SATMI Formally Inaugurated as Ecclesiastical Higher Education Institution in Davao City

Davao City — February 23, 2026, A formal inauguration for the St. Alphonsus Theological and Mission Institute (SATMI) was held on February 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish in Bajada, Davao City. The inauguration and Holy Eucharist were presided over by His Excellency, Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., formally marking SATMI’s establishment as an ecclesiastical institution of higher education under the auspices of the Holy See and as an affiliate of the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas (UST).

Decree from the Holy See Presented

During the ceremony, Rev. Fr. Cecilio Vladimir E. Magboo, O.P., S.Th.D., the official delegate of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), read the decree from the Holy See formally recognizing SATMI’s ecclesiastical status. He then presented the decree to Rev. Fr. Edilberto Cepe, C.Ss.R., Moderator of SATMI, in the presence of Rev. Fr. Neil J. Badillo, O.F.M., Director, and Dr. Sergio Opeña, Ph.D., Assistant Director of SATMI. Fr. Cepe subsequently presented the decree to Archbishop Valles.

Church and Academic Leaders Attend Milestone Event

The event gathered diocesan and religious clergy, partner congregations, religious sisters, professors, alumni, benefactors, staff, students, and representatives from partner institutions. Notable attendees included Rev. Fr. Karel S. San Juan, S.J., President of Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU); Rev. Fr. Antonio M. Basilio, S.J., AdDU Vice President for Higher Education; Rev. Fr. Leo Armada, C.Ss.R., Rector of the Davao Redemptorist Mission Community; and Dr. Blaise D. Ringor, Ph.D., Academic Collaborations Officer of the UST Ecclesiastical Faculties.

Archbishop Valles Delivers Homily

Archbishop Valles outlined, in his homily, three core directions for SATMI’s mission in Catholic education: 1. Faith Seeking Understanding (Academic): The institute must actively seek to understand faith deeply, addressing present-day issues like corruption and giving voice to the realities of the Filipino people. 2. Theology in Solidarity (Ecclesiastical): The Church invites SATMI and UST to develop a contextualized Asian theology in solidarity with the suffering and neglected, giving authentic expression to the Gospel in the region. 3. Action and Salvation (Salvific): Ultimately, our salvation hinges not on theological theory alone, but on how our theology compels us to act with compassion and justice towards the most vulnerable, recognizing Christ in them.

Academic Programs Offered by SATMI

SATMI officials described the inauguration as a significant milestone for Catholic higher education in Mindanao. The institute currently offers the following programs: 1. Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology (STB): An ecclesiastical degree offered through canonical affiliation with the Pontifical Faculty of Theology of UST (Manila). 2. Master of Arts in Theology, major in Pastoral Ministry (PASMI): A civil degree conferred through its partnership with Ateneo de Davao University, designed to prepare students for pastoral leadership by integrating theological studies with practical ministry. 3. Master of Arts in Theology, major in Religious Education (MATRE): A civil degree, also offered through its partnership with Ateneo de Davao University, focusing on religious education, catechesis, and faith formation.

A New Chapter for Catholic Formation and Mission in Mindanao

Supported by the Redemptorists, religious and diocesan leaderships, and academic partners, SATMI’s inauguration represents a strengthened commitment to faith-based scholarship and missionary formation in Asia-Oceania and in the local region. As SATMI embarks on this new chapter, the institution aims to integrate faith and reason, address contemporary human realities, and deepen the Church’s mission to those on the margins, forming principled and thoughtful missionaries for service in Mindanao and beyond. (Rev. Fr Neil J. Badillo, OFM)