Franciscan College of the Immaculate Conception proudly participated in the 4-day Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) National Convention 2025, held at the SMX Convention Center Manila. With the theme “Living Synodality as Pilgrims of Hope,” the event brought together educators, church leaders, and advocates fromacross the nation to deepen their commitment to Catholic education as a beacon of hope and a collaborative journey.
Representing the Franciscan College of the Immaculate Conception (FCIC) were four dedicated delegates: Ms. Fennie Lyn Atilano, Mrs. Jennifer Belarmino, Mrs. Cherlyn Manguiat, and Sister M. Annette Escasinas, OSF. Together, they joined fellow Catholic educators in deepening their understanding of synodality—walking together in faith and hope.
The convention officially opened on October 1, 2025, with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided over by H.E. Jose F. Cardinal Advincula, Jr., D.D., Archbishop of Manila. The day was filled with inspiring moments such as the Presentation of Delegates by Region, the Message of Hope by Most Rev. Charlie M. Inzon, D.D., and the Inspirational Message of Fr. Karel S. San Juan, SJ, CEAP President, who reminded everyone that “we learn to fight for hope, to organize for hope, to mobilize for it, to be disciplined, to work and struggle for it.” A highlight of the day was the Keynote Address by H.Em. Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle, D.D., Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, who shared that “Hope is walking humbly with God and the humble ones, walking with freedom through critical inquiry and discernment, and walking with diverse cultures and communities.” His message deeply resonated with participants, grounding the theme of synodality in compassion and humility.
The following day began with another Eucharistic Celebration led by Most Rev. Elisa L. Ayuban Jr., CMF, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Cubao, followed by plenary sessions and recognitions. Most Rev. Socrates B. Villegas, D.D. delivered a powerful talk titled “Hope for the Homeland: Participating in Progressive Democracy Amidst National and Global Tensions.” He reminded everyone that Catholic schools are schools of hope—champions of holiness amidst tension and conflict, free and faithful in Christ, who is our hope.
In the afternoon, the four FCIC delegates attended different concurrent sessions. Mrs. Jennifer Belarmino joined “Hope in Parent-School Partnership,” where Mr. Xavier S. Padilla, President of Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas, emphasized that parents and families must allow the light of the Gospel to radiate daily in their homes. Sister M. Annette Escasinas, OSF took part in “Hope in Social Engagement,” where the UNISERVITATE Team from the Asia and Oceania Regional Hub shared that education continues throughout life, in our daily encounters with others and on the paths we take. Mrs. Cherlyn Manguiat attended “Hope in Youth Leadership,” featuring Hon. Maria Lourdes Sereno, former Justice of the Supreme Court, who inspired the youth to anchor their lives on faith, saying that the most intelligent thing the youth can do is to believe in God. Meanwhile, Ms. Fennie Lyn Atilano participated in “Hope in Truth-Telling,” led by Mr. Jason R. Gonzales, President of BUILD Pilipinas, who urged everyone to stand for truth in the digital age, declaring that telling the truth creatively, consistently, and courageously is a radical and hope-filled act.
The final day of the convention, October 3, 2025, was filled with moments of gratitude, recognition, and reflection. The awarding of the Catholic School Heroes, the recognition of jubilarians and new member schools, and a hope-inspired performance by Ms. Jamie Rivera singing “Ningas ng Pag-asa” beautifully encapsulated the spirit of the gathering. As the event drew to a close with a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Most Rev. Charles John Brown, D.D., Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, participants were reminded that the journey of faith does not end within the walls of the convention center—it continues in every classroom, parish, and community they serve.
The 2025 CEAP National Convention was not just an event; it was a heartfelt journey shared by FCIC and many others—pilgrims walking together with hope, faith, and a deepened commitment to nurturing Catholic education as a source of light in the world. This gathering reminded all that synodality is not just about walking together but walking with purpose, compassion, and enduring hope.
Rooted in its Franciscan values of peace, simplicity, service, and faith, FCIC continues to embody the mission of Catholic education—to form not only minds but also hearts that are compassionate, truthful, and guided by hope. As the delegates return to the halls of FCIC, they carry with them the spirit of synodality, ready to inspire others to walk together in faith and love, ever journeying as true pilgrims of hope.
By Fennie Lyn Y. Atilano
