The 2026 Leadership Academy of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines-Cordillera Administrative Region (CEAP-CAR) was successfully held on 27-28 April 2026 at the Fr. Francis Gevers Hall, Saint Louis University, Baguio City. Themed “Shepherds of Excellence: Leading with a Resilient Spirit and a Competent Heart,” 120 school heads from member institutions in the Diocese of Baguio, the Apostolic Vicariate of Bontoc-Lagawe, and the Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk, including Congregational and Family Owned Catholic Schools attended the said event.
The Most Reverend Rafael T. Cruz, DD, Bishop of the Diocese of Baguio, led a solemn Eucharistic Celebration to start the event coincident with the 34th Sacerdotal Anniversary of Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD CEAP-CAR Regional Trustee. The CEAP-CAR Fathers also took part in the celebration, which provided a spiritual foundation of unity and mission for the academic leaders present.
Two main themes made up the academy’s curriculum. These themes were meant to strengthen the identity of Catholic teachers. The first big topic looked at what it means to be a Catholic school leader in the Church and urged administrators to act like Jesus, the Good Shepherd, Good Steward, and Servant Leader. During reflective sessions, participants examined how these Christological models function as the definitive framework for administering educational communities with compassion, accountability, and a profound sense of mission. These topics were delivered by Reverend Fathers Felix M. Bay-ong (Superintendent, Apostolic Vicariate of Bontoc-Lagawe Educational System), Roman A. Macaiba Jr. (Superintendent, Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk System), Marlon M. Urmaza (Superintendent, Diocese of Baguio Schools), Dr. Monina M. Manalang, and Mrs. Annie Marie B. Caguioa.
The second half of the academy addressed the practical, urgent problems of current governance, which are highly complex in today’s education system. Talks highlighted the important role that school leaders play in managing curriculum changes and the need to ensure students have secure places to learn. The academy also stressed the importance of maintaining high levels of professionalism and strategically incorporating Church causes, such as social justice and care for the environment, directly into schools’ curricula. These topics were presented by Mr. Rafael Patrick Pecjo, Mr. Alejandro P. Pablico, Mr. Narcy Ador Dionisio (CEAP Executive Director), and Dr. Joselito C. Gutierrez.
In the keynote message, Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, Regional Trustee, CEAP-CAR and President of SLU, challenged the attendees to embody the four qualities of a Catholic School leader – observation, empathy, stewardship, and resolve to form a strong foundation for leadership rooted in faith and service.
Fr. Sales emphasized that the goal of a Catholic leader is not just efficiency or success, but the fulfillment of God’s promise of peace, justice, and dignity for all. Finally, he exhorted that a true Catholic leader works toward the vision of building communities where people feel safe, valued, and loved, and where God’s kingdom becomes more visible here on earth.
At the end of the academy, the 120 leaders made a fresh promise to return to their schools with both the strong spirit and the skilled heart they need to lead in times of change. (Article by Dr. Joselito Gutierrez | Photos by Kathleen Therese Catingub, Kemm Mitchel Olarte, and Mariam Qatarina Santos, UIO Interns)
