The University of San Carlos was one of the Cebu-based organizers of the 2023 Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) National Convention held on October 17-20, 2023, at the Cebu Waterfront Hotel in Lahug, Cebu City. 

Founded in 1941, CEAP is the national association of Catholic education institutions in the Philippines. To date, it has an approximate number of 1,500 member schools nationwide. 

This year’s theme, “Pilgrims of Hope: Exploring Pathways to Synodality,” gathered more than 3,400 delegates from all over the Philippines, encouraging participants to build connections and exchange insights into the current and future landscape of Catholic education. 

Various delegates, superintendents, and school heads participated in several discussions and conversations during the four-day event. The CEAP Board of Trustees also recognized universities that celebrated their 25th, 50th, 75th, and 100th founding anniversaries. 

The event ended with a eucharistic celebration presided by the Most Reverend Fr. Charles Brown, D.D., the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines. Most Rev. Brown reminded the Catholic schools to see Christ in every child and to pave the way for a Christ-centered education. 

“We need to have the child, the student, [in] the center of what we do. That’s the way we can overcome these problems in a synodal fashion. We need to see Christ in every child,” he shared. 

As one of the main organizers, USC handled the program implementation (stage and physical arrangements), as well as the medical and food committees. The University also took charge of health and disaster management, ensuring that the national conference was a success.