By Samuel F Macagba III, PhD
Smiles, spirit, and solidarity. Key administrators of all 12 Jesuit schools in the Philippines share
moments of joy at Xavier University Basic Education for JBEC Principals’ Meeting.
Photo from Earl Judd Sullano.
Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan Basic Education opened its doors to administrators from twelve Jesuit schools across the country for the Jesuit Basic Education Commission (JBEC) Principals’ Meeting. The gathering, which began on Sunday, 21 September 2025, radiated a spirit of hospitality and communion as it welcomed participants with moving performances, heartfelt greetings, and the promise of meaningful exchange.
The opening program showcased the vibrancy of Xavier University’s community through cultural and musical expressions. The ALGCIT Scholars impressed with a lively performance, followed by the refined melodies of the Xavier University Junior Strings Club. The evening reached a high point with the breathtaking Siraj Junior High School cultural performance, capped by the heartfelt song rendition of Mr Mark Tactacon, a guidance associate of the Junior High School. The warmth of the welcome reflected the unity and openness that would carry the participants through the days ahead.
Xavier University University President, Fr Mars Tan SJ, leads the welcoming
program and dinner for the JBEC participants.
Photo from Earl Judd Sullano.
Day One officially began on 22 September with the opening message from JBEC Chair, Fr Joseph Haw, SJ, who invited the community to “hear the Spirit where it is leading us.” He encouraged the principals and administrators to remain attentive to how God calls them to collaborate and respond to the needs of their schools. This was followed by a kamustahan session, where participants traced their personal whys and shared aspirations that continue to fuel their commitment to Jesuit education.
Xavier Ateneo ALGCIT scholars and Siraj JHS performers celebrate heritage, identity,
and community through a spirited Kaamulan Festival dance at JBEC 2025.
Photo from Earl Judd Sullano.
The first keynote was delivered by Dr Karol Mark Yee of EDCOM II, who challenged the group with his talk Fixing the Foundations of Philippine Education. He underlined the sobering reality that many of the system’s problems have persisted since the 1990s. Among the issues he cited were the weak foundations of functional literacy, the lack of coherence between government agencies, and the alarming state of children’s nutrition and cognitive development. Disturbing statistics revealed that 60 percent of teachers are not teaching within their area of preparation, while Filipino children, regardless of economic class, continue to suffer from stunting and malnutrition. He also pointed to the gravity of violence and bullying in schools, noting that the Philippines records double the global average.
With conviction, he urged the participants: “Puntahan natin ang laylayan, hanapin natin sila! May data naman tayo para makita sila! Tukuyin, hanapin, at tutukan natin sila.” From this challenging keynote, participants were invited to reflect in small groups and explore how Jesuit schools can contribute to strengthening the nation’s educational foundations while holding fast to Ignatian values.
The second keynote, delivered by Fr Daniel Huang, SJ, currently serving in Rome, shifted the lens to faith formation with his talk Sharing the Gift of Faith in a Pluralistic Age. Fr Huang described the changes in faith and culture, noting the decline of religious vocations, the growing attraction to alternative spiritual practices, and the waning trust in institutions. He explained that we live in a post-Christendom era, marked by shifts from center to margin, privilege to plurality, control to contribution, and settlers to exile. Within this cultural landscape, evangelization must draw from Ignatian roots: accompaniment, freedom to respond to God, and the transformative power of personal encounter. He reminded participants that the core of mission remains love—the love for students whose full flourishing we desire, and the love for the world to which we are sent.
Day Two opens with Dr Karol Mark Yee of EDCOM II highlighting key challenges in education and Ms Sailyn Guarin
sharing moving stories from Mindanao, calling participants to reflect on Jesuit school encounters today.
Photo from Earl Judd Sullano.
Day Two began with the sharing of Ms Sailyn Guarin, who has dedicated her life to social apostolate work in Mindanao. Through stories of young leaders from indigenous communities, she invited participants to reimagine their approach to mission by creating spaces of genuine encounter. Education, she emphasized, must never remain abstract but should always be grounded in lived realities, shaping persons of conscience and compassion. Her words moved the gathering to reflect on what kind of encounters Jesuit schools are offering their students today.
The business meeting followed, facilitated by Fr Haw, SJ, with discussions centering on collaborative directions for the network. One highlight was the announcement that Ateneo de Davao University will host the next JBEC Principals’ Meeting in September 2026.
As the three-day meeting ended, participants carried with them a renewed sense of mission. The exchanges were not simply a series of reports or lectures but encounters of hearts and minds. The gathering affirmed that while the challenges in education and faith are immense, Jesuit schools continue to walk together, listening to the Spirit and daring to respond with courage and hope.
For Xavier University, serving as host of this year’s JBEC Principals’ Meeting was a profound privilege. The community took pride in offering warm hospitality, showcasing its vibrant culture, and creating meaningful spaces of dialogue. The success of the event reflected not only the careful preparation of the Basic Education Cluster but also its enduring commitment to the Jesuit mission. Truly, the Xavier University community feels blessed and fulfilled to have sponsored a gathering that deepened bonds, inspired new directions, and celebrated the shared vision of forming young people in faith, excellence, and service.
Warm smiles and Ignatian hospitality—Xavier University Basic Education leaders host the JBEC 2025 Principals’ Meeting.
Photo from Earl Judd Sullano.