Registration Is Now Open! 27th Annual Convention of the Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines (CBAP)

The Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines (CBAP) is pleased to announce that registration is now open for its 27th Annual Convention, which will be held on 18–20 September 2026 (Friday–Sunday) at the PBS Tower, UN Avenue, Malate, Manila.

This year's convention carries the theme, "Beat Swords into Plowshares, Be Peacemakers" (cf. Isaiah 2:4; Matthew 5:9), with the subtitle "The Word in a World at War."

 Against the backdrop of a world marked by violence, conflict, and division, the convention seeks to reflect on the enduring power of Sacred Scripture to inspire reconciliation, justice, and peace. Through biblical scholarship and pastoral reflection, participants will explore how the Word of God continues to challenge and guide the Church in responding faithfully to the pressing realities of our time.

The annual CBAP Convention brings together CBAP members, biblical scholars, theology professors, researchers, students of Sacred Scripture, pastoral workers, clergy, religious, seminarians, and lay faithful from across the country. Over the course of three days, participants will engage in keynote addresses, plenary lectures, and scholarly paper presentations that examine the biblical, theological, historical, and pastoral dimensions of the convention theme while fostering dialogue, academic exchange, prayer, and fellowship.

The keynote speakers for this year's gathering are His Eminence Cardinal Pablo Virgilio S. David, Bishop of Kalookan, and Rev. Fr. Selva Rathinam, SJ, of the Loyola School of Theology. Their presentations, together with the contributions of other scholars and presenters, promise to enrich the convention's exploration of Scripture and its relevance to contemporary society.

A limited number of non-CBAP members are welcome to participate as observers, including pastoral workers, religious, and seminarians. Interested participants are requested to complete the online registration form, submit a letter of endorsement from their parish priest, religious superior, school director, or seminary rector, and pay the corresponding convention fee. In addition, a limited number of seminarians may apply for a partial registration subsidy, subject to the availability of funds.

Registration may be completed through the official online registration form:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FAIpQLSfOgxPCx8xiJj.../viewform

For reservations, inquiries, and payments, participants may contact Sem. Neil Peña at 0921 837 5825 (GCash) or Sem. Sean Churchill Zaluaga at 0916 460 3386 (GCash).

General inquiries may also be directed to cbap1999@gmail.com or to Rev. Fr. Randolf C. Flores, SVD, Executive Director of the Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines.

The CBAP warmly invites all who desire a deeper understanding of God's Word to participate in this important national gathering. As the Church continues to proclaim the Gospel in a world longing for healing and reconciliation, the 27th Annual Convention offers a unique opportunity to listen anew to the Scriptures, engage with leading biblical scholars, and strengthen the shared mission of making the Word of God a living source of hope, wisdom, and peace.