10 July 2024
Loyola School of Theology, QC, PH
Present at the assembly were 23 members: Rogel Anecito Abais, Rhoneil Arevalo (online), Bienvenido Baisas (online), Anthony Carreon, Moises Jarvis Catan, Veronica Chiari Dy-Liacco (online), Francis Eugene Fadul, Rex Fortes, Randy Flores, Martha Gamolo, Ma. Maricel Ibita, Ma. Marilou Ibita, Wenifredo III Padilla (online), Cristino Pine (online), Den Mark Malabuyoc, Rodel Magin, Clarence Marquez (online), Victor Nicdao, Felipe Fruto Ramirez, Annelle Sabanal (online), Jeffrey Segovia (online), and Niceta Vargas.
1. Call to Order
After the presentation of a prerecorded sharing by Sr. Maria Anicia Co, RVM, titled “Remembering and Envisioning the Future of CBAP: CBAP@25 and Beyond,” and the celebration of the Eucharist presided over by Fr. Rogel Anecito Abais at 4:00 pm, the CBAP members convened. However, it was observed that the group failed to gather a quorum to comply with the SEC requirement for holding an Annual General Assembly. The body agreed to reschedule for September 20-22, 2024, during the Annual Convention in Iloilo City, which also postponed the election of new trustees until September 22, 2024. The current meeting was designated a CBAP Special Assembly, where all reports could be presented, but major decisions would be made in September.
2. President’s Report
Dr. Ma. Maricel Ibita presented her President’s Report, highlighting key developments and activities within the organization:
Bible Interest Groups: CBAP continues to support various groups, including the Old Testament Group, New Testament Group, Biblical Archaeology and Intertestamental Group, and the Bible and Social Engagement Group.
Membership and Engagements: CBAP remains an active member of the Catholic Biblical Federation and engages with the Episcopal Commission for the Biblical Apostolate. CBAP members also participate in international associations such as the European Association of Biblical Studies, Catholic Biblical Association of America, Societas Catholica Theologica Americana, Society of Asian Biblical Studies, and Society of Biblical Literature.
Publications and Online Presence: The proceedings of the CBAP Annual Convention of 2023 have been published in Hapág. A new CBAP website (www.mycbap.org) has been launched, and the Old and New Testament Primers have been reprinted by St. Paul’s Publication.
Membership Participation: Dr. Ibita emphasized the importance of encouraging long-time members to participate in meetings, conventions, and gatherings. She also stressed the need to enhance the "Sustaining Members" or "Affiliate Members" category.
New Members: Six new CBAP members were introduced:
Full Members: Dr. John Paul Bolano, Dr. Veronica Chiari Dy-Liacco, Fr. Lazaro Ervite, OSA, Fr. Rodel Magin, OSA, and Sem. Alvin Maniti
Associate Member: Fr. Maverick Pelayo
Anniversaries and Events: CBAP is currently celebrating its 25th founding anniversary with a three-year series of events. The ALAB-KOH (AdMU’s Lakbay-Aral Biblia Kwan-Laurel Opportunity for Humanities) series of biblical formations will be held in various regions across the country.
Annual Convention: Dr. Ibita invited everyone to the CBAP Annual Convention in Iloilo City, scheduled for September 20-22, 2024.
3. Treasurer’s Report
Fr. Abais presented the Treasurer’s Report, indicating that as of July 10, 2024, CBAP had Php 1,222,581.34 (inclusive of dollars converted into pesos) deposited in the bank. Due to incoming expenditures, the current total cash position was Php 1,203,584.34.
4. Other Matters
The President conveyed pressing matters requiring a collective decision: the setting up of Rules and Regulations on Membership and the possible creation of a CBAP Jubilee Fund, both to be decided in September. Sr. Martha Gamolo, DC, suggested raising funds through art exhibits and selling paintings and emphasized increasing CBAP’s presence by collaborating with other religious and corporate groups in their biblical formations. Fr. Randy Flores, SVD, informed the body about the ongoing joint program of the Society of the Divine Word and the biblical apostolate of the Diocese of Cubao, which held Saturday bible classes for laypersons facilitated by select CBAP members. Fr. Clarence Marquez, OP, moved that the reports of the President and the Treasurer be formally received by the association, seconded by Dr. Ma. Marilou Ibita.
5. Celebration of the 25th Founding Anniversary of the CBAP
In line with the 25th foundation anniversary, a testimonial titled “Remembering CBAP’s Beginnings” was given by Fr. Fruto Ramirez, SJ. He recalled the foundation of the association in 1999 and its first convention in 2020, and enumerated notable biblical scholars invited as keynote speakers over the years. The following were recognized with the Septuagint Award: Sr. Niceta M. Vargas, OSA, Fr. Bienvenido Q. Baisas, OFM, Sr. Ma. Anicia B. Co, RVM, and posthumously, Fr. Martin Pierik, O. Carm. A short prayer was offered for the eternal repose of deceased members, especially Fr. Martin Pierik, O. Carm, and Sr. Mildred G. Estela, AMP. Dr. Maricel Ibita presented written greetings from select biblical scholars who had participated in CBAP Conventions, including Fr. Victor Salanga, SJ, Fr. Francis J. Moloney, SDB, Prof. Amy-Jill Levine, Sr. Dianne Bergant, CSA, Prof. Gale Yee, Prof. Gina Hens Piazza, Fr. Jean-Louis Ska, SJ, Prof. Adele Reinhartz, Prof. Fernando Segovia, and Fr. Reimund Bieringer.
6. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 6:15 pm with the common recitation of “Glory Be.”
From the Minutes taken by:
Fr. Rex Fortes, CM
CBAP Secretary
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