SATMI Formally Inaugurated as Ecclesiastical Higher Education Institution in Davao City
Davao City — February 23, 2026
The St. Alphonsus Theological and Mission Institute (SATMI) was formally inaugurated 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 Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, D.D., marking SATMI’s official establishment as an ecclesiastical higher education institution under the auspices of the Holy See and 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 UST, read the Decree from the Holy See formally recognizing SATMI’s ecclesiastical status. The decree was then presented to Rev. Fr. Edilberto Cepe, C.Ss.R., SATMI’s Moderator, in the presence of Rev. Fr. Neil J. Badillo, O.F.M., Director, and Dr. Sergio Opeña, Ph.D., Assistant Director of SATMI.
Church and Academic Leaders Attend Milestone Event
The event was attended by diocesan and religious clergy, partner congregations, religious sisters, professors, alumni, benefactors, staff, and students, as well as representatives from partner institutions. Among those present were 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 at the UST Ecclesiastical Faculties.
Archbishop Valles Delivers Homily
Archbishop Valles delivered a homily outlining key 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 in 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 in 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.
(By: Fr. Neil J. Badillo, OFM, S.Th.D)
