Heads of Catholic schools to have conference in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Catholic educators from all over the country will converge in Cebu from September 25 to 27 for the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) 2013 National Convention at the Cebu Waterfront Hotel in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City.

CEAP, which is known as the biggest educational association in the country, is preparing for the celebration of its 75th year in 2016 and is focusing on the youth with the theme dubbed as “Setting Forth in Faith with New ardor and New Expressions for the Youth.”

The Catholic education leaders, to be led by CEAP President Fr. Gregorio Bañaga, will discuss issues related to the youth in the era of New Evangelization and urgent issues in the education sector.

CEAP will also present the preliminary results of the National Filipino Catholic Youth Survey 2013 during its opening convention program on September 25.

The survey, which is being undertaken by CEAP in partnership with the Episcopal Commission on Youth focuses on the needs and concerns of the youth, so that the Church and various institutions can be more faithful and relevant in the task of youth formation.

The University of San Carlos is among the 18 CEAP member-institutions who conducted the survey on about 1,800 Catholic youths across the country along with De La Salle University, Adamson University, University of Santo Tomas, University of the Assumption, Saint Louis University, Holy Angel University, University of San Agustin, Saint Peter’s College, Ateneo de Naga University, Divine Word College of Legazpi, Divine Word College of Calapan, Aquinas University, Ateneo de Davao University, Xavier University, University of the Immaculate Conception, Notre Dame University and Ateneo de Zamboanga University.

The first national survey on the Filipino Catholic youth was done in 2002.

Concurrent sessions on influences on youth formation, recent trends, issues and concerns affecting private education and school administration and operations, and youth engagement will be held on September 26.

Topics such as K to 12, the Revised General Education Curriculum and the Philippine Qualifications Framework will be tackled especially since these reform initiatives are significantly impacting the education sector.

More than 3,500 Catholic school presidents and principals are expected to attend the event to be held at the Waterfront Hotel.

Aside from the convention, there will be a youth camp dubbed as the “National Bidahan”, which aims to teach future leaders of the country about campaigning, organizing, lobbying, and other strategies to help them influence government policies and decisions relating to their chosen advocacy towards social transformation.

The session for youth leaders is scheduled for September 27 and 28 at the University of San Carlos campus. Confirmed to join the youth leaders are Sen. Bam Aquino and businessman Illac Diaz.

There will also be an Educators’ Exhibit that shall run parallel to the convention also at the Waterfront Hotel that shall feature the latest educational products and services.

For inquiries about the forthcoming convention, the CEAP National Secretariat can be reached at info@ceap.org.ph.  (FREEMAN)