By Mikee Natinga Norico

Rev. Dr. Bernabe C. Pagara, Dean of the CPU College of Theology, joins pastors, theologians, faculty, alumni, and guests for a group photo after the successful conclusion of the Ancheta Seminar Lecture III.

With deep reflection, shared learning, and a call to transformative leadership, the Central Philippine University College of Theology (CPU-COT) hosted the Ancheta Seminar Lecture III on July 7–8, 2025. This year’s theme, “Leadership for Such a Time as This: Mission, Formation, and Justice,” brought together pastors, theologians, faculty, alumni, and guests for a meaningful two-day event dedicated to the legacy of Rev. Dr. Juan F. Ancheta.

The program commenced on the morning of July 7 with the Ancheta Public Lecture. Participants were welcomed during registration, followed by a brief introduction to the lecture by Prof. Rea Angelica F. Villeza. She emphasized that the Ancheta Seminar-Lecture is more than an academic event—it is a gift and a continuing legacy of Rev. Dr. Juan F. Ancheta, an esteemed CPU alumnus and tireless advocate for pastoral formation. Prof. Villeza explained that the three-year curriculum, which began in 2023, has been a journey of transformation, aiming to empower pastors in Negros and Panay Islands with deeper theological grounding, enhanced ministerial tools, and strengthened leadership capacities. This year’s installment marked the culmination of that program.

On July 7, Rev. Dr. Lester Edwin J. Ruiz, resource speaker, delivers the Ancheta Public Lecture on “Sharing Life, Learning, and Living with Dignity” during the opening of the Seminar Lecture III.

The opening ceremony continued with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and an invocation led by Rev. Dr. Nizza Joy Santiago.

Rev. Dr. Bernabe C. Pagara, Dean of the CPU College of Theology, delivered a warm welcome, honoring the legacy of Rev. Dr. Juan F. Ancheta as a faithful pastor, educator, and visionary leader. He acknowledged the unwavering support of the Ancheta and Carnaje families and welcomed esteemed guests, including Rev. Dr. Lester Edwin J. Ruiz, the resource speaker, and Rev. Dr. Limuel Equina, Executive Director of ATESEA. Rev. Dr. Pagara concluded by invoking the enduring spirit of Rev. Dr. Ancheta—his faith, wisdom, and commitment to transformative theological reflection—as a guiding light for the community’s continued journey of faith and service.

Representing the Ancheta family, Prof. Esther Carnaje shared heartfelt words, describing the lecture series as her brother-in-law’s final offering to the ministry—a program rooted in the spiritual formation of character and vocation. She praised the 25 pastoral participants who faithfully journeyed through the program and expressed her gratitude to the College of Theology faculty, Dr. Pagara, and Dr. Ruiz for their dedication. She closed with an invitation to continue fellowship over lunch at the Ancheta Building.

On July 7, Prof. Esther Carnaje, representing the Ancheta family, shares heartfelt reflections on the legacy of Rev. Dr. Juan F. Ancheta during the opening program of the Seminar Lecture III at the Educational Media Center Conference Room.

The morning’s highlight was the public lecture by Rev. Dr. Lester Edwin J. Ruiz, who offered a powerful message on “Sharing Life, Learning, and Living with Dignity.” He explored five key areas: the philosophy, perspective, values, practice, and shared nature of leadership. Dr. Ruiz stressed that dignity and leadership must travel together through all dimensions of human experience—from sorrow to joy and from injustice to hope. He reminded attendees that leadership is not about status or metrics, but about shared responsibility, deep listening, and faithful presence. “Excellence,” he noted, “is not elitism—it’s faithfulness.”

“Real leadership must make space for the full range of what it means to be human. But more than that, leadership is always a choice—a choice to lead in a way that is not only strong but also tender, not only courageous but also gracious, not only wise and just, but also loving—and yes, uncompromising when it matters most. Leadership is not a solo act. It is a shared journey—a way of bearing one another’s burdens, of amplifying one another’s gifts, of discerning together the call of God in our midst,” Rev. Dr. Ruiz said.

In the afternoon, the program continued with Ancheta Workshop III, introducing participants to the case study method. Attendees engaged in small group discussions, reflecting on real-life ministerial challenges and applying insights from the three-year formation journey. The evening concluded with dinner and optional group meetings to finalize case reports.

On July 8, the final day of the seminar featured group presentations, plenary discussions, and a summative response. Each group was allotted 30 minutes to share their insights. The event concluded with a worship service, acknowledgments, and the awarding of certificates to those who completed the program.

The Ancheta Lecture Series stands as a testament to the enduring impact of Rev. Dr. Juan F. Ancheta’s vision for ministry and education. As the seminar lecture concludes, the CPU College of Theology remains committed to advancing theological reflection and leadership formation that is relevant, responsive, and rooted in justice, mission, and dignity.