January to March - Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines

 2 CEAP BProduced
ulletin by the
Catholic Educational
Association of the Philippines
JANUARY to MARCH 2013
NATIONAL SECRETARIAT
Rhodora Angela F. Ferrer
Executive Director
Jose Allan I. ArellanoDESEREE P. AGCAOILI
Membership and Membership and
Communications OfficerCommunications Assistant
Mary Ann S. Cruz Alexei Frederick R. Flores
Plans, Programs andPrograms and CONVENTION
Research OfficerAssistant
Gloria S. de LeonANA Liza G. Enguito
COMPTROLLER Finance and Administrative
Services Assistant
EIMANN P. EVAROLAGillian FAYE F. Hurtado
Advocacy Officer Advocacy and Special
Events Assistant
Let us know
what you think!
CATHOLIC EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF THE PHILIPPINES (CEAP)
No. 7 Road 16, Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City
P.O. Box 2466, Quezon City
Tel: Nos. 926-5137, 926-0521, 926-5153
Telefax: 426-2670
Email: [email protected]
URL: http://www.ceap.org.ph
EDITORIAL
Miserando atque Eligendo
“Lowly but chosen”. The motto is one the Pope had taken as Bishop. He
drew this from the homilies of the Venerable Bede on St. Matthew’s Gospel.
His Holiness saw in this motto references to his vocation: “Jesus saw the tax
collector and by having mercy chose him as an Apostle saying to him: Follow me.”
The international press, including Philippine media, lost no time in
getting into the frenzy of pouring praises on the new Pontiff. It does not take
much effort on our part to recall that such is a usual, natural consequence
each time there is one especially called upon to be Peter. It was a respite
from the overcritical views by Media of the papacy as it was an opportunity
for everyone concerned to learn of Pope Francis’ views on important issues
involving and confronting the Church.
For us who are in education, the waiting period for his pronouncements
and directions to the Catholic educational community started. Admittedly,
this onset was a bit early but initial declarations signaled a papacy that
shall be free from the “business-as-usual” mode. In his first days as head
of the Church, there were indications that his leadership style shall focus
above all else on concern for the welfare of the marginalized. His first steps
communicated that he was to be a “walk the talk” leader.
On the one hand, it should be but of little surprise to us should the
Holy Father not gear immediate direct attention to Catholic education given
other vital concerns in the scheme of matters which confront him. We, who
are in Catholic education, should not wait to be told by and hear from His
Holiness how much he expects the extent of our service to the young should
be. We only have to see and hold dear in our hearts the significance of the
rites he performed last Holy Thursday at that prison in Rome which held
juveniles. That was truly deafening in intensity and crystal clear for conveying
to the world that the plights of disadvantaged youth and of women have to be
addressed. Did we take note of that?... and if we did, what then?
On the other hand, Catholic schools through the decades have evolved
to be the largest network of institutions in the world. However, the influence
and authority of such network within the Church have not always been
asserted. Oftentimes, they have even been silenced or ignored. Within CEAP,
an overwhelming majority of institutions are dedicated to the formation of
youth from poor and marginalized sectors even as their very existence as
schools is under threat due to socio-economic-political factors. It is clear that
these schools have need for a champion from the heart of the hierarchy.
But for all commitment to, concern for, and labor in Catholic education,
we should take note of the thought that whatever you, I or anyone else has
seemingly achieved in any ministry within the Church, including in the
ministry of Catholic education, has been ultimately accomplished not by
anyone else but by the Triune God. Pope Francis’ cautioned at the Sistine
Chapel during his first Mass as head of the Church: “If we do not confess to
Christ, what would we be? …We would end up a compassionate NGO. What would
happen would be like when children make sand castles and then it all falls down?” It
was a call for all not to fall into the error of dislocating Christ and pushing
Him away from the center of our endeavors.
A challenge to us has also just emerged. This has to do with the results
in a Social Weather Station (SWS) survey which showed that only 37% of
Filipino Catholics go to Sunday Mass. Not prodded into by the SWS survey
was whether the 63% who go “do pray and offer the Mass” or simply literally
“just go to Mass”. That survey also showed that 11% nurse the thought of
leaving the Church. What may we, can we, shall we do about these? The
CEAP Bulletin 3
Miserando atque Eligendo (from page 2)
Jesus washing the foot of one of his disciples.
The Pope washing the foot of a juvenile prisoner last Holy Thursday.
joint CEAP-Episcopal Commission on Youth (CEAPECY) project which is the National Catholic Filipino Youth
Survey (NCFYS) is the first of the many steps taken towards
enlivening the Faith of our youth. There is need for us to
seek and engage the best minds who shall with integrity,
humility and objectivity look at the “what is” vis-à-vis the
“what should be”, and plan and implement, and organized
and secure the resources necessary that Christ may be loved
and held close to a people’s hearts.
With our comrades in arms in the education ministry,
we pray to merit the Lord’s blessing on us and our work
as we acknowledge our having been chosen in spite of our
lowliness. As Pope Francis put it, “Miserando atque Eligendo”
with our added prayer that having been chosen, we ask to be
ever reminded of our lowliness.
CEAP underscores gratitude to the Lord for gifting
Pope Francis to the Church.
2013 CEAP Superintendents
Commission holds midyear Assembly
T
he theme of 2013 SUPCOM Midyear Assembly
was, In this Year of Faith... A 21st Century Model
of Education for Learning Leaders. A Road Map
towards Kto12. Eighty-five superintendents of diocesan and
congregational schools participated in the assembly that was
held on February 4-6, 2013, at Amorita Resort in Panglao,
Bohol. This assembly marked the start of the Commission’s
resolve to go paperless in all its conferences.
The highlight of the conference was the visit to
the Central Visayan Institute Foundation (CVIF) in Jagna,
Bohol were Dr. Christopher Bernido and Dr. Marivic CarpioBernido, CVIF school leaders, created a teaching-learning
structure and process called Dynamic Learning Program
(DLP). Superintendents were oriented on the concept,
structure and process of DLP after which they had the
opportunity to observe how DLP was actually implemented
in classrooms.
4 CEAP Bulletin
Br. Laguda, FSC, the CEAP-NTEC
chairperson, defines the challenge of
K to 12: “a new of teahing, a new
way of learning, and a new sense of
accountability.”
T
he challenge
p r e sented by the K to 12
Program to educators was
tackled at Conferences on Transition to K to 12 which were
held through the joint initiative of the CEAP and the Fund
for Assistance to Private Education (FAPE). Three parallel
Conferences were held: on January 21-22, 2013 at De La
Salle University in Manila; on February 11-12 at Sarabia
Manor Hotel in Iloilo; and on February 21-22 at Ateneo
de Davao University. The two-day events each focused on
the pressing issues of the establishment of the Senior High
School (SHS) levels, the labor and legal implications of the
transition, and updates on the formulation of Public-Private
Partnerships (PPP). These Conferences attracted hundreds
of attendees from CEAP member-institutions as well as
from non-CEAP schools.
Mr. Elvin Ivan Y. Uy, the DepEd K to 12 Program
Coordinator, gave DepEd's updates on the implementation
of K to 12 in SY 2012-2013. His presentations highlighted
the evolution of the SHS curriculum especially with the
emergence of the concept of "strands" for the Academic
Track. They also covered updates on the qualifications SHS
teachers should have and the proposed schemes for SHS
government financing. He said that DepEd aims to complete
and release the following by the end of calendar year 2013:
the SHS curriculum; the updated Manual of Regulations
for Private Schools; the finalized schemes for Public-Private
Partnerships for SHS; and the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the K to 12 Law. He emphasized that K to 12 will
only serve to reform minimum curricular standards but that
it would be up to individuals schools to be creative and to
work beyond standards set by DepEd.
CEAP Legal Counsel Atty. Anna Maria D. Abad,
at the Manila and Iloilo Conferences, spoke on the legal issues and labor implications related to K to 12, while COCOPEA Executive Director Atty. Joseph Noel M. Estrada
tackled these in Davao. Both focused on the importance of
preparing very well for SHS, especially with regard to the
manpower displacement which shall result. Underscoring in
Msgr. Ely Fuentes, the CEAP-NBEC
chairperson, stresses the urgency of
taking action in the face of K to 12’s
challenges.
their presentations the issues of faculty displacement and the
need for attention to qualifications as set by the K to 12 Law
were appreciated by the participants in the Conferences especially because both drew attention to the need for decisionmakers to deliberate substantially and take into account all
legal implications when planning and subsequently organizing for SHS.
Updates and information on the establishment of
Public-Private Partnership schemes for SHS where taken up
in Iloilo by FAPE Consultant Manuel L. Javier in Iloilo; in
Manila and Davao, these were taken up by Dr. Vicente K
.Fabella, Chairperson of the PEAC Education PPP Steering
Team. Their talks on PPP elaborated on opportunities for
private schools, especially for HEI’s, to offer SHS and absorb
400,000 public schools students in 2016. Possible mechanisms
for PPP under K to 12, such as the expansion of EGASTPE,
the setting-up of a voucher system, or of concessions, were
also taken up. While emphasis was made on the upside of
PPP, it was stressed that the active participation of private
schools was necessary in the process of negotiating the terms
by which PPP may be availed by them.
Representatives from the CEAP schools also presented
models and/or shared what they so far have undertaken for
transition to K to 12. This part of the Conferences provided
attendees the opportunity to learn what were in the pipeline
for K to 12 in some schools as well as to view a spectrum of
models for benchmarking:
i.) Senior High School Curriculum Development
through Curriculum Vertical Articulation by Dr.
Gina L. Montalan, Dean of the Ateneo de Davao
University School of Education
ii.) Paulinian Curriculum Model for the Humanities
Track by Sr. Merceditas O. Ang, SPC, Provincial
Assistant for Education of the Sisters of St. Paul de
Chartres
iii.)Grades 11-12 VOC-TECH track for Don Bosco
Schools by Fr. Onofre G. Inocencio, SDB,
Superintendent for Don Bosco Schools.
iv.) Curriculum Model for SHS Sports and Music Track
by Fr. Gerardo Ma. D. De Villa, OSB, Principal of
the San Beda Alabang Basic Education Department
CEAP Bulletin 5
The CEAP-FAPE Conference drew hundreds of delegates to Manila, Iloilo, and Davao.
v.) Senior High School Science and Technology Track
for RVM Schools by Sr. Ma. Marissa R. Viri, RVM,
Chairperson of the RVM Education Ministry
vi.)Daughters of Charity Transition Models for Health
and Allied Sciences by Sr. Ma. Corazon P. Manalo,
DC, Superintendent of the DC-St. Louise de Marillac Education System and Dr. Ma. Helena Desiree
M. Terre, Chair, VMT/President of the DC-SLMES
Iloilo Integrated Administration.
vii.) K to 12 for Seminaries by Fr. Maxell C. Aranilla,
Principal of the Guadalupe Catholic School.
Interspersed during the Conferences were sessions
for open fora during which speaker-discussants responded
to questions from the floor. Common concerns and issues
that were raised included the finalization of the SHS framework and provisions for unique SHS models, government
support and subsidies for private schools struggling with the
changes brought about by K to 12, the loss of trained faculty
in private schools to public schools, legal issues arising out
of manpower displacements, legal requirements for faculty
under K to 12, as well as the effects of the transition on higher education institutions and the courses there offered.
Comments and reactions triggered at the Conferences highlighted concerns of respective island clusters and/
or sectors:
Msgr. Ely Rafael D. Fuentes, CEAP NBEC Chairperson, in his homilies, emphasized the importance of
K to 12 for Catholic schools. He reminded attendees
that we "cannot put new wine in old wineskins," and
drew attention to the need for new paradigms, repeatedly saying, "the time for action is now!";
In his opening remarks in Manila, Br. Ricardo
P. Laguda FSC who is the CEAP NTEC Chairperson
stressed that the challenge of K to 12 is that it "demands
a new way of thinking, a new way of teaching, a new
way of learning, and a new sense of accountability for
every peso spent in providing quality education";
Also in Manila, Mr. Christopher N. Polanco of
De La Salle-Araneta University urged delegates to "not
let the unknown cause inaction, but instead to draw inspiration in this Year of Faith, embrace K to 12 with
Faith and creatively tackle the challenges of education
reform”; Still in Manila, speaking on behalf of FAPE
Executive Director, Dr. Carolina C. Porio, FAPE Board
Member Dr. Amelou B. Reyes reminded delegates that
K to 12 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reform
how we do education and added, "if we do not act, we
will miss out.”;
In Iloilo, Fr. Dionisio M. Miranda, SVD, CEAP
Trustee-at-Large, noted the many changes which have
to be made in light of K to 12. He urged CEAP educators to reflect long and hard on the ultimate mission
of a Catholic school and to remember that education
must serve the best interests of learners and to keep the
marginalized in their visions and give due priority to
their concerns. He said that he looks to transition to K
to 12 to signal the onset of Philippine Education steeped
in values, aptly structured and with proper systems in
place. He added that such calls for careful and thorough
planning... almost for overplanning;
In Davao, Ms. Suzette D. Aliño of Ateneo de
Davao reminded conferees that "we have much to share
with each other even as we take different paths, models,
and approaches to K to 12”. She asked private school
administrators to design alternatives, alongside, salaries,
to make schools ideal workplaces for teachers.
The CEAP-FAPE Conferences on K to 12 Transition marked a major milestone for CEAP in its commitment
to help its members deal with the implementation of K to
12. The January-February period saw repeated updates and
changes related to K to 12. During the course of the Conferences, Congress passed the K to 12 Law while DepEd
continuously provided updates on the SHS framework and
on pertinent documents.
Inputs to and outcomes from the Conferences, and
concerns drawn therefrom are resources which would help
CEAP schools plan for further actions and for implementing
programs and activities with regard to the implementation
of K to 12 Program.
Files on the Conferences are available and may be downloaded from CEAP website: www.ceap.org.ph.
6 CEAP Bulletin
CEAP
joins
2013 NCEA
in H o u s t o n
NCEA delagates during the plenary assembly
W
ith thousands of US Catholic
educators gathered in Houston, Texas, CEAP joined the
2013 Convention and Expo of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) which was held at George
R. Brown Convention Center last April
2-4. Leading the Philippine delegation
were Fr. Gregorio L. Bañaga, Jr. CM,
the CEAP President, and Ms. Rhodora
Angela F. Ferrer, the CEAP Executive Director. Joining them in the said
convention were some members of the
Superintendents’ Commission, the National Basic Education Commission
(CEAP-NBEC) and representatives of
CEAP partners.
“It was a great opportunity,”
quipped Msgr. Ely Rafael D. Fuentes,
the head of the CEAP National Basic Education Commission, who was
among the delegates. The opportunity
noted by Msgr. Ely fundamentally referred to not only the learning sessions
wherein delegates had the opportunity
to broaden their knowledge on the
standards of Catholic school leadership, supervision and management,
but also to join in the spirit of celebration and collaboration which permeated the entire Convention. The participation of the Philippine delegation
was in consonance with the desire of
CEAP to benchmark at international
conventions on Catholic education to
strengthen and develop the individual
and collective capacities of Catholic
school leaders and to network and establish more international linkages.
Because of the participation of
thousands of educational leaders of
the United States and of other countries, the NCEA Convention and Expo
has come to be known to be the largest
private-education association gathering in the USA. The Convention this
year was held in collaboration with the
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
Participants came from various sector
\\ of Catholic and faith-based units –
from preschool, elementary, secondary,
adult education, colleges and universities – including local parish pastors,
priests, directors of parish religious
education programs, and parish volunteers.
The convention started with the
heart-warming Eucharistic Celebration presided over by His Eminence
Daniel Nicholas DiNardo, CardinalArchbishop of Galveston-Houston. He
described the Convention as a plethora
of conferences because the program
included more than 300 professional
development sessions.
At the opening general session,
Rev. Fr. Robert Barron, S.T.D, a seminary rector and host of a well-known
documentary on Catholicism, spoke
about the New Evangelization. On the
second day, Sr. Angela Ann Zukowski,
MHSH, an international consultant for
The exhibit hall of the 2013 NCEA
CEAP Bulletin 7
pastoral communications planning and
a pioneer on new methodologies for
catechesis and adult faith formation,
presented the incorporation of the latest brain research findings, cultural
awareness and cyberspace journey in
teaching.
Aside from attending sessions,
participants also visited the Expo Hall
where the latest offerings on educational technology, and products and
services for Catholic Schools were on
display.
Delegates at break time
pines for quite some time now but also
among others who wish to improve the
quality of Catholic schools and thereby
raise their standards.
Spearheaded in the United States
by Dr. Lorraine A. Ozar and Dr. Michael J. Boyle of the Loyola University
Chicago Center for Catholic School
Effectiveness, the National Standards
and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools
came forth with a remarkable project
for improving the quality of educa-
tion in Catholic schools. This involved
a vast majority of US Catholic school
leaders.
Since CEAP, through the Superintendents’ Commission, has been bent
on working on a similar project, some
CEAP members and officers of the
Phoenix Publishing House, Inc and of
the Phoenix Educational Foundation,
Inc. had a breakfast meeting with Dr.
Ozar and Dr. Boyle at the Hilton Hotel
last April 4, 2013. Present at this meeting were CEAP President Fr. Gregorio
L. Bañaga, CM, CEAP Executive Director Ms. Rhodora Angela F. Ferrer,
Phoenix Publishing House Ms. Penny
Sibal-Balbin and Phoenix Educational
Foundation, Inc. Dr. Cynthia Arcadio.
Discussion focussed on benchmarking
to get on with a parallel project in the
Philippines.
As a result, subsequent discussions have been scheduled to lay out
the process for the project to get underway. The technical working group and
the key persons who shall be identified
for the project shall be coming mostly
from the CEAP Superintendents Com-
From the Convention, delegates
journeyed home not only with personal notes and copies of books and references on Catholic school leadership but
also with a wealth of experience most
upon which could serve as bases for
reflection for enhancing capacity to direct Philippine Catholic schools these
trying times.
Philippine Catholic school core standards—a target
How Catholic is your Catholic
School? This may have been a disturbing question not only among Catholic
School administrators in the Philip-
CEAP delegates during breakfast meeting with Dr. Ozar and Dr. Boyle
mission and the Phoenix Educational
Foundation, Inc. With their commitment and involvement in planning, organizing and seeing the project through,
the purpose for which it is to be undertaken – that there be set core standards
for Catholic schools in the Philippines
– may at long last be attained.
Finally, the CEAP delegates expressed their appreciation to the sponsors who made it possible for them to
join the NCEA Convention. These are
the following companies: Diwa, Rex,
Phoenix and Vibal.
by Fr. Mauricio Ulep, CMF
8 CEAP Bulletin
First JEEPGY Academy set for the summer
JEEPGY champions with Fr. Tony after the planning of the JEEPGY Academy
T
ransformative education aimed at safeguarding
value systems lies at the heart of Catholic Education.
The CEAP pillar programs of Justice and Peace,
Ecological Integrity, Engaged Citizenship, Poverty
Alleviation, Gender Equality, and Youth Empowerment
(JEEPGY) showcase Catholic values that encourage a
strong commitment to effecting change in society.
In the business meeting of CEAP school heads in
September 2012, had a discussion forum on the JEEPGY
Framework and the existing programs of the different
champion institutions were also presented. In the said
forum, the regions identified their regional JEEPGY
point persons as well as the particular pillar program
to champion. To aid the regions in their programs, the
Programs Committee is holding a JEEPGY Academy this
summer which seeks to: a) present to member-schools the
CEAP JEEPGY framework for Transformative Education;
b) showcase the different initiatives/best practices of
schools/institutions relating to JEEPGY; c) provide an
avenue to check on member-schools' compliance to legally
required programs relevant to the JEEPGY programs;
and d) integrate the use of media in the curriculum. In
addition, the JEEPGY Academy hopes to impart the
necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes for schools to
adopt and implement the pillar programs.
It is hoped that the schools will adopt “whole school
approach” for the JEEPGY. This said approach integrates
the teaching and practice of values onto the entire school
culture through policy, curriculum, administration, etc.
The JEEPGY ACADEMY shall have four (4)
parts. Part I shall be an Introduction to Transformative
Education and the whole school approach explaining the
concept, concrete steps and relevant pedagogical principles.
Part II shall focus on the individual pillar programs of
the JEEPGY framework including a discussion on
key principles, policy and curricular integration, and
institutional approaches. Part III shall be a sharing of
best practices of the different schools regarding programs
JEEPGY pillar programs. Part IV shall be an action
planning for attendees to commit to specific actions and
goals for JEEPGY principles.
The JEEPGY Academy is scheduled on April 29May 3 at the Ateneo de Manila University.
For more information or queries, please check the
CEAP website or email [email protected].
CEAP Bulletin 9
L
ast 30 January 2013, the Archbishop of Manila,
His Eminence Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle,
D.D. invited members of the CEAP and other
groups to plan for the Philippine Conference on the
New Evangelization (PCNE) which is to be set as a
culminating activity for the Year of Faith. The objectives
of the Conference which is scheduled to be held on
October 23-25, 2013 at the University of Santo Tomas
include creating an experience of God in the context
of the challenges of the new millennium and providing
avenues of inspiration and direction imbued with the
spirit of mission and community towards the New
Evangelization.
Msgr. Gerardo O. Santos, CEAP National
Christian Formation Commission Chairperson and Ms.
Mary Ann Cruz, CEAP Plans, Programs and Research
Officer have been appointed to the Steering Committee
which is tasked to plan, organize and see to the effective
implementation of the plans for the Conference. Other
members named were: Fr. Renato G. de Guzman,
SDB, Fr. Emmanuel "Nono" Alfonso, SJ, of the Jesuit
Communications Office, Executive Secretary of the
CBCP Liturgical Commission Fr. Genaro O. Diwa,
Manila Archdiocesan Vocations Office (MAVO) Head Fr.
Jason H. Laguerta, Mme Henrietta T. de Villa, Ms. Irma
Isip of the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress,
Ms. Joy Candelario of the CBCP-Episcopal Commission
on the Youth, and Sr. Marisse R. Quiano, FdCC of the
Catechetical Foundation of the Archdiocese of Manila
(CFAM).
PCNE shall highlight the Scripture and the
Liturgy and will provide the participants moments to
strengthen bonds of communion with each other and,
thus, be enabled to re-live the experience of the disciples
at Emmaus in the context of the New Evangelization.
At the meeting of the Steering Committee last
March 14, it was agreed that the Conference shall cover
plenary sessions and that a variety of liturgical celebrations
be included in the program. There, too, is the proposal
for at least ten tracks with a total of about 100 concurrent
sessions. Through these tracks, issues under the following
topics: Integral Faith Formation, Empowerment of the
Laity toward Social Transformation, Active Presence
and Participation of the Poor in the Church, The
Family as Focal Point of Evangelization, Building and
Strengthening of Participatory Communities That Makeup the Parish as a Community of Communities, Integral
Renewal of the Clergy, Journeying with the Youth, and
Spirituality and Prayer shall be tackled.
CEAP schools shall be urged to schedule their
semestral breaks this school year, 2013-2014 before
October 23 to give student leaders and faculty members
the opportunity to attend the Conference. Cardinal Tagle
also intends to invite delegates from other Asian nations
to participate at the said Conference.
Cardinal Tagle
convenes the
Philippine
Conference
on the New
Evangelization
Ms. Mary Ann Cruz, CEAP PPRO, conferring with
Cardinal Tagle during the PCNE Steering Committee meeting.
10 CEAP Bulletin
Davao Association of Catholic Schools
(Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines – Region XI)
celebrates its Golden Jubilee
T
he Davao Association of Catholic Schools (DACS), a regional
association established by the
Catholic Educational Association of
the Philippines (CEAP) in February
23, 1963, gratefully marks its fiftieth
(50th) foundation this year. More than
a thousand school representatives from
the Archdiocese of Davao, and the
Dioceses of Digos, Tagum and Mati,
as well as honorees and guests from
the CEAP National Office, gathered to
participate in a day’s festivities.
There was excitement as crowds
of students and teachers arrived at the
DACS Center. All were eager to be part
of a downtown motorcade to the University of the Immaculate Conception,
Bajada Campus. This was preceded
with the opening of exhibits led by
Br. Edgardo S. Escuril, SC., former
DACS President and Sr. Elizabeth L.
Garrote, PM, DACS Board Member.
The exhibit displayed memorabilia,
documents, and pictures of the people
and the significant events that shape
DACS and make up its history.
Administrators, students, faculty
and staff on board a fleet of more than
forty school buses and private vehicles
joined the motorcade. They were welcomed with a colorful performance of
the the University of the Immaculate
Conception’s Drum and Bugle Band
after which they proceeded to the
UIC Auditorium for the Thanksgiving
Mass.
This Eucharistic Celebration was
presided by Most Rev. Romulo G.
Valles, DD, Archbishop of Davao, and
concelebrated by Most Rev. George B.
Rimando, DD, Auxiliary Bishop of
Davao, and Most Rev. Wilfredo D.
Manlapaz, DD, Bishop of Tagum. Diocesan Schools Superintendents and
members of the clergy were also present. The theme of the Jubilee celebration was “Catholic Schools, Stewards of
Precious Treasure in Earthen Vessels”.
In his homily, Archbishop Valles
stressed that the 50 years of DACS
existence is God’s blessing. He said
that Catholic schools exist because
of faith and that they have a very
significant role in the education and
spiritual formation of students. He
stressed that the New Evangelization
calls for a renewed alliance between
FAITH and REASON, and that in
order to nourish commitment to
Catholic education, schools, colleges
and universities should usher young
people to a reflection and rediscovery
of their Faith. He expressed hope and
the need that DACS remain steadfast
in helping schools which, in return,
shall help mold the young grow and
live in accordance with their Faith and
CEAP Bulletin 11
the teachings of the Church.
After the Mass, Mr. Jimmie-Loe
P. dela Vega, DACS Executive Director thanked Archbishop Valles and everyone for their gracious presence. He
affirmed the identity and the role of
DACS as a communion of Catholic
schools in solidarity with the Church.
The Program for the day was
opened by Sr. Nanita M. Handugan,
OP, DACS Vice President, on behalf
of Fr. Joel E. Tabora, SJ, DACS
President. In her welcome speech, Sr.
Handugan shared that DACS’ success
is attributed to the vision, dedication,
and leadership of its past and present
officers. She expressed appreciation
for the collaboration with DACS various organizations have extended as she
called upon member schools to work
for greater unity with the Church.
The honorees for the Occasion
were each presented a DACS Jubilee
Award which was especially designed
and rendered by Mr. Rolly Quimpang,
a Davao-based visual artist.
Dr. Ma. Iris A. Melliza and Fr.
Daniel J. McNamara, SJ gave responses on behalf of past DACS presidents
while A TEACHER Representative
Mariano U. Piamonte, Jr., who was
DACS Executive Director for more
than twenty years gave the response on
behalf of former executive secretaries.
In recognition of their role as
founding institutions, thirteen (13)
schools were also given the DACS Jubilee Award. These included Assumption
College of Davao, Ateneo de Davao
University, Holy Cross Academy of
Digos, Cor Jesu College, Holy Cross of
Babak, Holy Cross College of Calinan,
Holy Cross College of Davao, Holy
Cross of Malalag, University of the
Immaculate Conception, Our Lady of
Fatima Academy, St. Michael’s School
of Padada, St. Peter’s College of Toril
and Stella Maris Academy of Davao.
DACS also recognized the following organizations for their significant
role in the growth of DACS and for
their continuing support and collaboration: the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP)
represented by Br. Narciso S. Erguiza
FSC, CEAP Treasurer and Mrs. Rhodora Angela F. Ferrer, CEAP Executive Director; the Center for Educational Measurement (CEM) represented
by Dr. Carmel E. Harrow, Consultant
and Ms. Lea Elivera, Branch Manager; the Fund for Assistance to Private
Education (FAPE) and the Society for
the Advancement of Film in Education (SAFE), represented by Mr. Ben
Wesley P. Fernandez.
After a sumptuous fellowship
lunch, students and faculty from the
different schools showcased magnifi-
cent Filipino and Mindanao cultural
heritage numbers through beautiful
ethnic dances and songs. The presentation portrayed the journey, struggles
and triumphs which DACS and the
Catholic schools in Davao hurdled the
past 50 years.
The Golden Jubilee Celebration
ended with a note that the next 50
years would be hopefully more fruitful
and that DACS continue in its mission
to promote collaboration, communion
and transformation in Catholic schools
and in the larger communities.
(Report from the DACS Secretariat)
12 CEAP Bulletin
Diocese of Laoag Lakbay-Aral
makes a stop at the CEAP office
D
iocese of Laoag Bishop, Most Rev. Renato P. Mayugba, D.D. and the Laoag clergy pose with
the CEAP National Secretariat Staff for a group picture at the conclusion of their visit at the
CEAP National Office. On February 19, 2013, the Laoag clergy visited the CEAP office as
part of their Lakbay-Aral program. While in the office, CEAP Executive Director, Ms. Doris F. Ferrer
gave them a talk on “K to 12 Transition for Private Schools: Challenges and Opportunities.” The talk
is very timely as it gave the clergy an overview of the K to 12 educational system especially at a time
when the diocese will soon have a reshuffling of assignments and some of the clergy will be taking
on the role of school directors. Also part of the visit was a tour of the new building and a simple
interaction between the clergy and the CEAP National Secretariat.
CEAP Bulletin 13
Galilee Day 5 highlights the Values Education Curriculum
A
ttended by 236 catechists and teachers of Christian
Formation, the fifth Galilee Day of the CEAP-National
Capital Region was held last February 15, 2013 at St.
Pedro Poveda College which is along Epifanio De Los Santos
Avenue (EDSA), Quezon City. Referred to as Galilee Day 5, the
activities focused on the DepEd Values Education (VE) Program
and its integration in the Religious Education Curriculum.
Dr. Fe A. Hidalgo, former DepEd Acting Secretary
and one of the major proponents of Values Education in the
Philippines, spoke on the framework of the VE Program. She
traced the roots of its underlying principles and showed how
these were linked to the philosophical foundations of education.
She presented the important topics to be covered at each K to
12 level and showed how teachers could use them together with
and alongside the Christian Education Curriculum.
Msgr. Gerardo O. Santos, who heads the National
Christian Formation Commission of CEAP and the main
organizer of Galilee Days emphasized that Values Education
is intrinsically intertwined with Christian Formation and that
both are foundational subjects for Basic Education.
Msgr. Gerry O. Santos explaining the need for catechists
to work with those handling Values Education.
Msgr. Gerry O. Santos explaining the need for catechists to
work with those handling Values Education.
In the afternoon, Dr. Pilar Romero of the University
of Santo Tomas (UST) talked on the Religious Education
Curriculum in preparation for the K to 12 Program and how
topics could be realigned to better equip teachers to be effective
formators. Dr. Romero has been working as chair of the CEAPNCR Christian Formation Team on the Christian Formation
Curriculum.
The Galilee Day encounters, organized by the CEAPNCR Christian Formation Committee, aim to promote ongoing formation of teachers and catechists by convening
regular conferences for them on the essentials of the Catholic
Faith as well as by providing them opportunities to worship
in community. In the last two years, key leaders in Catholic
Education, among whom were Bishop Broderick S. Pabillo, Fr.
Catalino G. Arevalo, SJ and Fr. Gerard Francisco P. Timoner,
OP, have been invited to speak at Galilee Days’ sessions.
Msgr. Gerry O. Santos during the Eucharistic
Celebration assisted St. Pedro Poveda College girls
Dr. Fe A. Hidalgo receiving a Certificate of Appreciation from Msgr. Santos
Dr. Pilar Romero presenting the Religious Education
Curriculum prepared by CEAP-NCR.
16 CEAP Bulletin
2
1
0
2
t
e
e
m
S
C
A
B
s
t
s
o
h
L
A
E
C
by Shannna
Marie
O. Montales
W
ith the theme “Bridging the Association Closer
through Sports”, the Bikol Association of Catholic
Schools (BACS) Meet was held on November 30
– December 2, 2012 at the Divine Word College of Legazpi
North Campus and Aquinas University in Legazpi City .
The event was participated in by students of member
schools of the Catholic Educational Associations of Caceres
and Libmanan (CEACAL), Daet (CEAD), Legazpi (CEAL),
Sorsogon (CEAS), Masbate (MACEA), and Virac (CEAV),
with a total of 650 participants.
The Opening Ceremony was held in the Divine Word
College of Legazpi (DWCL) St. Joseph Freinademetz
Gymnasium. This was highlighted with a Mass presided by
Bishop Emeritus Lucilo Quiambao of the Diocese of Legazpi.
Welcome remarks were delivered by Legazpi City Mayor
Carmen Geraldine B. Rosal while the presentation of the
delegates who came from all over the region, and the formal
declaration of the opening of BACS Meet was by Rev. Fr.
Crispin A. Cordero, SVD, BACS President.
Participating athletes competed in 16 events spread out
in the following sports: basketball, volleyball, table tennis,
badminton, and swimming. The Cultural Night was held at
the DWCL St. Joseph Freinademetz Gymnasium at 6:00 p.m
on December 1. It featured performances by student-artists of
BACS member schools.
At the end of the three-day competition, the Catholic
Educational Association of Legazpi (CEAL) emerged
Champion. These comments of a DWCL participant, ““The
meet indeed provided equitable sports competition for all
participants. It was fun meeting students from other Bicol
Catholic schools. I am looking forward to participate in the
next BACS Meet,” communicates the thoughts of almost every
one of them. Coming together in the spirit of communio and
friendly competition was for the most an experience to relish.
The event was organized and sponsored by the Bicol
Association of Catholic Schools (BACS) and co-sponsored
by the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines
(CEAP), the Fund for Assistance to Private Education (FAPE),
Curriculum Publishing House, Inc., Rex Bookstore, Phoenix
Publishing House, Diwa Publishing Company, DWCL Multi
Purpose Cooperative (DWCL-MPC) and Lucky Educational
Supply.
Present participants already look forward to the next
BACS Meet scheduled this 2013 with CEAS as host.
Athletes parading before the Opening Rites.
Fr. Crispin Cordero posing with the winners during the awarding ceremonies.
The school heads and other concelebrants posing
with the bishop after the opening mass.
Fr. Cordero and Fr. Alarcon pinning the medals to the Grade School winners.
CEAP Bulletin 17
CEAP-NBEC teachers training for BACS:
Solidarity for Subsidiarity
A
ctualizing CEAP’s aspiration that big schools help
small schools, the Second CEAP-NBEC (National
Basic Education Commission) Training for Teachers was held at the Divine World College of Legaspi last
April 15-19, 2013.
The project is under the Solidarity for Sustainability
Program, the primary intent of which is to assist small mission schools. This training was held under the auspices of
the Bikol Association of Catholic Schools (BACS) which is
the arm of CEAP in the Bicol region.
The training was primarily on content-upgrading in
5 subject areas: English, Mathematics, Chemistry, Science
and Physics. Trainors were from Manila schools; they were:
for Mathematics, Shirley R. Ocampo (DLSU); Leah L. Salvaleon (SDL Montessori); Physics, Ma. Isabelita T. Soriano (SSC); Chemistry, Prof. Emmanuel V. Garcia (DLSU);
Pauline Anne Therese M. Mangulabnan (DLSU); and Alejandro S. Bernardo (UST).
One hundred twenty-seven (127) teachers from 6 diocesan organizations: CEACAl (Caceres and Libmanan),
CEAL (Legazpi), CEAS (Sorsogon), MACEA (Masbate),
and VCEA (Virac), attended this training.
An important aspect of this training was the clarification of concepts often misunderstood by teachers themselves
which often caused them to erroneously communicate these
to learners. Attendees also learned new strategies and approaches which were actually modeled by the trainors and
which enabled them to obtain renewed confidence and dynamism in teaching and establish linkages among themselves
as well as with the NBEC network of facilitators.
During the closing ceremonies at which the participants received their certificates, several expressed gratitude
and appreciation for their having been provided such training which, indeed, they said addressed their need to continuously grow and develop their competencies. There was
much admiration and affirmation for the lecture facilitators.
Towards the end of the event, Ms. Chay Jaucian received a
token of recognition from CEAP for her unselfish and generous assistance in planning this training project and seeing
to its successful implementation.
Among those present at both the opening and closing
rites, together with BACS officers, were Fr. Cris Cordero,
Fr. Rex Alarcon and Fr. Odine Areola. CEAP representatives at the event were Ms. Gillian Hurtado, Ms. Deseree
Agcaoili, and Mr. Allan Arellano who spoke on behalf of
CEAP Executive Director Ms. Doris Ferrer. Mr. Arellano
also monitored the proceedings of the activities covered in
the training.
Different from the usual one- or two-day seminars attended by teachers, this 5-day training was quite different in
that it was heavy on content upgrading in five subject areas.
Further where teacher development sessions were usually
held in Metro Manila, this one held right in the region incurred less expense on the part of the participants and/or
their schools of origin, sparing them from the greater cost of
transport, and of board and lodging facilities.
Altogether, this CEAP-NBEC teachers training for
BACS is seen to serve as model to replicate in other regions.
(L-R) Ms. Cynthia Jaucian, BACS Secretariat, Fr. Rex Alarcon,
Fr. Cris Cordero, Mr. Jose Allan I. Arellano, Fr Odine Areola and
the CEAP CUP Trainors during the Closing Program.
Prof. Shirley Ocampo conducting training session for Science teachers.
Fr. Alarcon delivering his message to the participants during the Closing Program
18 CEAP Bulletin
CEAP-Region I holds
Journey in Faith
T
he Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines Region 1 (CEAP-Region I) held
a Galilee Day for administrators and
faculty of schools in the Region last
February 18, 2013 at San Luis del Mar
in Baccuit Norte, Bauang, La Union.
The event was dubbed “Journey in
Faith.”103 school administrators from
the Dioceses of Laoag, Nueva Segovia
and San Fernando de La Union, and
Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan
gathered for the occasion.
A view of the participants
This was a response to the
call of CEAP for regions to provide a
venue for all Christian Formation and
Religion teachers/catechists to gather
for a renewal for which the CEAP- Region I Board designed the program in
2 phases. Phase 1 was for school administrators; and Phase 2 included faculty, especially heads and instructors of
Religious and Values Education units
and Christian Living Education departments, and campus ministers and
coordinators. Both phases focused on
2 topics: The New Evangelization and the
Transmission of Christian Faith; and Secularism and Fundamentalism.
Photos show CEAP-Region I Director
Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, welcoming
the participants and providing an overview
of the activity.
His Excellency Most Rev. Socrates B. Villegas, DD, Archbishop
of Lingayen-Dagupan, effectively expounded on the New Evangelization
and Transmission of Christian Faith,
and on the important role of educators
in the Christian Formation of students
citing the need for them to see role
models in authentic Christians and responsible professionals. The Eucharistic Celebration
was held near noon. The main celebrant was Archbishop Villegas with the
following as concelebrants: CEAP-Region I Director and President of Saint
Louis College, La Union Fr. Gilbert B.
Sales, CICM; CEAP-Region I Board
Treasurer and President of Divine
Word College of Laoag Fr Reynaldo
Jimenez, SVD; and CEAP-Region I
Board Member and Diocese of Nueva
Segovia Schools Superintendent Fr.
Willie Jones Ducusin.
After the noon break, His Excellency Most Rev. Rodolfo F. Beltran,
DD, Bishop of San Fernando de La
Union, spoke on the highly-technical
topic Secularism and Fundamentalism.
He traced their historical roots and related these to how they have evolved
and affected persons of clay-footed
faith. The words and expressions he
used in his presentation helped his audience grasp to the fullest the impact of
his exposé.
CEAP Bulletin 19
Archbishop Socrates B. Villegas, DD speaking on the “New Evangelization and the Transmission of Christian Faith.”
Most Rev. Bishop Rodolfo F. Beltran, DD, speaking on Secularism and Fundamentalism.
Photos taken during the Eucharistic
Celebration
In lieu of Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan Schools Superintendent, also CEAP-Region I Vice President and Chair of Religious Education
Commission Msgr. Manuel Bravo, Sr.
Jennifer Ober, OP, took charge of organizing the participants into groups
which enabled them to share insights
and reflections on the sessions and activities of the Day.
CBCP recognizes USJR for best practices
in Health Care Education
R
ev. Fr. Emilio Larlar, OAR, VicePresident for Administration of
the University of San Jose-Recoletos in Cebu receives the award from
Rev. Fr. Rodolfo Cancino, Jr. (member
of the CBCP Health Care Commission)
right after a Eucharistic celebration on
March 1, 2013 at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. The mass was in honor
of St. Camillus whose relic was brought
to the Philippines for the first time.
The award was in recognition of
USJ-R’s being one of the institutions in
the Philippines exemplifying best practices in Health Care Education. Part
of the initiatives cited was USJR’s active involvement in the HIV-AIDS prevention campaign which is part of the
CEAP JEEPGY Programs.
20 CEAP Bulletin
CEAP partners with CBCP Commission on
Youth to update Catholic Youth Survey of 2002
Group picture of the representatives of the different research offices of CEAP member-schools and CBCP ECY officers after the orientation meeting.
O
n 22-23 March 2013, thirty-three
(33) research directors and faculty members of sixteen (16) research centers of CEAP member-schools
trooped to the new CEAP National Office for the orientation meeting on the
National Filipino Catholic Youth Survey
(NFCYS) 2013. This initiative of updating NFCYS 2002 is to be undertaken by
CEAP in partnership with the CBCP
Episcopal Commission on Youth (ECY),
the group that did the original study in
2002.
In light of the era of the New
Evangelization, CEAP and the CBCPECY deemed it necessary to come up
with an updated study of the youth
in order to better reach out to and
accompany the young people who are
the object of a mission with renewed
ardor and expectations.
During the two-day orientation
meeting, Ms. Doris F. Ferrer, the
Executive Director of CEAP welcomed
the participants to the meeting and
expressed gratitude for the positive
response given by the invited universities
and colleges. She then gave an input
about Youth and Catholic Education.
In her talk, she emphasized that young
people should be given utmost attention
and care given the growing concerns and
challenges surrounding them.
Fr. Conegundo B. Garganta, the
Executive Director of the ECY, on the
other hand, gave an input with focus on
the Youth, the Local Church and Youth
Ministry. He shared how the Church
lovingly affirms that the presence of
young people bears the capacity to effect
positive transformation in the Church and
in society. He made such affirmations by
citing various Church documents.
UST faculty members, Dr. Noel
Asiones and Prof. Pablito Baybado Jr.,
NFCYS 2013 Research Team Coordinators then gave the orientation on the
study that is to be undertaken through
the different regional research teams –
North Lizon, Metro Manila, South Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
As in the 2002 survey, the NFCYS
2013 survey seeks to come up with an
integral and comprehensive picture of
the demographics and religious makeup
of Filipino Catholic Youth (FCY), along
the conventional lines of their religious
beliefs, practices and attitudes.
The objectives of the study include:
a. To determine the religiosity of FCY
along the traditional lines of beliefs,
practices and attitudes
b. To draw the demographic, psychosocial, cultural, and socio-political profile of the FCY
c. To identify relationships between the
youth’s personal profile and religiosity
d. To recommend policies and programs
that shall strengthen the capacity of
the Church-at-large, specifically her
ministry among young people, particularly through the CBCP-ECY and its
network and through the CEAP and
its members.
The survey will be conducted on
Filipino Catholic Youth, whether in-
school or out-of-school, who are single
and between 13-39 years old. The questionnaire is patterned after the one used
in the NFCYS 2002 with some additional
questions relating to Catholic education
and influences on vocation.
While results on the survey shall be
gathered at the regional level they, nevertheless, shall be consolidated at both the
regional and national levels. The regional research clusters were challenged to
come up with additional questions that
may help form a youth profile unique to
each Region.
As CEAP focuses on youth this
year, the preliminary results of the survey
will be presented on September 26, 2013
during the first day of the 2013 CEAP
National Convention at Waterfront Hotel in Lahug, Cebu. This year’s theme for
the CEAP National Convention is “Set
Forth in Faith with New Ardor and new
Expressions for the Youth”.
Present during the NCFYS 2013
orientation meeting were faculty and research directors of the following CEAP
member-schools: Adamson University,
Aquinas University of Legazpi, Ateneo
de Davao University, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, De La Salle University, Divine Word College of Calapan,
Divine Word College of Legazpi, Holy
Angel University, Notre Dame University, St. Paul University Philippines, University of the Assumption, University of
the Immaculate Conception (Davao),
University of San Agustin, University of
San Carlos, University of Santo Tomas
and Xavier University.
CEAP Bulletin 21
National
Advocacy
Commission
(NAC)
Updates
On the K to 12.
A law to back K to 12 is only a
signature (PNoy’s) away. On 30 January 2013, the House of Representatives
and the Senate ratified, through a bicameral conference committee report,
the bill on K to 12. The House approved
HB 6643 with an overwhelming vote of
198 – 8 on November 2012; while the
Senate voted 14 - 0 on January 2013 to
approve SB 8286. Both bills articulate
the K to 12 Basic Education Program.
Together with the other members of the
CEAP Board, the NAC will continue
to work with the government’s education agencies to the completion of the
K to 12 Law Implementing Rules and
Regulations.
On CHED Memorandum Order
No. 46 s. 2102.
On 11 December 2012, the Commission on Higher Education signed
and released CHED Memorandum
Order No. 46 s. 2102 or the Policy Standard to Enhance Quality Assurance (QA)
in Philippine Higher Education through
an Outcomes-Based and Typology-Based
QA—despite various comments and requests for its postponement until such
time that schools have made the necessary adjustments with the implementation of the K to 12 Law. This CMO was
set to take effect starting 26 December
2012.
Following this development,
(L-R) Ms. Rhodora Angela F. Ferrer, Executive Director, CEAP; Ms. Concepcion V. Pijano, Executive Director,
PAASCU; Fr. Joel E. Tabora SJ, Chairperson, NAC / President, Ateneo de Davao University; Fr. Ranhilio C.
Aquino, Dean, San Beda, Graduate School of Law, and Atty. January Faye Risonar-Bello, Assistant to the
President for Research and Advocacy, Ateneo de Davao University during the open forum on CMO46 s.2012
the NAC took the lead in pursuing
CEAP’s continuing disapproval of the
said CMO. On 27-28 December 2012,
CEAP sponsored a Caucus on CMO
46 and invited experts in Philippine education law and in Philippine accreditation for a discussion and deeper analysis of its implications to Philippine
higher education. The Caucus regretted the issuance of the CMO both as
an infringement against the academic
freedom of higher education and as an
ill-advice program for QA in the Philippines.
The caucus paved the way for
the publication of a comprehensive
commentary on CMO 46 entitled,
“Disqualifying CHED’s Quality Assurance—A Collection of Critical Positions on
CHED Memorandum Order No. 46, Series
of 2012.” The book contains CMO 46
with its Implementing Guidelines and
gathers together commentaries shared
during that Caucus and other materials
pertinent to the discussion on the contentious CMO. The book was formally
released on 14 January 2013 and copies
were sent to the Office of the President,
CHED, DepEd, Congress and Senate
Education Committees, COCOPEA,
and all CEAP HEIs. Electronic copies
were also made available on ceap.org.
ph.
To help HEIs better understand
the CEAP and PAASCU positions,
NAC organized a National Discussion-
Forum on CMO 46 on 18 February
2013 at De La Salle University, Manila.
Serving as resource speakers were some
of the authors of the commentaries in
the book: Atty. January Faye RisonarBello, member of NAC (Overview of
CMO 46); Rev. Fr. Joel E. Tabora, SJ,
NAC Chairperson (CEAP position and
commentary on academic freedom);
Rev. Fr. Ranhilio C. Aquino, Dean of
the School of Law of San Beda College (legal implications); and Ms. Concepcion V. Pijano, PAASCU Executive
Director, (CMO 46 and voluntary accreditation). A total of 116 academic
administrators and institutional leaders
attended the forum.
Fr. Ranhilio C. Aquino, Dean of
San Beda Graduate School of Law discussing the legal implication of CMO
46 s.2012
Recommendations and suggestions to the CEAP Board:
1. Given its stance and statement of
non-participation in the implementation of CMO 46, CEAP should be
able to advise its member-schools
on what to do given different possible scenarios and that, likewise,
CEAP must be able to consolidate
plans for subsequent steps.
2. Pass a resolution that asks for the
suspension/abrogation of CMO
46 as a condition to a dialogue with
CHED. Non-abrogation should
22 CEAP Bulletin
Fr. Ranhilio C. Aquino, Dean of San Beda Graduate School of Law discussing the legal implication of CMO 46 s.2012
mean non-collaboration.
3. Clarify the CEAP position relative
to COCOPEA.
4. Determine if there is a need for a
regional discussion-forum to reach
more HEIs.
On Good Governance / Engaged
Citizenship.
Freedom of Information Act.
The 15th Congress failed to pass an
Act on the Freedom of Information.
While the Senate approved the FOI
bill, it did not have the same fate in
the House of Representatives. CEAP
had not released an official statement
in support of the Freedom of Information Bill but NAC had made materials
available to the Board and the memberschools. NAC will continue to lead the
discussions and monitor the FOI Bill in
the next Congress.
2013 Elections. CEAP continues
to work with Simbahang Lingkod ng
Bayan, Dilaab, and PPCRV for the voters’ education campaign. Materials are
posted on the CEAP website and information campaigns are done through
the CEAP social media accounts.
On Environment.
Mining. The DENR has granted
Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) an Environment Compliance Certificate (ECC)
on 19 February 2013. As with other
mining operations, the ECC is one of
the last crucial requirements before a
mining firm can start commercial operations, which in this case is what SMI
needs to move ahead with the Tampakan Mining Project in South Cotabato.
NAC will have a thorough discussion
on this at its next meeting.
Manila Bay. NAC is also monitoring the Manila Bay Reclamation
Project in Manila. Coordination is being done with the Ecology Desk of the
Archdiocese of Manila.
On Peace / Peace in Mindanao
Bangsamoro Framework Agreement. This is a continuing discussion
within the NAC. A draft statement
calling for the swift and early passage
of a Bangsamoro basic law has been
circulated to NAC members. Once finalized, this statement will be elevated
to the CEAP Board for discussion and
approval.
On the Reproductive Health Law.
Following the passage of a Reproductive Health Law, NAC would
like to engage the CEAP Board and the
schools in a discussion on RH and its
implementing rules vis-a-vis the role of
Catholic education institutions in this
respect. This is not merely a discussion
on RH, but a discussion on what is and
what is not appropriate for the Church
in a democracy with various political
parties.
Other updates.
NAC Encounters (roadshows).
Due to urgent matters that the NAC
had to prioritize, the scheduled Encounters with the different CEAP Regional Advocacy Committees have
been postponed for the meantime.
NAC will coordinate the new schedule
of visits with the regional coordinators
as soon as possible.
Leadership Institute for Legislative Advocacy. NAC Chair Rev. Fr. Joel
E. Tabora, SJ, together with CEAP Executive Director Ms. Rhodora Angela
F. Ferrer, NAC Officer Mr. Eimann P.
Evarola, DepEd Assistant Secretary for
Legal Affairs Atty. Tonisito Umali and
FAPE Officer Mr. Gariel dela Paz of
the CEAP National Advocacy Commission, represented the Philippines at
the Leadership Institute for Legislative
Advocacy (LILA) in Washington D.C.,
USA on 27-29 January 2013. Participants were exposed to the realities and
the issues confronting the US education system and to approaches and
means there undertaken to effectively
advocate for reforms in education.
CEAP Bulletin 23
PhilCARE intensifies campaign
for catechetical programs
T
he Philippine Catechetical
Apostolate and Religious Education Foundation (PhilCARE),
Inc. Board of Trustees issued an appeal
last January 28, 2013 at the CBCP Compound in Intramuros, Manila to the
members of the Catholic Educational
Association of the Philippines (CEAP)
to continue its support for the programs
of the Foundation. The Board, during
the same meeting, also expressed appreciation for the assistance extended
to the catechetical programs that were
accomplished through the partnership
between the CBCP-Episcopal Commission for Catechesis and Catholic
Education (ECCCE) and CEAP.
At this Board meeting which was
presided by Archbishop Socrates B.
Villegas, D.D., the members listened
intently and noted the report of Msgr.
Gerardo O. Santos, ECCCE Executive Secretary. Programs and activities
of ECCCE from June 2011 to January
2013 were presented in detail. Msgr.
Gerry also communicated on plans
Msgr. Santos reporting to the Board on the programs of the Foundation.
and up-coming activities for the period
April - October 2013.
Also present during the meeting
were other members of the Board and
auxiliary members for PhilCARE operations, namely; Mo. Ma. Jesusa G.
Enginco, OP, Fr. Maximo Villanueva,
from CEAP Mr. Jose Allan I. Arellano and Ms. Mary Ann S. Cruz who
attended on behalf of CEAP Execu-
tive Director Ms. Rhodora Angela F.
Ferrer, Mr. Julito Oyan Tabalba, Mr.
Regalado Tayag and Atty. Sinforo Pagunsan.
Msgr. Santos enumerated the following events/ activities which were
held:
1.the 11th and 12th Annual
Meeting of Catechetical Ministries (AMCM);
Attendees to the Summer Catechetical Institute for Priests (SCIP) last year.
24 CEAP Bulletin
His Eminence, Antonio Luis Cardinal Tagle convening the working committee for the
Philippine National Conference on Evangelization scheduled on October 23-35, 2013.
2.the 2nd and 3rd Joint ECCCECEAP Religious Education
Evaluation and Strategic Planning Workshop;
3.the 5th Summer Catechetical
Institute for Priests;
4.the 4th Summer Festival of
Catechesis and Christian Formation;
5.the Launching of the Year of
Faith;
6.the Meeting of Catechetical
Ministries and Coordinators
of the Ecclesiastical Province
of the Archdiocese of Manila;
7.the General Assembly of the
Association of Catechetical
Centers and Colleges/Universities with Courses in Religious
Education (ACCCRE); and
8.the Strategic Planning Workshop of the ACCCRE Board
of Trustees
Attendees to the Summer Catechetical Institute for Priests (SCIP) last
year.
He also asked the Board to support the following forthcoming activities:
1.the 6th Summer Catechetical
Institute for Priests;
2.the next ACCCRE General
Assembly;
3.the 13th Annual Meeting
of Catechetical Ministries
(AMCM); and
4.the Philippine National Conference on Evangelization
(PNCE): Conclusion on the
Year of Faith.
In the meantime, in preparation
for the PNCE, His Eminence Luis
Antonio G Cardinal Tagle, D.D. as
shown in the picture below, convened
at the Arzabispado last January 30,
2013 the different groups that shall
form the organizing committee for
PNCE for which a full report is given
on page 9.
The PhilCARE Foundation was
conceived during the successful Joint
Jubilee Congress of CBCP-Episcopal
Commission on Catechesis (ECCCE)
and the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) which
was held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in
September 2000. It was created to assist dioceses, parishes and schools give
catechetical and religious instruction
in public and private schools; and to
promote the welfare and development
of catechists and Religion teachers.
The PhilCARE Board is hoping
to intensify the campaign to build the
Foundation's resources through the
Peso-Twinning Drive which is that:
Every peso that a student in a Catholic school contributes voluntarily to the
Foundation is to be matched by his/
her school’s treasury.
Contributions to PHilCARE may
be remitted through check or cash deposits to the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI,), account name: PhilCare
Foundation, Inc, account no. 00510547-41. The contributing institution
must then fax the deposit slip to this
number: (02) 5275417.
Abp Villegas addressing the attendees of the Annual Meeting of Catechetical Ministers.
CEAP Bulletin 25
CEAP, FAPE, DepEd
reps attend LILA 2013
F
ive representatives from the Philippines
attended the Leadership Institute for Legislative
Advocacy (LILA) in Washington D.C., USA on
27-29 January 2013. Organized by the Association for
Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD),
the three-day conference exposed the attendees to
the realities of the US education system and issues it
is currently confronted with, and how advocates for
authentic education reforms there do public policy
advocacy. Online seminars (webinars) on using social
media and other facilities as effective tools in advocacy
work, and new approaches in engaging lawmakers and
other education policy stakeholders were also held.
Representing
the
Catholic
Educational
Association of the Philippines were Rev. Fr. Joel E.
Tabora, SJ, CEAP National Advocacy Commission
(CEAP NAC) Chair; Ms. Rhodora Angela F. Ferrer,
CEAP Executive Director; and Mr. Eimann P.
Evarola, CEAP Advocacy Officer. Participation in
this conference is part of CEAP NAC’s commitment
to further strengthen its advocacy work in the CEAPidentified priority issues of peace, judicial reform,
education reform, electoral reform and the environment.
As a result, CEAP’s Legislative Advocacy Agenda,
which shall be worked on when the 16th Congress is
constituted, shall be taken up in detail at the meeting of
CEAP school administrators on 24 September 2013, in
Cebu City.
Department of Education Assistant Secretary for
Legal Affairs Atty. Tonisito Umali and Mr. Gabriel
dela Paz of FAPE completed the Philippine delegation
to LILA 2013.
ke a study to determine the differential impact of the said ed
on the
different
CEAP member-schools.
26 CEAP
Bulletin n view,
NTEC is in
process
conducting a impact
survey that
NTEC
tothe
map
out ofdifferential
of shall g
e CEAP
student
population,
number
K tomember-schools
12 and CHEDregarding
typology
on CEAP
schools
s, programs
offered, and other pertinent information to be able
ollowing the discussions and recommendations dur- programs offered, and other pertinent information to be able
to group
schools
according to categories
and mapon
out the
ing theto
CEAP-FAPE
Conferencesand
on K tomap
12 Tran- out
according
categories
the
different
impacts
the sc
sition and the developments in the outcomes and different impacts on the schools.
F
typology-based quality assurance framework of the Commission on Higher Education, the National Tertiary Education Commission (NTEC) during its meeting last March 5,
2013 decided to take a proactive stance on the said issues
and to undertake a study to determine the differential impact of the said educational reforms on the different CEAP
member-schools.
In view, NTEC is in the process of conducting a survey that shall gather data from the CEAP member-schools
regarding student population, number of faculty members,
The results of the study which shall be received through
responses to the survey form given below shall help higher
education institutions work out or generate their strategic
plans.
At least 80% of CEAP membership is the targeted size
of participation in the study. Schools which have not yet
submitted their survey response are requested to kindly fillout a facsimile of the above form and email it on or before
May 30 to [email protected].
he results of the study which shall be received through respon
form given below shall help higher education institutions wo
e their strategic plans.
CEAP SCHOOL SURVEY
Name of School: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________
School Address ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Region ________________________________________________________
1) Student Enrollment & Faculty for SY 2012-2013:
Level
No. of students
Enrolled
No. of Faculty
Full-time
Part-time
Pre-school
Grades 1 -6
Grades 7 – 10
Grades 11-12
Voc-Tech
College
University
2) Aggregate enrollment for the last 3 years
a)
SY 2011- 2012: _____________________________
c)
SY 2009- 2010: _____________________________
b)
SY 2010- 2011: _____________________________
3) Number of Programs / Degrees offered:
(Attach list of programs. Please use a separate sheet)
________________________________
4) Expected student enrollment for SY 2016 – 2017: ________________________________
CEAP Bulletin 27
Did you know.....
PERA: WHAT’S IN IT FOR EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS?
(Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) Act of 2008)
T
he Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA)
Act of 2008 grants tax incentives to contributors,
whether employed or unemployed. It does not
mandate employers to contribute towards PERA on behalf
of its employees. However, it allows employers to do so
provided they comply with the mandatory SSS contribution
and the retirement pay under the Labor Code.
Employers' contributions are deductible expense for
corporate income tax purposes.
PERA, thus, provides the employer an alternative
scheme to augment the retirement benefits of its employees.
Note that the common schemes employed by employers for
this purpose are: (1) simply increasing the benefits under
the Defined Benefit (DB) program, and/or (2) adopting a
supplementary Defined Contribution (DC) plan, commonly
known as the Provident Fund.
Under a DB program, however, contributory (one
where an employee contributes) schemes are not suitable
and thus, defeats the common employer objective to
encourage employees to save and be partly responsible for
their sustenance after retirement.
A Contributory Provident Fund (CPF) scheme is a
very good supplemental program but the administrative
cost or the minimum initial funding required by trust fund
managers makes it viable only for big companies.
As we see it, these problems may not be present under
PERA. We also see that a company may adopt a policy that it
will only contribute to an employee's PERA if the employee
himself makes his own contribution, thus, mimicking a
contributory provident fund.
Even for companies who can afford a Contributory
Provident Fund, PERA could be worth considering.
It is important though to take note of the following
peculiarities:
1. Control
Contributions to PERA are effectively money given
directly to employees. Employer has no more control over
it. It is similar to being fully vested at day one. The employee
also has control over investment decisions.
Under CPF, the employer is free to set its vesting
schedule e.g. after 5 years of service, the employee gets
only 25% of the employer contribution and earnings; and
make the actual payout only upon separation. The employer
usually makes the investment decision. This can either be
taken positively or negatively (some employers would prefer
to pass on the investment decision to its employees so they
could not be blamed for losses while others prefer otherwise
to ensure the funds are invested prudently).
2. Employer Cost
At the same contribution rate, PERA will be more expensive to the Employer as it will not benefit from forfeitures
for separation prior to full vesting as it would under CPF.
3. Taxes
Below is a comparison of the tax incentives:
Employer
Contribution
CPF
Deductible in
Company’s
Gross Income
PERA
Deductible in
Company’s Gross
Income
*Employee gets a
*Employee not
subject to Income Tax tax credit of 5% of
contribution not
exceeding P 100,000
annually
Employee
Contribution
No tax credits
5% of contribution
not exceeding P
100,000 annually
Investment
Earnings
Not taxable
Not taxable
Age 50 and 10 years
Eligibility for
tax-free payout / of service
withdrawals
Age 55 and 5 years
of contribution
Tax for
non-eligible
withdrawals /
payment
**Withdrawals
subject to return of
tax incentives given
**Employer
contribution and
investment earnings,
and employee
investment earnings
subject to income tax
*We presume that employer contributions to PERA
will be included as part of the employee compensation
which is subject to income tax but with a 5% tax credit. On
the other hand, an employer's contribution to CPF does not
become part of the employee's income yet. Thus, we can say
that PERA is favorable to low-income earners and CPF is
favorable to high-income earners.
**The effect of non-qualified withdrawal or benefit
payment is the opposite. Under CPF, high income-earners
pay higher tax.
4. Appeal to Employees
Obviously, PERA will appeal more to employees. Employer contributions are effectively benefits already paid to
employees.
(“This article is lifted from www.actuarialex.com with permission from
its owner, Actuarial Exponents, Inc., an actuarial consultancy firm.”)