In a landmark event blending spirituality and corporate leadership, Catholic business leaders from Thailand and the Philippines came together at the Baan Phu Waan Pastoral Training Center on June 7–8 to inaugurate the Catholic Business Wisdom Enhancement Program. The initiative seeks to bridge Christian values with modern business leadership, fostering ethical and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

This program, born from a joint effort between Thailand’s Catholic Business Executives and Professionals (CBEP) and the Philippines’ Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP), functions under the umbrella of UNIAPAC—the International Christian Union of Business Executives, which spans over 45,000 members across 38 countries.

Structured through the CBEP Academy, the program offers a roadmap for executives to explore business through a spiritual lens. Emphasizing discernment, ethical stewardship, and the vocational nature of work, the formation series aligns commerce with Catholic social teaching. In the Philippines, the model has already influenced over 20,000 BCBP members.

Speaking at the gathering, Bobby Lavina, chairman of the Phinma Foundation, highlighted work as a divine calling: “Work is not a punishment for sin but part of God’s original design.” He encouraged participants to examine how their business choices reflect Christ’s teachings, pressing them with the question: How can modern business reflect the face of Christ?

Echoing these sentiments, Joey Avellana, head of Avellana & Associates, noted that “God is the original worker—and we are His co-creators.” He challenged conventional views on labor and success, cautioning against attitudes that reduce work to mere profit or personal gain. Instead, he urged leaders to ask themselves deeper questions: Is this truly my calling? What role does God want me to play through my work?

The forum gathered executives whose combined businesses are valued at over a billion dollars, signaling the scale and seriousness of the effort. Key contributors included Dench Decino of Ernst & Young Global Delivery Services and former BCBP president PV Beley.

Religious leaders also offered their support. Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana of Bangkok and Fr. William LaRousse of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) both affirmed the Church’s commitment to deepening the integration of faith and enterprise.

George Varakorn Techamontrikul, CBEP Thailand chairman, described the event as a turning point: “This project has been years in the making. Our collaboration with BCBP brings to life a shared vision and offers a model that can strengthen UNIAPAC’s presence throughout Asia.”

Moving forward, the CBEP Academy plans to roll out similar programs across the continent, championing a leadership philosophy grounded in prayer, purpose, and service to the common good.