The panel and board of directors of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (Ceap) gathered in Davao City on Tuesday morning, November 12, for the 2024 National Convention Press Conference. They discussed the ongoing challenges facing private institutions of education in the country.

With the theme “Pilgrims and Agents of Hope: Embracing Synodality,” the 2024 CEAP convention features 3,500 attendees, including guests, education stakeholders, exhibitors, and Catholic and private education partners.

Key topics discussed during the press conference included government funding, public-private partnerships, the state of private schools, the regulatory environment and the role of education groups in the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.

Fr. Albert N. Delvo, President of the Coordinating Council of Private Education Associations (Cocopea) and President Ceap emphasized the organization’s commitment to help communities in times of hardship.

“This theme embodies both a journey of faith and a profound responsibility to society,” said Fr. Delvo said. “As pilgrims, we move forward with hope and resilience, and as agents, we are called to lead social transformation with courage and compassion.”

Bro. Edmundo Fernandez, FSC, CEAP treasurer and president of the Accreditation Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities of the Philippines (Paascu), noted the potential benefits of public-private partnerships in addressing challenges such as overcrowded classrooms and limited resources.

For years, public-private sector collaboration has been a topic of ongoing debate. Various studies and frameworks have been proposed, but the main challenge remains in putting these ideas into practice.

The aim is to ensure that both sectors work together effectively, providing equal support and resources.

Bringing this vision to life requires a practical partnership where both sectors work together to improve educational outcomes. This involves sharing resources, supporting teachers and ensuring that every student has access to a quality education. True collaboration is essential to addressing these challenges and creating a sustainable and inclusive education system.

Founded in 1941, the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (Ceap) is the national organization representing Catholic educational institutions nationwide. It currently has approximately 120 Catholic schools and over 1,484 member schools.

As a non-profit organization, Ceap operates through regional educational associations spread across all 17 regions in the Philippines. DEF