DaDiTaMa Meeting Calls Church to Listen, Discern, and Walk Together

The 3rd Quarterly DaDiTaMa Meeting gathered clergy, leaders, and representatives from the dioceses of Davao, Digos, Tagum, and Mati for a two-day encounter of prayer, dialogue, learning, and discernment, strengthening their shared commitment to the mission of the local Church. The Diocese of Mati graciously hosted the said gathering that took place last September 2-3, 2026.

The gathering was graced by the presence of Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao; Most Rev. Medil S. Aseo, D.D., Bishop of Tagum; and Most Rev. Abel C. Apigo, D.D., Bishop of Mati, together with clergy and delegates from the four dioceses.

In the afternoon, Mr. Orle Cabaobao, CESO V, Provincial Director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Davao Oriental, delivered a presentation on the structure, mandate, and role of the DILG in the lives of Filipino citizens. He was introduced by Rev. Fr. Glenn Dave Felizardo, DCM.

Cabaobao explained the role of Local Government Units (LGUs) and emphasized the responsibility of citizens to participate actively and responsibly in governance. He particularly highlighted the importance of the Church’s participation in the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections, encouraging the participants to promote responsible citizenship and good governance at the grassroots level.

His presentation concluded with the thought-provoking statement, “Hindi lahat ng matino ay mahusay. Hindi lahat ng mahusay ay matino,” emphasizing the need for wisdom and discernment in recognizing leaders who possess not only integrity but also the competence and capacity to serve.

The discussion continued through a Conversation in the Spirit, where participants reflected on the presentation through three questions: what struck them most about the discussion on barangay elections, what resonated with them from the sharing of others, and what steps the Holy Spirit is calling them to take together. Through small-group conversations, participants were given space to listen to one another, exchange insights, and discern possible responses as a Church community.

The first day also had the celebration of the Holy Mass held at San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral, and was presided over by Most. Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao, bringing the participants together in faith. The Eucharistic celebration served as a spiritual foundation for the gathering, reminding the delegates that their work in the Church and their engagement with society are rooted in communion and service.

The second day deepened the gathering’s reflection on synodal leadership and the Church’s mission of accompanying people and communities. The day began with Morning Prayer and the celebration of the Holy Mass at the San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral, presided over by Most Rev. Abel C. Apigo, D.D. The Eucharistic celebration became another moment of communion among the delegates, with the presence of brother priests, religious, and visiting faithful adding to the spirit of unity and fellowship.

The succeeding discussions revisited the experiences of the different dioceses and highlighted the importance of creating Church communities where people are heard, protected, cared for, and accompanied. Across the sharing, a common message emerged: the Church becomes stronger when no voice is left unheard.

The proposed Coalition for Ecosystem-Based Sustainability (COEBS) was also presented as a significant initiative that seeks to bring together the Church, academe, communities, and other sectors in protecting ecosystems and biodiversity. Envisioned as a broader movement across the Davao Region through DaDiTaMa, the coalition aims to promote sustainability, environmental responsibility, and inclusive participation in caring for creation.

Archbishop Valles stressed the Church’s responsibility to speak responsibly for the good of the people, while Bishop Medil emphasized the importance of expressing environmental advocacy in a respectful and Gospel-centered manner. Reflections from the Sulong-Padayon journey likewise underscored the importance of listening and making discernment a shared responsibility.

As the gathering concluded, the bishops expressed their appreciation to the participants and to everyone who contributed to the successful conduct of the meeting. Rev. Fr. Uldarico Toroba Jr., DCM, delivered the closing remarks, followed by a closing prayer led by Rev. Fr. Erick Parantar, DCD.

The two-day gathering ultimately became a renewed invitation for the Church to listen before acting, discern before deciding, and walk together in responding to the realities and needs of the people.

Padayon sa paglakaw nga magkahiusa. (Photos: The Roman Catholic Diocese of Mati)