In first ever, a woman religious to lead the Catholic Education Association
Sister Marissa Viri elected president of CEAP during a conference, held online due to the pandemic. Her swearing in scheduled for tomorrow, in a closed-door ceremony. Founded in 1941 and with 1524 connected schools, CEAP is one of the most important institutions in the field of education, Catholic and otherwise.
Manila (AsiaNews) - For the first time in its history, a woman has been called to lead the Catholic Education Association of the Philippines (CEAP), the largest organization of Catholic schools in the country - between primary and secondary, colleges and universities - with over 1500 institutions.
In recent days, in a "virtual" congress held remotely due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the board of directors elected Sister Marissa Viri (pictured), belonging to the Congregation of the Religious of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as president.
Up to now Sister Viri has held the position of CEAP vice-president and will take the place of Fr. Elmer Dizon, from the archdiocese of San Fernando, who has headed the institution since September last year. The nun, who has long been active in the field of education, is also the current president of the University of the Immaculate Conception in Davao.
According to CbcpNews, the swearing in ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow, in the context of a closed-door event to avert the danger of contagions from the new coronavirus.
The council called Fr. Thadeu Enrique Balongag, CEAP trustee of the Negros Islands, while the general secretary will be Fr. Gilbert Sales and the (confirmed) treasurer is Fr. Albert Delvo, both with additional positions within the Catholic educational institution.
CEAP is a national association of Catholic educational institutions in the Philippines founded in 1941. It now has more than 1,524 member-schools. It is a voluntary organization which operates through regional educational associations located in the 17 regions of the country. The CEAP represents the interests of Catholic educational institutions in national and international fora; fosters unity of action with other organizations in educational matters; and assists members, particularly those in mission areas to achieve common and specific aims.
The CEAP is commissioned to advance and promote the teaching function of the Catholic Church. It contributes towards the attainment of the objective “the total development of the human person,” through a Catholic orientation in accordance with the norms of the Church, consistent with national development goals as expressed in the Philippine Constitution. The CEAP promotes religious instruction as an essential element of Catholic education, thereby contributing towards character formation and citizenship building.
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