Visiting CEAP Sugbu 2026 in Cebu

From 22 to 25 September, Nicolas and Bayan joined more than 3 500 teachers and school leaders at the yearly conference of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) at Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City. This year's theme was Newness in Catholic Education: Charting a Constellation of Hope.

They went to Cebu with three goals: to tell schools and education leaders about SVVY, to meet possible partners, and to learn as much as they could about education in the Philippines and the world. With school leaders and teachers from all over the country in one place, it was a great chance to start new conversations and make new contacts.

Over four days, the program looked at what newness is in many parts of education, such as faith, skills, the environment and society. There was also a fair where partners showed their work, and a forum about new ideas from the business world.

One message from the speech by Fr. Varghese Panthalookaran, CMI, stayed with us:

"We can no longer ignore AI or settle for a traditional system that merely trades learning for grades, marks, and certificates while deferring true opportunity to an uncertain future. Instead, every learning process must directly generate real value, wealth, and jobs."

This is exactly why SVVY exists. We believe learning should give students real value.

The well-being of students was also an important topic. In his speech, Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy asked schools to be "sanctuaries of hope". He asked them to look beyond grades, notice the students who are having a hard time, and make safe spaces where students can be heard.

Thank you so much to CEAP and Executive Director Narcy F. Ador Dionisio for a warm welcome and many good conversations. We are proud to be a part of this constellation of hope.