UST CENTRAL Seminary Vice Rector Fr. Clarence Marquez, O.P. has been elected anew as president of the Catholic Biblical Association of the Philippines (CBAP).
Marquez, the former rector of the Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Manila, held the post from 2020 to 2023.
He succeeded theology professor Maricel Ibita, who took over after Marquez took a one-year hiatus.
In an interview with the Varsitarian, Marquez said he aims to “continue building [the] community of bible scholars and enthusiasts.”
“As a Dominican, the word of God is the center of my vocation, life, and preaching ministry,” he said. “Serving as president is an opportunity to intensify my witness and work in the ministry of the word.”
Marquez served as Dominican regent of studies and director of the UST Institute of Religion from 2004 to 2008, vice rector for finance from 2006 to 2007, and acting vice rector from 2007 to 2008.
He obtained his bachelor and doctorate degrees in Sacred Theology at the UST Ecclesiastical Faculties, and his licentiate in Sacred Scripture at the Pontificium Institutum in Rome.
He was ordained to the priesthood in 1995.
Marquez was reelected president during the 25th Annual Convention of the CBAP at Mere Monique Retreat Center in La Paz, Iloilo City.
Founded in 1999, CBAP is an association of bible exegetes, theologians, and professors in the Philippines.
Part of its mandate is to hold annual conventions, animate various interest groups, promote the research and publications of CBAP members, and serve as consultants of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines on bible-related matters. Reya Vincent P. Misa
