Formators Rally Behind New National Ratio, Push for Stronger SANGKAN Secretariat

By Fr. Francis A. Tordilla

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — February 12, 2026. A decisive step toward renewed and unified minor seminary formation marked the first day of SANGKAN 2026 as formators from across the Philippines gathered at the Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan and focused their attention on the newly released Ratio Nationalis for Minor Seminaries in the Philippines. SANGKAN—an annual national gathering of minor seminaries that fosters fraternity, collaboration, and shared formation among seminarians and formators—serves as a vital platform for strengthening priestly formation nationwide.

Archbishop Midyphil Billones, chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Commission on Seminaries, led the meeting and highlighted the historic significance of the new document. He acknowledged that Archbishop Socrates Villegas had spearheaded the drafting process and invited him to present the comprehensive update.

In his presentation, Archbishop Villegas situated the new Ratio within the broader framework of priestly formation in the country. He described the document as a “second volume” to the earlier Ratio Nationalis crafted for major seminaries, which focused on the Discipleship and Configuration stages. He explained that the previous national Ratio did not address minor seminaries because many European Churches no longer maintain that structure as part of their ordinary formation system.

At the same time, he affirmed that the Philippine Church continues to value the minor seminary as a privileged setting for early discernment and integral human formation. He noted that the Vatican encouraged the CBCP to develop a specific framework for minor seminaries, recognizing that the Philippine experience could offer guidance to other blossoming Christian nations that retain or wish to strengthen similar institutions.

The priests responded with visible enthusiasm, expressing their desire to study the document thoroughly and align their programs with its norms. Archbishop Billones affirmed the need for continuity and mentorship and requested Archbishop Villegas to remain actively involved in the Commission to guide the implementation process.

The assembly approved a national seminar-workshop in October to train formators in applying the new Ratio. Participants also advanced plans to establish a permanent SANGKAN secretariat to ensure organizational stability, preserve institutional memory, and strengthen year-round collaboration among minor seminaries.

The Holy Rosary Minor Seminary of Naga embodied that shared commitment. Four priest-formators, four lay teachers, twenty-six seminarians, and several parents traveled 15 hours by bus from Naga City to participate—an act that reflected sacrifice, unity, and a common resolve to strengthen the future of priestly formation in the Philippines.