CBAP on the Hill: Nation’s Biblical Scholars Convene in Baguio for 26th Annual Conference

The Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines (CBAP), the country’s professional organization of Catholic biblical exegetes, theologians, and professors, will hold its 26th Annual Conference from July 18 to 20, 2025, at the scenic Mirador Jesuit Villa and Retreat House in Baguio City. Nestled atop a hill, this renowned retreat venue sets the stage for CBAP’s annual scholarly gathering.

Some of the members of the board at their meeting at the ELIM house

View from Mirador Hill

This year’s conference brings together keynote speakers, paper presenters, and participants from across the Philippines and beyond—affirming CBAP’s enduring commitment to advance biblical scholarship and promote theological research.

The event opens on Friday, July 18, with a courtesy call to Most Rev. Rafael Cruz, DD, Bishop of Baguio, followed by registration and the Opening Liturgy. That evening, Rev. Dr. Kris Sonek, OP, of the Catholic Theological College, University of Divinity in Melbourne, will deliver the keynote address, titled:

“The Case of Genesis 23, Jewish Sages, and John Chrysostom: What Can Modern Exegetes Learn from Ancient Masters?”

This will be followed by an open forum and the official opening of elections for the new CBAP Board of Trustees.

On Saturday, July 19, Sr. Miriam Alejandrino, OSB, of the Saint Alphonsus Mission Institute in Davao City, will give the second keynote address:

“A Synodal Journey with Biblical Women as Pilgrims of Hope for the Kingdom of God”—reflecting on the biblical roles of Deborah, Ruth, the Samaritan Woman, and Mary Magdalene.

The day will also feature plenary papers from:

• Dr. Annelle Sabanal (Ateneo de Manila University) – “Revisiting the Old Testament Jubilee Tradition”

• Fr. Randy Flores, SVD (Divine Word School of Theology) – “The Ethical Dimension of Hope in the Book of Wisdom”

• Fr. Rex Fortes, CM – “Putting Hope in Our Own Hands? An Exploration of Jesus’ Action in the Temple vis-à-vis the Question on the Church’s Radical Involvement in Social Transformation”

Scholarly parallel sessions throughout the weekend will feature the following presenters:

• Fr. Valentinus Bayuhadi, OP – Jesus’ Exorcism in the Second Gospel: Proof of Fulfilment of God’s Promise

• Fr. Rogel Magin, OSA – “Ecce Homo” (John 19:5): A Johannine Proclamation of Hope in God’s Promises

• Fr. Jeffrey Segovia – Ἀντιλήμψεις as the ‘Spiritual Gift of Helps’ (1 Cor 12:28): An Ecclesiological Recontextualization in the Pananábangan of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan

• Ted Patrick Tuvera – “Visions in the Night”: A Narrative Exposition of Dreams in the Old Testament as Divine and Human Expressions of Hope

• Fr. Peter Tran Vu, SVD – When “Hope” is a Verb: A Study of Communal Hope in Isaiah 59

• Fr. Arthus Fojas – Unexpected Grace and Hope to the Outsiders: Enter the Foreigners and the Eunuchs (Isa 56:1–8)

• Rhoneil Arevalo – Between Lament and Joy, There is Hope: Tracing the Psalmist’s Mood Shifts in Psalm 13 and Its Implications for the Faith of a Cancer-Stricken Family

• Miguel Javier Galvez – “Behold, Here I Am!” (Gen 22:1) as a Verbalization of Trust and Hope

Other highlights include the CBAP Business Meeting, the celebration of the anticipated Sunday Eucharist, and interest group discussions.

The conference concludes on Sunday, July 20, with the final parallel sessions, followed by a special closing panel featuring informal discussions with Dr. Kris Sonek and sharing from participants engaged in biblical apostolates and ministries.

📌 Registration Information

Please use this Google Form to register. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

💰 Convention FeeI - Inclusive of full board and lodging, and convention materials

• PhP 5,500 – Single room occupancy

• PhP 5,100 – Shared room / Dormitory

🧾 CBAP Annual Membership Dues

• PhP 2,000 – Full Members

• PhP 1,500 – Associate Members

You may course your payment through: METROBANK (Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company)

• Account name: Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines

• Account number: 093-3-09351607-0

• Swift code: MBTCPHMMPlease notify us of your transaction accordingly.

📧 For inquiries:

• General queries: cbap1999@gmail.com

• Reservation concerns: Bing Kasilag – 0933 430 5017

• Payment concerns: Lina Cereno – 0917 832 7145

• You may also message Fr. Randy Flores, SVD – 0995 580 4520