APAC Elects New Leaders for Triennial Term 2024-2027

On October 23, 2024, the Asia-Pacific Augustinian Conference (APAC) elected as its new President Very Rev. Fr. Andrew P. Batayola, OSA, and Mo. Eden Gicana, OSA as Vice President who will both serve the Convention for the next three years. They succeed Rev. Fr. Andres D. Rivera Jr., OSA, from the Augustinian Province of Santo Niño de Cebu-Philippines who served as president from 2021-2024, and Sr. Cynthia Camuta, AR, a member of the Augustinian Recollect Sisters who served as vice president.

The election took place during the third and last day of the 15th Triennial APAC Convention in Hsiang Shan Pastoral Center in Hsinchu City, Taiwan with the election done through the casting of ballots.

Fr. Batayola is the present Prior Provincial of the Augustinian Province of Santo Nino de Cebu-Philippines, while Mo. Gicana is the current Mother General of the Augustinian Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation.

The other list of officers, who were appointed by the new President, are as follows:

  • Secretary: Sr. Cynthia Camuta, AR
  • Treasurer: Fr. John Ion Miranda, OSA

Commission Heads:

  • Formation – Fr. James Castelo, OAR
  • Education – Sr. Flolyn Catungal, OSA
  • Vocation and Youth – Fr. Anthony Acupan, OSA
  • Communication – Fr. Jules Van Almerez, OSA
  • Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation – Sr. Maria Paule, AMP
  • Mission – Fr. Ronilo Biton, OAD

The officers took their Oath of Office on October 24, 2024 at the chapel of Hsiang Shan Pastoral Center during the Closing Mass of 15th Triennial APAC Convention. Their oaths were received by Rev. Fr. Anthony Banks, OSA, the Assistant General in-charge of Asia and the Pacific.