A study that investigated the current state of catechetical ministry in the Philippines from the perspectives of Filipino catechists and catechetical leaders was presented by Dr. Clarence Batan during the 117th CBCP Plenary assembly at Pope Pius Center XII UN Avenue, Manila.
A commissioned research of the Catholic Bishops鈥� Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) 鈥� Episcopal commission on Catechesis and Catholic Education (ECCCE) to the University of Santo Tomas鈥� (UST) Research Center for Social Sciences and Education (RCSSED), the study gathered about 25, 905 surveyed catechists and 303 catechetical leaders validated for analysis. This is a National Catechetical Study that covers the years 2016 to 2018.
The presentation highlighted the value and importance of the catechetical ministry and its catechist, even more now when the faith is being attacked. As given emphasis to the Bishops during the presentation, 鈥淜ayamanan ng Simbahan ang mga Katekista鈥�. The UST NCS Research Team had presented the national catechetical study on the state of catechetical leaders and the comparative report between national results and each of the dioceses during the archdiocese/diocese catechetical annual assembly in each of the different areas namely, Tuguegarao, Balanga, Davao (Davao, Digos, Tagum, and Mati), and Caceres. Likewise, this was presented during the 18 th Annual Meeting of Catechetical Ministers and the Philippines Conference on New Evangelization (PCNE) 5. The assembly was attended by thousands of catechists and catechetical directors/coordinators.
The Research team, which is composed of Clarence M. Batan, Ph.D. (Project Leader); co-lead Joan Christi S. Trocio-Bagaipo, Ph.D. (co-leader); Florence C. Navidad, Ed.D. (co-leader); Ma. Cecilia L. Balajadia, (researcher); Louell V. Baldoza (researcher); Dennis Ian B. Sy (researcher); Joanne C. Santiago (research assistant); and Arthur Ace B. Malatag (research assistant). With seven project consultants namely, His Excellency Most. Rev. Roberto Mallari, D.D. (CBCP-ECCCE Chair); Sr. Ma. Jesusa Enginco, O.P.; Msgr. Gerardo Santos; Fr. Renato de Guzman, S.D.B.; Fr. Salvatore Putzu, S.D.B.; and, Dr. Linda Tacord, the research team still has an upcoming series of presentations of the national catechetical state as compared to their ecclesiastical territories such as Manila and Sorsogon.
