Bicol dioceses move toward unified safeguarding system

By Fr. Jhonan’z Vibar

NAGA CITY — The Catholic Church in Bicol is taking steps toward a more coordinated approach to safeguarding as representatives of the region’s dioceses gathered for a Metropolitan One-Day Orientation Workshop on the Universal Guidelines Framework (UGF) on September 16, 2026, at the Holy Rosary Major Seminary.

The workshop served as a working session for four interconnected priorities: understanding the CBCP National Guidelines Framework (NGF), deepening participants’ grasp of the Universal Guidelines Framework, preparing for the National Safeguarding Conference: Write-Shop in October 2026, and advancing plans for a Metropolitan Safeguarding Team for the Bicol dioceses.

The day opened with a call to strengthen the Church’s shared responsibility for the protection of minors and vulnerable persons. In his opening remarks, Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon of Caceres underscored the importance of leadership, collaboration and a common direction in safeguarding.

Participants were introduced to the foundations of the CBCP National Guidelines Framework, including its purpose, core values and the responsibilities of the dioceses, parishes and Church personnel.

Prof. Gabriel Dy-Liacco of the Catholic Safeguarding Institute led the UGF orientation, bringing the discussion from principles to practice. Participants examined safe environments, boundaries and codes of conduct, as well as formation, screening, supervision, reporting, and response mechanisms.

The afternoon shifted towards implementation. The dioceses with existing safeguarding policies identified experiences, challenges, priorities and next steps. Inputs will contribute to preparations for the National Safeguarding Write-Shop.

Beyond the October activity, the discussions point to a longer regional agenda: the formal establishment of a functioning Metropolitan Safeguarding Team for the Bicol dioceses and, eventually, a Metropolitan Penal Tribunal, as part of a more coordinated safeguarding structure.

For now, the immediate task is clear: prepare Bicol’s metropolitan safeguarding team to participate meaningfully in the national policy write-shop.

The longer journey is more ambitious—building structures capable of translating safeguarding standards into consistent practice across diocesan and parish communities.