CEACAL holds Educators Congress

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat

Three hundred forty-five attendees from twenty-five member schools of the Catholic Educational Association of Caceres and Libmanan (CEACAL) joined the Educators Congress yesterday, Jan 28, feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and patron of Catholic schools.

In his message, CEACAL President Fr. Wilmer Joseph Tria, called on the attendees to "form hearts that burn with the love of Christ, capable of transforming societies and shaping nations toward justice, peace, and the common good".

He emphasized that true knowledge is not just the accumulation of information nor the act of thinking and studying, but rather, the foundation of integrating "intellect, affectivity and action" -towards "love, truth and service to God and neighbor". 

He also underscored the role of Catholic education in social transformation, which he says, is a "true instrument for addressing social ills". 

Inspired by the encyclical of Pope Francis, Dilexit Nos, Tria said "the heart must lead the head and guide the hands in service." 

He further urged participants to make their schools "true heart centers", places where values such as tenderness, compassion and love are fostered and encouraged to be practiced. 

Themed "Forming Hearts, Shaping Nations: Catholic Education for Transformative Change", the said Congress was held at Sundaze Hotel in Naga City. Resource speakers were Dr. Rhodora Angela Ferrer, Executive Director of the Private Education Assistance Committee; Hon. Joseph Rañola, former Mayor of Jagna, Bohol; Atty. Alex Lacson, founder of the Kontra Dinastiya Movement; and Dr. Julius Somera, Quezon City Public School District Supervisor.