The BACS (Bikol Association of Catholic Schools) Regional Assembly was held in Our Lady of Peñafrancia Minor Seminary, Sorsogon City, last October 2-3, 2004, carrying the theme “Pilgrims and Agents of Hope: Embracing Synodality. The General Assembly was a two-day event hosted by the CEAS (Catholic Educational Association of Sorsogon) and attended by various regional associations, namely; Catholic Educational Association of Legazpi (CEAL); Catholic Educational Association of Sorsogon (CEAS); Catholic Educational Association of Daet (CEAD); Catholic Educational Association of Virac (CEAV); Catholic Educational Association of Caceres and Libmanan (CEACAL); and Masbate Catholic Educational Association (MACEA.
The event was especially meaningful to all the teacher-attendees as it coincided with the celebration of Teachers' Month. From the first day to the second, messages of Synodality and solidarity were woven into the program. The opening message of Fr. Odine L. Areola, Treasurer of BACS and President of CEAS, started Day 1 with an inspiring tenor of Synodality. That as one community, we must walk together as a community, listen to one another, and grow in faith.
Still, on Day 1, the CEAP President, Fr. Albert N. Delvo, reiterated the synodal actions of the Catholic education community in strengthening the quality of education we give to the learners. He even spoke of the ongoing efforts of CEAP advocating for the rights and welfare of educators, administrators, and learners, including lobbying for public-private sector complementarity.
The programs and initiatives of the CEAP National Secretariat were also clearly stated by its Executive Director, Mr. Jose Allan I. Arellano. In the updates he shared, the numerous activities conducted by each CEAP Commission and Committee were highlighted to be synodal as it connects to the community of learners.
The Assembly energized the participants, filling them with renewed purpose and commitment. Most especially in the keynote address of Fr. Enrique Thadeu N. Balongag, where he emphasized the vitality of clustering as one strategy of being synodal in our efforts. Indeed, the audience was in awe and motivated that helping and reaching out to our Catholic community is fundamental in Synodality.
Day 2 was the re-echoing of EDCOM 2’s First Year Report facilitated by Fr. Wilmer Joseph S. Tria. The BACS Region V General Assembly was conducted successfully. Congratulations to the team effort and to the officers: Fr. Wilmer Joseph S. Tria, President: Fr. Arnel G. Cabagunay, Vice-President; Fr. Augusto O. Abril, Secretary; Fr. Odine L. Areola, Treasurer; and Fr. Gil G. Cordova, Auditor.