Synodal pathways drive ACUP 2025 discussions on Catholic higher education
Provincial of the Order of Friars Minor (Province of San Pedro Bautista) Fr. Lino Gregorio Redoblado, O.F.M., Ph.D. (center) receives a plaque of appreciation presented by outgoing ACUP President Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, Ph.D. (fifth from left), host university USLS President Br. Joaquin Severino Martinez FSC (third from left) and ACUP 2023 to 2025 Board Members (from left:) University of St. Louis President Fr. Macwayne Maniwang, CICM, San Beda University President Fr. Aloysius Maranan, OSB, DLSU President Br. Bernardo Oca FSC, and Adamson University President Fr. Daniel Franklin Pilario, CM.
Drawing insights from the encyclical of Pope Francis Fratelli Tutti as applicable in the Philippine Catholic educational landscape during the Jubilee Year of Hope, the 2025 National Conference of the Association of Catholic Universities of the Philippines, Inc. (ACUP) targeted the issues raised in the recent EDCOM II report in a gathering held at the University of St. La Salle in Bacolod from March 4 to 7, 2025.
True to its mission to foster and ensure quality Catholic education in the country, the 37 ACUP member institutions gathered to (1) contextualize the values of fraternity, collaboration, and synodality within the social and cultural milieu of students in Catholic Universities; (2) communicate with key education stakeholders on facing systemic issues in the Philippine educational landscape and how policies can support and empower learners, educators, and school leadership; and (3) commit to improving holistic Catholic education in the Philippines through developing concrete and actionable points for a shared, sustainable, and synodal future.
The title of Fratelli Tutti is an expression of St. Francis of Assisi. Although the literal meaning is “All Brothers and Sisters”, Saint Francis invited all human persons to love wholeheartedly so that it transcends distance, to become good neighbors to all we meet, and to build good relationships with and uplift the most marginalized and excluded, to act as we would do with our family. In turn, the late Pope Francis, in his 2020 encyclical, echoed this call as he promotes “the growth of a culture of encounter capable of transcending our differences and divisions”.
Fittingly, the head of Franciscans in the Philippines discussed Fratelli Tutti’s message as applicable to Catholic education; the Minister Provincial of the Order of Friars Minor (Province of San Pedro Bautista) Fr. Lino Gregorio Redoblado, O.F.M., Ph.D., served as the keynote speaker. Fr. Redoblado is a former Dean of the College of Our Lady of the Angels Seminary and has a Doctorate in Philosophy from the Pontifical Antonianum University in Rome.
Minister Provincial of the Order of Friars Minor (Province of San Pedro Bautista) Fr. Lino Gregorio Redoblado, O.F.M., Ph.D. delivers the keynote address.
Minister
His keynote focused on the role of Catholic universities in responding to the social challenges in the Philippines, and how we can integrate these themes into the mission of Catholic universities to form intellectually proficient individuals with moral responsibility who are committed to building a just world and become catalysts for transformation through encounters with the marginalized. Fr. Redoblado advocated for education that not only imparts knowledge but also forms compassionate, socially responsible individuals committed to the common good. He called for humble, fraternal interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering a culture of encounter, and integrating social justice into the curricula.
For this to be accomplished, Fr. Redoblado emphasized the values of collaboration, fraternity, and synodality, rooted in St. Francis’s teachings, as the foundation for collaboration and mutual support in the context of higher education. He discussed how synodality, as a movement within the Church, promotes equality and cooperation among all members, listens to people from all walks of life, strengthens the bonds of community, stands on the side of the poor, and helps to dismantle clericalism. This aligns with Pope Francis’s Fratelli Tutti, which stresses the need for universal fraternity and social friendship, encouraging individuals and institutions to recognize their interconnectedness and responsibility toward one another.
In line with the Jubilee Year 2025’s theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” Fr. Redoblado’s talk also encourages universities to act as agents of transformation, promoting solidarity with the poor and marginalized. With a myriad of challenges faced by the nation, Catholic universities must stand ready to address human rights violations, environmental degradation, poverty, inequality, threats to freedom of expression, and the violation of indigenous people’s rights. Fr. Redoblado concluded by urging Catholic universities to renew their commitment to serving society and the nation, both within the academic community and beyond.
“Let us remember that our role as Catholic educators extends beyond the classroom. We are called to be agents of hope, catalysts for positive change, and bearers of love in a world that desperately needs it. Through our commitment to fraternal collaboration, solidarity with the poor, and unwavering hope, we can contribute to building a more just, compassionate, and hope-filled Philippines,” emphasized Fr. Redoblado.
Fr. Lino Gregorio Redoblado, O.F.M., Ph.D. (center) receives a conference kit from San Beda University Rector-President Rev. Fr. Aloysius Maranan, OSB, Ed.D. (left) and ACUP Secretary-General and UST Office of Public Affairs Director Ms. Michaella O. Lagniton
Adding to the intellectual discourse in the afternoon of Day 1 was the Catholic Witnessing in the Philippine Context through Research, where San Beda University Professor Prof. James Loreto Piscos, Ph.D., presented his research “Analyzing Inclusivity in Pope Francis’ Fratelli Tutti and its Implications to Catholic Education”, employing what he calls reading the signs of times through the undercurrent narrative of the least, lost, and least.
This was followed by a panel discussion titled “It takes a village: A synodal discussion on moral and social upbringing with educational stakeholders” moderated by the St. Paul University Manila Vice President for Christian Formation and Services Sr. Nicole de Marie Dabalus, SPC, with representatives of key educational stakeholders from ACUP member universities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao: an administrator, teacher, parent, and students in the persons of Dr. Marie Aurea del Rosario, Saint Louis University (Baguio) Religion Department Head; Ms. Cerlita Vega, religious education teacher from Notre Dame of Marbel University (Koronadal); Mr. Yuval Adera, Student Government Senate President and Christian Paul de Jesus, Student Government Religious Services Department Secretary, both from University of St. La Salle (Bacolod).
(From left:) St. Paul University Manila Vice President for Christian Formation and Services Sr. Nicole de Marie Dabalus, SPC, with representatives of key educational stakeholders from ACUP member universities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao: an administrator, teacher, parent, and students in the persons of Dr. Marie Aurea del Rosario, Saint Louis University (Baguio) Religion Department Head; Christian Paul de Jesus, Student Government Religious Services Department Secretary and Mr. Yuval Adera, Student Government Senate President both from University of St. La Salle (Bacolod); and Ms. Cerlita Vega, religious education teacher from Notre Dame of Marbel University (Koronadal), during the panel discussion
La Salle Chorale and De La Salle Vivace Strings during dinner.
The discussants responded to the challenge of synodal listening and openness, where they commented on how they maximize dialogue among parents, teachers, and administrators for holistic formation of the students under their care, how they discern and mediate concerns regarding good upbringing and quality education, what type and areas of support students most need, and how school leaders and teachers can meet those needs.
This dialogue was furthered deeply by the presentation of the Associate Dean of the School of Innovation and Sustainability at De La Salle University-Laguna Prof. Fides del Castillo, Ed.D.
She discussed “A Shared Roadmap: Interreligious and Inter-Regional Dialogue in the Academe” and highlighted concepts like the Pedagogy of Encounter for people to become windows of hope. She also elaborated on Laylayan Theology, which brings to the fore the voices of people in the margins.
Day 1 concluded with a Eucharistic Celebration presided by the Bishop of Bacolod, His Excellency Most Rev. Patricio Buzon, D.D., and a cultural presentation of the De La Salle Chorale and De La Salle Vivace Strings during dinner. The second day coincided with Ash Wednesday and began with a Mass with Fr. Aloysius Maranan, OSB, the Rector-President of San Beda University and ACUP Board Member, as the celebrant.
Day 1 concluded with a Eucharistic Celebration presided by the Bishop of Bacolod, His Excellency Most Rev. Patricio Buzon, D.D., and a cultural presentation of the De
The CHED Technical Panel for Teacher Education Chairperson Dr. Edizon Fermin then presented his insights on “Reframing Catholic Higher Education Learner Empowerment”. He elaborated on the intricate integration of ARAL, ASAL, DASAL, & DANGAL as a framework for learner engagement and community empowerment supported by the threefold dynamics of TITIG, TINIG, & TINDIG. He also shared the mnemonic “SYNOD: Sharing of expertise and resources, Yielding to coopetition principles, Networking for inclusive growth, Optimizing true loyalty, and Driving shared accountability” to aid HEIs in collaborative progress.
Philippine Institute for Development Studies Senior Research Fellow Dr. Francis Mark Quimba reminded participants of the pressing challenge of the “twin transition of going green and digital” as a worthy endeavor toward innovation and sustainable development. He urged people to continue our efforts, not just to raise awareness, but to maximize engagement and collaboration in the community.
The afternoon of Day 2 was dedicated to meaningful community engagement, where an interaction among the residents of the Bahay Pag-asa Reformatory Center showed how the Bahay’s home life services and educational support paved hopeful futures for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) and Children at Risk (CAR), while an orientation to the USLS Agri-Business Farm at the Granada Campus showed support of the local industries and sustainable production and consumption practices.
The last day of the conference focused on the workshops. Rev. Fr. Macwayne Maniwang, CICM, President of the University of St. Louis Tuguegarao, presided over the morning mass before the concurrent sessions.
Through three workshops focused on their areas of expertise, the participants were able to synthesize inputs from the previous discussions to develop plans they can apply upon going back to their own schools and communities. The workshop on Teaching and Research was facilitated by Dr. Madeilyn Estacio, Vice President for Academic Affairs of the University of La Salette, Inc. This group was asked to examine their approaches to research in a Catholic context, pinpoint how interdisciplinary research and various academic engagements could inspire action and development within the community, and identify research gaps and niches that can be filled through their collaboration.
For Community Development, facilitated by formator and educator Mr. Teddy Toledo, the group reflected on ways to actively become good neighbours to others, identified immediate opportunities to uplift with dignity the communities who are most in need, and discussed proposals on how to build more inclusive and welcoming communities within schools and the Church. They also discussed how to mitigate the growing sense of division and apathy within certain spaces, and how one can become a Good Samaritan for them and with them.
The session on Youth was facilitated by Atty. Jan Nelin Navallasca, Director for Student Affairs of Adamson University. The group focused on how to more effectively empower students to lead with hope and responsibility, not just for the future but as active contributors in the present. They also discussed how crucial it is to guide students with understanding and empathy, to create spaces and environments where students can feel valued, safe, and encouraged, and to develop students into well-rounded agents of change by addressing deeper concerns, such as supporting their mental health and sense of purpose.
ACUP Member University Presidents and voting representatives are seated during the general assembly, with ACUP Secretary-General and UST Office of Public Affairs Director Ms. Michaella O. Lagniton (leftmost, foreground)
Simultaneous with the workshops was the ACUP General Assembly and Election, where leadership from 2025 to 2027 was decided. Serving as the new ACUP President is Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, OP, (Rector, University of Santo Tomas), with the Vice President Fr. Aloysius Maranan, OSB (Rector-President, San Beda University), Corporate Secretary Sr. Marissa Viri, RVM (President, University of the Immaculate Conception), and Treasurer Br. Bernard Oca FSC (President, De La Salle University).
The Members of the Board are Fr. Daniel Franklin Pilario, CM (President, Adamson University), Fr. Karel San Juan, SJ (President, Ateneo de Davao University), Fr. Gilbert Sales, CICM (President, Saint Louis University), Fr. Francisco Antonio Estepa, SVD (President, University of San Carlos), and Br. Joaquin Severino Martinez, FSC (President, University of St. La Salle, Bacolod).
The newly elected ACUP President for 2025 to 2027
Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., Ph.D.
Representatives of the ACUP institutions elected to the 2025 to 2027 Board of Directors, (from top left:) USC Vice President for Academic Affairs Rev. Fr. Jesuraj Anthoniappen, SVD, (representing ACUP Board Member and University of San Carlos President Rev. Fr. Francisco Antonio T. Estepa, SVD), ACUP Board Member and Saint Louis University President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, Ph.D., Mr. Albert Munoz (representing ACUP Corporate Secretary and University of the Immaculate Conception President Sr. Ma. Marissa R. Viri, RVM), ACUP Vice President and San Beda University Rector-President Rev. Fr. Aloysius Maranan, OSB, Ed.D., UST Secretary-General Rev. Fr. Louie R. Coronel, O.P., EHL (representing ACUP President and UST Rector Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., Ph.D.), Adamson University Director of the Institute for Religious Education Sr. Vilma Aquino (representing ACUP Board Member and Adamson University President Rev. Fr. Daniel Franklin Pilario, CM) and ACUP Treasurer and DLSU-Manila and Araneta President Br. Bernard S. Oca, FSC
