In recognition of his valuable insights and service, Dr Samuel F Macagba III is awarded a
Certificate of Recognition for his meaningful contribution to the conference.

The ConnectEd CatholicEd Conference 2026, titled Walking Together in Mission, was held at Assumption College of Davao through the collaboration of the Davao Association of Catholic Schools, Bayard Philippines, and ConnectED CatholicED. Anchored on the theme Making Synodality Alive in Catholic Education Communities through Formation, Presence, and Mission, the conference gathered Catholic educators and leaders from across the country who share a common conviction that authentic progress in education is not measured by speed or scale alone, but by how faithfully institutions accompany those entrusted to their care. The gathering provided a space for reflection, dialogue, and renewed commitment to a synodal way of being and serving within Catholic education.

Among the distinguished speakers was Dr Samuel F Macagba III, Assistant Principal for Formation of the Xavier University Junior High School. He joined an esteemed panel that included Mr Leo-Martin Angelo Ocampo and Mr Ivan Efreaim Gozum from the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, and Dr Rudelyn Demerin of St Pedro Poveda College of Davao. The conference also fostered meaningful connections within the Jesuit and Catholic education network. During the event, Dr Macagba met Fr Jay Lituanas, President of Bayard Philippines and a fellow Xavier University alumnus, and collaborated with Mr Francis Jim Tuscano of Xavier School San Juan, another member of the Jesuit Basic Education community.

Dr Samuel F Macagba III stands with fellow speakers and conference partners,
reflecting the strength of collaboration among Catholic education leaders.

In his presentation, Dr Macagba offered a rich reflection on formation in its fullest sense, emphasizing that Catholic education is fundamentally about accompaniment. He highlighted the responsibility of educators to journey with learners not only in academic formation, but also in their spiritual, emotional, and moral development, particularly in the context of an increasingly complex digital environment. He described presence as a vital language of love, especially amid the miscommunication and misunderstandings that often characterize contemporary relationships in schools.

Dr Samuel F Macagba III engages participants in a reflection on formation, highlighting
presence and accompaniment as essential to educating the whole person.

Dr Macagba further invited participants to look more compassionately at today’s young people. While acknowledging that they may seem different from earlier generations, he urged educators to recognize that the world they inhabit has become significantly heavier and more demanding. In this light, formation becomes even more essential. He stressed that formation should not be treated as an optional or peripheral aspect of Catholic education, but as a central and defining mission that shapes the future of learners and communities.

Concluding his reflection, Dr Macagba emphasized that authentic formation can only be sustained when educators themselves are cared for and when schools work in genuine collaboration with one another. He reminded participants that formation is a shared mission, carried not only by teachers and administrators, but by all members of the school community, including staff, maintenance, and service personnel. The ConnectEd CatholicEd Conference 2026 thus served as a timely affirmation of Xavier University’s commitment to formation, presence, and mission, as it continues to walk together with the wider Catholic education community in hope and discernment.

Participants from various Catholic schools come together at the ConnectEd CatholicEdConference 2026,
journeying as one community in the spirit of synodality and shared mission