined, and approved by attendees, underscoring the collective goals and commitments of the CEAP community for the year ahead. Rev. Fr. Jose Gualberto Villasis delivered closing remarks, expressing gratitude and acknowledging the shared journey of all participants.

The convention concluded with a Eucharistic Celebration led by Most Rev. Medil S. Aseo, D.D., the Bishop of Tagum, uniting attendees in a final moment of thanksgiving and blessing as they prepared to return to their respective institutions, carrying the spirit of hope and synodality forward into their communities. (Dr. Jeralyn A. Palero | Holy Cross of Davao College)