Holy Name University is privileged to host the National Conference of the Association of Catholic Universities of the Philippines (ACUP) on January 21-22, 2016.

With the theme, “Laudato Si: The Pope’s Encyclical on the Care for our Common Home and the Response of Catholic Universities,” this year’s event will gather Presidents, Administrators, Deans, Educators, and students of Catholic Universities in the Philippines to reflect, discuss, and interact with one another on issues and concerns about the care for the environment.

The first day will kick off with the Opening of Exhibits Showcasing a Gallery of Best Practices for the Care of the Environment at the Bohol Tropics Resort.

During the opening preliminaries, Holy Name University President, Rev. Fr. Francisco T. Estepa, SVD will give his Opening Remarks, while Rev. Fr. Gregorio L. Bañaga Jr., CM, President of the Association of Catholic Universities of the Philippines (ACUP) and President of Adamson University will deliver his message.

Archbishop Socrates Villegas, DD, Archbishop of the Diocese of Lingayen-Dagupan and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines will deliver his Keynote Address,Laudato Si: The Pope’s Encyclical on the Care for the Environment and the Response of Catholic Universities.

After the Keynote Address will be a panel discussion that will feature sharing of Best Practices on the Care for the Environment. The activity will involve different speakers who will share their ideas to the participants.

The first speaker is a representative from University of La Salette and Aquinas University representing Luzon. The second speaker is a representative from University of San Agustin and St. Paul University Dumaguete representing Visayas. And the third speaker is a representative of Fr. SaturninoUrios University and University of Immaculate Concepcion representing Mindanao area.

Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., Director, PhilVolcs and Fr. John Leydon, MSSC, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Remedies Parish, Malate, Manila will talk on “The State of the Philippine Environment.”

Opportunities to share in small groups will be provided for participants during the concurrent sessions on Multi-sectoral initiatives on the Care for the Environment. Included in the roster of speakers are: Ms. Gina Lopez, Managing Director, ABS-CBN Foundation (NGO); Secretary Mary Ann Lucille L. Sering, Climate Change Commission (Government); Rev. Fr. Benny Tuazon, Ecology Desk Archdiocese of Manila (Church); Ms. Hyacinth Suarez, Faculty, Holy Name University (Academe); and Dr. Carlos Primo C. David, Overall Head, GMA News and Public Affairs I Am Ready Program (Media).

The Eucharistic Celebration and the Dinner and Cultural Presentation will be the culminating activities of Day one.

The activities of the second day will include: the Eucharistic Celebration, Synthesis of Day one, Simultaneous Tree Planting, Workshops, Presentation of Workshop Outputs, Pledge of Commitment and the Closing Ceremonies.

ACUP is a non-profit organization that initiates university-level policies and programs. It is affiliated as an Associate Member of the International Federation of Catholic Universities.