On September 27, the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) national office in Quezon City, Manila, hosted the 2024 Catholic Association of Social Science Teachers (CASST) Assembly.
The assembly seeks to deepen educators' understanding of critical societal issues through the lens of Catholic social teachings.
Before the opening Eucharistic celebration, Fr. Albert N. Delvo, CEAP President, delivered his welcome remarks, highlighting that teaching social sciences is not just about adhering to the standards but also promoting patriotism, nationalism, comprehension, and critical thinking.
These characteristics manifest mindfulness and respect for oneself and others, as well as dignity, ethicality, morality, and space, embodying sensitivity and spiritual humility to serve the people and nation.
In his homily, Fr. Wilmer Joseph S. Tria, CEAP Corporate Secretary and National Advocacy Commission Chairperson said CASST is a mission rather than just a teaching vocation.
Afterwards, Mr. Jose Allan I. Arellano, CEAP Executive Director, shared a brief history of CEAP and his significant experiences in teaching social sciences through the lens of Catholic social teachings.
The first session, "CASSTing into the Deep: Understanding the Role of Catholic Social Science Teachers as Preachers of Social Justice," was delivered by Fr. Tria.
In his presentation, he emphasized the significance of education in promoting and incorporating Catholic social teachings into the social sciences, thereby establishing the true mission of CASST as a Catholic social science educator.
Dr. Philip P. Tuao, the Dean of the Ateneo School of Government, presented the second session.
Tuao shared the record of Philippine developments throughout the years, discussing the socioeconomic issues brought by the pandemic as well as other socio-political and economic issues that affect one's choice in the elections.
For the third session, Ms. Julma M. Narvadez, Chief Operating Officer of Consuelo “Chito” Madrigal Foundation—Bikol, presented different perspectives on disinformation forms in the Philippines, exploring sources and impacts.
She also discussed the importance of Catholic social teachings to help us discern voting responsibly and pave the way for social transformation.
In the last part of the program, Dr. Dave Ceasar Dela Cruz, the current President of CASST, discussed the organization's mission.
He also discussed the membership requirements, responsibilities, and benefits available to those interested in joining the organization.
Fr. Tria also led the officers' oath-taking ceremony, formally introducing them to their roles and responsibilities and marking the beginning of their service in promoting the association's objectives.
The CEAP, founded in 1941, is the national association of Catholic educational institutions in the Philippines. It has more than 1,525 member schools and 120 Catholic school superintendents. It is a voluntary organization that operates through regional educational associations in the country's 17 regions.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
Latest News
