Embracing Hope: Bikol Catholic Schools gather for the BACS 2024 Regional Assembly

By Martin Angelo J. Espenida

From the 3rd to the 4th of October, 2024, Catholic schools around the Bikol Region gathered for the Bikol Association of Catholic Schools (BACS) Regional General Assembly at the Our Lady of Peñafrancia Minor Seminary Auditorium, with the theme “Pilgrims and Agents of Hope: Embracing Synodality”. Spearheading this hopeful event, the Catholic Educational Association of Sorsogon (CEAS) hosted the entirety of the assembly, and several individuals from different Catholic institutions in the Bikol region came, all representing different associations. These were the following: the Catholic Educational Association of Caceres and Libmanan (CEACAL); the Catholic Educational Association of Legazpi (CEAL); the Catholic Educational Association of Virac (CEAV); the Catholic Educational Association of Sorsogon (CEAS); the Catholic Educational Association of Daet (CEAD); and the Masbate Catholic Educational Association (MACEA). Also, gracing the assembly with their presence, the President of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), Rev. Fr. Albert Delvo, and the Research Coordinator, Ms. Lalaine Romero, were there at the assembly. All-in-all, there were 87 pilgrims and agents of hope who participated in the event.

After the invocation of the Holy Spirit, led by the Veritas College of Irosin Chorale, everything officially commenced with the Opening Message of the BACS Treasurer and the Superintendent of the CEAS, Rev. Fr. Odine Areola, who, in his message, began sparking the synodal spirit in the hearts of the delegates. Fr. Areola brought to light the message of the assembly’s theme that all ought to walk together as a community of faith. Following such message, the CEAS President, Rev. Fr. Gerico Pangilinan gave the overview for the entirety of the event, and then acknowledgements were given to the officers and members of the Board of the Bikol Associations of Catholic Schools. Additionally, the CEAP Research Coordinator and the CEAP President were acknowledged in the assembly. After this, Fr. Delvo, the CEAP President gave an update and shared his inputs on how the national officials are handling the current Catholic education situation in the country.

Following Fr. Delvo’s report, the CEAP Executive Director, Mr. Jose Allan Arellano, through a video recording, shared insights and reported on the programs and events of the CEAP National Secretariat. The keynote speaker, Rev Fr. Thadeu Enrique Balongag, then came in, beginning his colloquy and encouraging the audience to pursue new means of institutional success: not by “nesting”, but in new directions; even if they are to face serious distress and failures. Fr. Balongag also inspired the attendees with his input on how “clustering” could be a very strategic move for many small Catholic Educational institutions in an area. An open forum came after and some of the participants gave their insights, comments and questions on Rev. Fr. Balongag’s symposium.

Thanking the Lord for the gift of hope, a Eucharistic Celebration was held with the father of the Diocese of Sorsogon, Most Rev. Jose Alan V. Doalogo D.D., who was the main celebrant and preacher for the mass. In his homily, Bishop Alan emphasized the importance of catholic educators, their vocation and their journey in helping students towards having a deeper connection with God. A photo opportunity came right after and then a short break.

Later on, several talents from the Catholic Educational Association of Sorsogon were showcased with pride in the Cultural Night, while, a moment later, dinner was served simultaneously, along with the Raffle Draws. The 1st day was concluded with the instructions and blessing from Rev. Fr. Odine Areola, and, with that, the delegates returned to their respective billeting areas.

The 2nd day began anew with registrations for the delegates. When the program had begun, a report was heard from the BACS Treasurer, Rev. Fr. Odine Areola, who spoke on financial matters concerning the assembly. After this, the BACS President and CEAP Corporate Secretary, Rev. Fr. Wilmer Joseph S. Tria, shared his insights on reechoing the report of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II). Fr. Tria shared valuable information and data on the situation of education in all facets of society. Paving the way for the Plenary among the delegates who would be grouped into teams and cluster, Fr. Tria highlighted several key areas of concern: ECCD (Early Childhood Care and Development), Basic Education, Higher Education, and then Technical Vocational Trainings. Following his words, the questions were given to the delegates and the whole assembly was grouped into teams.

After an ample amount of time, the assembly continued with the hope-filled presentations of the representatives from the six different teams. Highlighting the synodal journey, the representatives came from different Catholic Educational Associations and all were from different sectors in the academe.

The event reached its resolution with the Words of Gratitude of the BACS President, Fr. Wilmer Tria, who gave important announcements regarding the next regional events, and who thanked the sponsors, the delegates, the host association, and the whole assembly for their wonderful participation and cooperation as pilgrims and agents of hope. Lunch was served and after a Grand Raffle Draw, the delegates were on their way home, beaming with hope and a renewed commitment to love and serve the people of God.

(The writer is a seminarian in Discipleship Stage at Our Lady of Peñafrancia Seminary.)

BACS Board gives a certificate of appreciation to Fr Albert N Delvo, CEAP president, for his participation in the BACS Regional Assembly (photo credit: BACS)