800 educators join CEACAL Teachers’ Congress 2020

PILI, Camarines Sur – Around 813 teachers from Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Caceres and the Diocese of Libmanan gathered Friday, 17 January 2020, for the 10th Catholic Educational Association of Caceres and Libmanan (CEACAL) Teachers’ Congress, held for the first time at the Provincial Capitol Convention Center, this municipality.

The Congress began with a Pontifical Concelebrated Eucharistic Celebration, led by the Most Rev. Jose R. Rojas Jr., DD, Bishop of Libmanan. In his Homily, he emphasized the importance of Catholic Education alongside the importance and role of teachers. According to Rojas, “Catholic education must be supported not only by your teaching but more importantly, by your witness. It is important that you teach values and virtues, but even more importantly that you live those values and virtues yourselves.”

After the Mass, a talk was delivered by Most Rev. Joel Z. Baylon, DD, Bishop of Legazpi. His talk, which centered on the theme of the congress, “Missio: Yes YOUth Can!”, encourages educators to appreciate the youth, and accompany them through their journey. According to Baylon, “Let us appreciate the choices of the youth and accompany them. Let us be online missionaries of God (OMG).”

After the talk, book exhibits were also held as the teachers took their lunch. In the afternoon, updates with regards to CEACAL matters were rendered by Rev. Fr. Roberto E.N. Rivera, SJ, CEACAL President. A Festival of Talents and raffle were also held prior to the conclusion of the Congress. In previous years, the annual Congress was held at the Universidad de Santa Isabel Auditorium in Naga City. However, due to the significant increase of participating educators, the said event was transferred to its new venue, the Provincial Capitol Convention Center in Pili.