06/06/2026
Antique Youth Director Joins Historic 1st National Youth Directorsβ Assembly; Antique Youth Coordinator Participates in National Youth Council Meeting
Antique, Philippines β The Diocese of San Jose de Antique actively participated in two major national gatherings of the Catholic Bishopsβ Conference of the Philippines β Episcopal Commission on Youth (CBCP-ECY): the National Youth Coordinating Council (NYCC) Meeting on June 2β3, 2026, at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center, and the First National Youth Directorsβ Assembly on June 4β6, 2026, at the Ibis Styles Hotel, Araneta City, Quezon City.
Representing the Diocese at the historic First National Youth Directorsβ Assembly was Rev. Fr. Martin N. Laurio, Diocesan Youth Director, while Mr. Romil J. Arsenio, Antique Diocesan Youth Coordinator and Western Visayas and Romblon Regional Youth Coordinating Council (WVRRYCC) Regional Auditor, participated in the NYCC Meeting as an observer alongside Western Visayas and Romblon representatives Rev. Fr. Glenn Magpusao, Regional Youth Director; Mr. Paul Fredmark Nulada, Regional Youth Coordinator; and Mr. Regie Dajay, Regional Youth Leader.
The National Youth Coordinating Council Meeting gathered regional youth directors, leaders and coordinators from across the country to discuss the current realities, challenges, and future directions of youth ministry. Highlights included the presentation of regional reports, the conduct of the Business Proper, and a dialogue with Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit Jr., Chairman of the CBCP-ECY and Bishop of San Pablo, together with the Commissionβs Executive Secretary, Fr. Ramon Jade L. Licuanan.
During the dialogue, Bishop Maralit emphasized three important directions for youth ministry: fostering greater inter-ministerial collaboration within the Church, engaging deeply with Magnifica Humanitas, the first encyclical of Pope Leo XIV, particularly in promoting and protecting human dignity amid rapid technological advancement, and developing a national compendium of youth ministry programs and formation initiatives that can be shared among dioceses and archdioceses throughout the country.
The second day focused on the National Youth Survey and the revisiting of Kalakbay, the national framework for youth ministry, through workshops, presentations, and Conversations in the Spirit facilitated by Fr. Renato De Guzman, SDB, and Dr. Jessica Joy Candelario. Participants reflected on the realities and aspirations of Filipino youth and explored ways to make youth ministry more responsive, missionary, and synodal. The gathering concluded with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
Immediately following the NYCC Meeting, Fr. Laurio joined fellow diocesan youth directors from across the Philippines for the First National Youth Directorsβ Assembly, a landmark gathering that provided a dedicated space for youth directors to pray, reflect, share experiences, and discern together the future of youth ministry in the country.
The assembly emphasized that authentic youth ministry is rooted not merely in programs and activities but in accompaniment, listening, formation, and mission. In his keynote address, Bishop Maralit reminded participants that young people are not only the future of the Church but its present reality, calling the Church to become a place where young people are welcomed, heard, empowered, and guided in discovering their purpose, vocation, and mission.
Throughout the three-day gathering, participants revisited Kalakbay and reflected on the experiences of dioceses across the country. Discussions highlighted the importance of synodality, leadership development, safeguarding, family-centered accompaniment, meaningful relationships, and creating safe spaces where young people can encounter Christ and grow in faith.
The assembly also explored emerging pastoral concerns and opportunities through sessions on socio-political engagement and young adult ministry. Participants were encouraged to help young people become socially responsible citizens rooted in Gospel values and Catholic Social Teaching, while also strengthening structures that accompany young adults as they transition beyond their years in youth ministry.
One of the most significant moments of the assembly was the Dialogue with the Bishops, where youth directors openly shared concerns regarding formation programs, ministry resources, safeguarding, diocesan youth centers, World Youth Day participation, young adult ministry, and other pastoral realities affecting youth ministry in the Philippines. The dialogue embodied the synodal spirit of listening, openness, and discernment that characterized the entire gathering.
A recurring message throughout the assembly was the call for youth ministry to move from simply organizing events to becoming a ministry of presenceβwalking with young people as they encounter Christ, discern their vocation, and discover their place in both the Church and society. Participants were reminded that the future of youth ministry lies not merely in activities but in relationships that lead young people closer to Christ and empower them to become missionary disciples.
The assembly concluded with a Commissioning Rite led by CBCP-ECY Chairman Bishop Junie Maralit, sending forth the youth directors as companions on the journey of young people and renewing their commitment to the mission of youth ministry.
These national gatherings served as a powerful reminder that the future of youth ministry lies not in programs alone, but in relationships, accompaniment, and shared mission. With renewed conviction, the Diocese of San Jose de Antique continues its commitment to journey with young people, helping them encounter Christ, discern their vocation, and embrace their role as missionary disciples in todayβs world.
RJA-DYC/6/6/26
