Posted on by Joseph Renor Obrino

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October 30, 2024- Northwest Samar State University and the Diocese of Calbayog have forged a new partnership to conduct research on the state of Catholic Christianity in the Philippines. The collaboration aims at enhancing pastoral initiatives through rigorous research, focusing on the Church’s current role in society.

Most Rev. Isabelo C. Abarquez, DD, Bishop of Calbayog, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are envisioning a church with programs that are research-based. We are filled with zeal to work with NwSSU. I arrived in Calbayog when this was still TTMIST. I have seen the growth of this university.”

The diocese’s project, titled “Catholic Christianity in the Philippines Study (CCPS),” seeks to investigate various dimensions of the Church, emphasizing communion, participation, and mission. The study aims to illuminate both the strengths and challenges faced by the Catholic Church in modern society, exploring how it navigates issues of unity and engagement.

 

Under the agreement, NwSSU’s Office of Extension Services will provide vital technical support and resources for the diocese’s pastoral programs, including the ongoing CCPS research. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to understanding and improving the role of the Catholic Church in the community.
 
The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by Bishop Abarquez and NwSSU President Benjamin L. Pecayo in the presence of Rev. Fr. Jonathan B. Alamin, Head of Calbayog Diocesan Research Team and Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz, NwSSU VP for Research, Innovation, and Extension. Also present for the Diocese of Calbayog were Sr. Lucia Arana, Mr. Aron Macalalad, Diocesan Research Technical Team Representative; Mr. Renz Lejas; and Ms. Lovely Mae Arabejo, while for NwSSU were Mr. Ian D. Becoñado, Mr. Avin Carl V. Cruzada, Mr. Jake B. Calagos, Mrs. Ma. Gemma L. Tapel, and Mr. Niel Darryl G. Branzuela.
 
This partnership signifies a strategic move towards fostering collaboration between academic institutions and religious organizations, aiming to address the evolving needs of the Church in the Philippines while contributing to scholarly research in the field. With this agreement, both NwSSU and the Diocese of Calbayog look forward to advancing their mutual goals.