CPSP-Philippines gathered for its First Plenary on June 8-9, 2025. It was a wonderful event— held at Sitio Lucia Garden Resort Hotel in Santa Maria, Bulacan.

We had 33 participants, drawn from six (6) different training centers. We had two guest speakers. Dr. Paul Javines spoke on two topics— struggles, such as loneliness and burnout, in chaplaincy, and a comparison of chaplaincy as it is commonly practiced in the US versus the Philippines. Dr. Doug Dickens spoke on the use of self in pastoral care. Additionally, Dr. Bob Munson spoke of key events in the history of the Clinical Pastoral Movement— most notably, this year marking the 100th year of CPE worldwide, as well as the 60th year of CPE in the Philippines.

Additionally, we had question and answer time with our guest speakers, case presentations, chapter formation, and time to socialize and join together with good food.

We are grateful to the Sitio Lucia Resort Hotel and its staff for taking good care of us, as well as Chaplain Renato Eustaquio and members of The Chaplains Office for hosting us. We are, also of course, thankful to Doc Doug and Doc Paul (with wife Helen) in joining us for this important event. They were key in making it a valuable event.

Also congratulations to members who recently passed certification boards.

-Fhey Kindipan-Coyoy Board Certified Clinical Chaplain

-Ninkarb Seth Joejoe Board Certified Clinical Chaplain

-Wanee Salayon Diplomate in Pastoral Supervision

-Carmel Villar Diplomate in Pastoral Supervision