– Bro. Christian Hernal
BAGUIO CITY – Casiciaco Recoletos Seminary (CaReS) reopened its doors for the five-day
Recoletos Enhancement and Advancement Program (REAP) 2026.
This year’s REAP is divided into two modules to be facilitated by two guest speakers, with the theme: “Accompanying toward the truth: Human Formation in the Digital Age.”
The five-day REAP started at the Seminary’s Mini-Theater with Ms. Maria Concepcion B. Clemente as the speaker. She is the Assistant Data Protection Officer of Saint Louis University, Baguio City.
The REAP started with Fr. Anthony Irineo, OAR’s opening remarks emphasizing that technology or AI is disinterested, having no affective domain. He acknowledged the Former Seminarians of the Order of Augustinian Recollects (ForSOAR) as the sponsor of this year’s REAP.
In her first session, Ms. Clemente began by inviting everyone to participate in an online digital lifestyle survey. Ms. Clemente emphasized the pandemic as the accelerator of technology, and juxtaposed technology adoption before and after the pandemic.
According to her, during and after the pandemic, technology became a lifesaver. The pandemic shifted the primary purpose of social media from socialization to aiding needs and accessing various services. It also led many people to adopt an asynchronous way of life, which resulted in an increased dependence on technology for learning and working.
Digital literacy was also part of the session. The speaker drew a comparison between digital literacy in the past and the present. Digital literacy in the past involved basic computer skills, such as turning a computer on and off and using applications that supported work and everyday tasks.
Today, it involves strict implementation of digital safety, privacy, and hygiene. The speaker gave a clear discussion on the dangers of being an active user, emphasizing that online interaction reveals personal information, creating what she referred to as a “technological identity.”
Towards the end, the speaker discussed topics such as deepfakes, phishing, vishing, and cookies, stressing how these can lead to risks to users’ privacy and obscure the truth when not critically examined. She noted that many social media users are often unaware of these digital threats and the ways in which their personal information may be collected and exploited.
The session ended with an interactive question-and-answer portion where seminarians and viewers online engaged with the speaker.
Some insights from the participants:
“Today’s topic is very timely and relevant at present. We need to be knowledgeable,
especially in using social media. Moreover, it reminds us to be responsible. Think before you
click.”
– Bro. Noah Belarmino, a neophyte seminarian
“For me, the topic is meaningful in this age in which seminarians in formation are living in
a digitized world, for it teaches and entails values and the responsible use of technology.”
– Bro. Rovie Mark Lopez, second-year college seminarian
“The talk of the speaker was very informative, giving us valuable insights regarding the
use of social media and the dynamics of AI in the digital world. The speaker also gave notable
warnings or reminders about digital safety and privacy, especially to active users of social
media, to use them wisely.”
– Bro. Jericho Ocharon, fourth-year college seminarian
“The speaker emphasizes the word ‘adaptability’ regarding the daily use of AI during and
after the pandemic, which reminds us to adapt responsibly to the advancement of technology
and AI, as active users in the digital age, which, in the latter part, leads to the fruitful
development of AI and technology for the betterment of humanity.”
– Bro. Kenric Raul Pugate, third-year college seminarian
