YIFI - Diocese of Samar

YIFI - Diocese of Samar Pro Deo Et Patria

19TH NATIONAL YOUTH CONVENTIONStatement on the Corruption Issues in the PhilippinesThe Youth of the Iglesia Filipina Ind...
15/05/2026

19TH NATIONAL YOUTH CONVENTION
Statement on the Corruption Issues in the Philippines

The Youth of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente gathered in the 19th National Youth Convention strongly condemn the systemic and concerningly growing corruption in the Philippines. The nation is facing a crisis not only because of the visible effects of corruption – poverty, inequality and injustice – but also because of the deep divisions it creates among Filipinos, wounding our relationships, and weakening our shared sense of identity, solidarity and nationhood.

As people of faith, and as members of a nationalist and revolutionary Church, we affirm our calling to follow the example of Jesus Christ, who stood firmly with the oppressed, spoke truth to power, and challenged unjust systems. Our faith cannot remain passive in the face of corruption. It must be lived out through concrete action. Because faith without actions is dead.

At a time when many Filipinos struggle daily to secure even their most basic needs, it is unacceptable that public resources meant for the common good are misused for personal gain. Corruption is not merely a political issue; it is also a moral crisis that robs people of dignity, opportunity and hope.

We strongly call on young people of faith to be vigilant and informed citizens – seeking truth and resisting disinformation that enables corruption to thrive. We should actively participate in political and social discourse, both offline and online, using our voices to demand transparency and accountability from those in power. We should stand in solidarity with the marginalized sectors, the poor, the workers, the farmers and the youth, whose lives are most affected by corrupt practices and unjust governance.

We cannot let bureaucratic corruption fester. We must seek accountability from people who earn hefty sums from taxpayer money meant for the Filipino people. We should resist systems that allow individuals with questionable track records to hold power.
With our collective voice, we call on public officials to remember that their leadership is a service, not privilege. The authority they hold comes from the people, and must always be exercised for the common good. And when the public demands accountability and transparency, they must answer.

In the end, accountability must prevail. As the Youth of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, we declare our commitment to stand firm in truth, to resist corruption in all its forms, and to work tirelessly for a just, humane and dignified society for all.

May 04, 2026
Culasi, Antique


19TH NATIONAL YOUTH CONVENTIONStatement on Toboso 19We, the Youth of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (YIFI), raise de...
14/05/2026

19TH NATIONAL YOUTH CONVENTION
Statement on Toboso 19

We, the Youth of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (YIFI), raise deep concern over the attacks against the people of Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, Negros Occidental and their visitors, who were wholeheartedly welcomed. The attack killed 19 people and displaced 653 residents.

We mourn the lives who were taken in cold blood through indiscriminate shootings and bombings conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), among them academics, researchers, journalists and minors.

In particular, we mourn the loss of RJ Nichole Ledesma, a journalist and a friend of the ecumenical movement on the island of Negros. He was deeply involved in the founding of the One Negros Ecumenical Council (ONEC). The three Negros-based dioceses – Negros Oriental and Siquijor, Bago and La Castellana – are members of ONEC who have witnessed the life-giving work of RJ in communities.

As members of a Christian, nationalist and progressive movement, we mourn the blatant violation of international humanitarian law.

We also denounce the role played by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). This is the same NTF-ELCAC that red-tagged and baselessly accused our Diocesan Youth Camps in 2023 as platforms for terrorist violence.

This further proves that the NTF-ELCAC is no instrument of peace, but an institution that perpetuates the condemnation of those who serve the people and stand up for their struggles.

As YIFI rooted in Aglipayan Spirituality, we seek to understand the root causes of the suffering of God’s children.

It is in that same vein that brave youth, from near and far, went to Toboso, seeking to understand the condition of peasant farmers that live with the reality of oppressive landlords, who have stolen their land and exploited their labor.

We are angered by the AFP, who have vowed to defend and protect the people but failed to protect civilians. We raise alarm over a pattern wherein state forces are quickly deployed against peasant farmers who struggle for better conditions.

Unfortunately, this is not a new phenomenon for Negrosanons, who have faced violence when speaking for their rights — the same violence that their visitors were met with.

As members of YIFI, we hearken to the call of the Beatitudes, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God (Matthew 5:9).” Notice the term used: “peacemakers”, not merely “peacekeepers.” This means that peace is MADE & BUILT, not WAITED UPON.

Hence, we call upon the entire membership of YIFI to mourn and pray with the families of the Toboso 19.

Additionally, we call on the youth to take the first steps in peacemaking by channeling our anger and grief into collective action, and reiterating the importance of our call for peace talks to continue between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), in order to reinforce previous agreements and build upon them — until we reach a just and lasting peace.

We cannot remain idle in the face of blatant injustice, especially amid continuous violations of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), an 1998 agreement that was signed by both parties of the peace talks promoting adherence to international law and defending human rights in the midst of ongoing conflict.

The people of Negros simply cannot wait for more blood to be shed. As members of the IFI, we must call on our leaders to honor the dignity of their fellow people and to resume peace talks now!

Justice for the Toboso 19! Defend Negros. For the glory and praise of God, the freedom and justice in God’s nation, and peace on this earth.

May 4, 2026
Culasi, Antique


STATEMENT OF THE 19TH NATIONAL YOUTH CONVENTION on the Impact of the Iran–Israel Conflict on Filipino and IFI YouthWe, t...
11/05/2026

STATEMENT OF THE 19TH NATIONAL YOUTH CONVENTION
on the Impact of the Iran–Israel Conflict on Filipino and IFI Youth

We, the 132 delegates of the 19th National Youth Convention of the Youth of Iglesia Filipina Independiente, express deep concern over the ongoing international conflict between Iran and Israel and its growing impact on the lives of Filipino youth and families.

The present conflict has disrupted global oil supply chains, particularly with the instability in the Strait of Hormuz, a route that carries about 20% of the world’s oil. This has caused a sharp increase in global fuel prices and triggered inflation across many countries.

For the Philippines, the effects are severe. As a nation that imports around 98% of its oil, the country is highly vulnerable to external shocks. This has already resulted in fuel price surges, rising electricity costs, and a weakened peso. Diesel prices have increased significantly, and transportation and food costs continue to rise, placing additional burden on ordinary Filipinos.

We recognize that Filipino youth are among the most affected sectors. Many young people rely on daily transportation for education and work, and rising fares directly reduce access to opportunities. Increasing prices of basic goods strain family income, forcing difficult choices between food, education, and other necessities. In many households, youth are compelled to take on additional responsibilities or seek work earlier to cope with economic pressure.

We also acknowledge the indirect impact on Filipino families with members working abroad, particularly in the Middle East. The instability in the region threatens livelihoods and remittances that sustain millions of households in the Philippines.

As members of the Church, we affirm that peace is a moral imperative. War brings not only destruction to nations directly involved but also suffering to distant communities who bear its economic consequences. The youth of the Church are called to be advocates of peace, justice, and solidarity.

In light of these realities, we call for:
1. Immediate and sustained efforts for peaceful resolution of the conflict through international cooperation and diplomacy.
2. Government action to mitigate the impact of rising fuel and commodity prices, especially for vulnerable sectors such as students, workers, and low-income families.
3. Greater investment in sustainable and alternative energy sources to reduce dependence on imported oil.
4. Active participation of the youth in promoting awareness, solidarity, and concrete responses to global and local crises.

We stand in unity with all who suffer from the effects of war. We affirm our commitment to justice, compassion, and responsible stewardship as we respond to the challenges faced by our generation.

Adopted this day by the delegates of the 19th National Youth Convention.

May 4, 2026
Culasi, Antique


The 19th National Youth Convention with the theme “Nourished by the Holy Spirit, Bearing Fruits of Renewal” was successf...
10/05/2026

The 19th National Youth Convention with the theme “Nourished by the Holy Spirit, Bearing Fruits of Renewal” was successfully held last May 1-4, 2026 at The Parish of St. Michael & All Angels, Culasi, Diocese of Antique.

A total of 132 delegates from various dioceses gathered in prayer, fellowship, and renewal — bearing witness to the Spirit’s work in the life of the Youth of the Church.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected National Youth Executive Council for the triennium 2026-2029. May the Holy Spirit guide your leadership, strengthen your commitment, and inspire your service as you journey with the Youth of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente.

As Kabataang Aglipayano, let us continue to walk in faith, guided by the Holy Spirit, and advance our youth movement in a progressive, nationalist, and Christian direction — bearing fruits of renewal for the Church and our country.

Padayon, Kabataang Aglipayano Visayas!
Para sa Dios at sa Bayan.

Credits:
✍🏽Rica Arro
📷✍🏽John Reyme

𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗟𝗬 𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗜𝗚𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗔 𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗔 𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲–𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟵 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗡𝗜𝗨𝗠With joyfu...
10/05/2026

𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗟𝗬 𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗜𝗚𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗔 𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗔 𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲–𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟵 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗡𝗜𝗨𝗠

With joyful hearts, we congratulate the newly elected officers of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente for the 2026–2029 Triennium.

They were elected during the simultaneous Sectoral National Conventions and the recently concluded 16th IFI General Assembly.

These newly elected leaders will also serve as members of the IFI Executive Commission, together with the Obispo Maximo, General Secretary, General Treasurer, and Auditor General of the Church.

May their leadership be guided by wisdom, faith, unity, and a deep commitment to the mission and ministry of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente.

STATEMENT OF THE 19TH NATIONAL YOUTH CONVENTIONThe 132 delegates of the 19th National Youth Convention held at the Paris...
09/05/2026

STATEMENT OF THE 19TH NATIONAL YOUTH CONVENTION

The 132 delegates of the 19th National Youth Convention held at the Parish of St. Michael & All Angels, Culasi, Diocese of Antique, affirm the timely relevance of this year’s theme, “Nourished by the Holy Spirit, Bearing Fruits of Renewal,” as a call for the youth of today to rise in faith, service, and active participation in Church and society. This theme reminds us that when young people are guided and strengthened by the Holy Spirit, they become instruments of renewal who bring hope, compassion, justice, and transformation to God’s people and to our nation.

The youth of today are strong, capable, creative, and full of potential. They possess the energy and skills needed to lead, serve, and respond to the challenges of the present generation. Yet, despite these gifts, a troubling number of young people remain absent from civic involvement, church ministries, and cultural participation in the Church, schools, and communities. There is also a growing concern over the limited organizational knowledge among many members, as only a few fully know and understand the history, mission, principles, and programs of the Youth of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente. Without proper awareness and formation, the strength of the organization cannot be fully realized.

Moreover, while many young people are present within the Church, a significant number have not formally committed themselves through membership in YIFI. This weakens collective participation, representation, and unity among the youth sector. In a time when their strength, ideas, and leadership are urgently needed, too many talents remain undeveloped, too many voices unheard, and too many opportunities for meaningful change neglected. This growing disengagement must be addressed with urgency, for the future of both Church and nation depends on an active,
organized, and committed youth.

Therefore, we, the Youth of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, firmly call upon all young people to rise, participate, and take their rightful place in the life of the Church and the nation. Let this generation be renewed in spirit, strengthened in unity, and grounded in the mission of service. As youth nourished by the Holy Spirit, may we bear fruits of renewal through active membership, faithful leadership, and unwavering commitment to God, country, and the people.

May 4, 2026
Culasi, Antique


With joyful hearts and hopeful spirits, we warmly congratulate the newly elected National Youth President of the Iglesia...
07/05/2026

With joyful hearts and hopeful spirits, we warmly congratulate the newly elected National Youth President of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente for the Triennium 2026–2029.

May your leadership be guided by faith, wisdom, humility, and a heart dedicated to serving God and the youth of the Church. As you begin this new journey of responsibility and mission, may you continue to inspire young people to live in unity, compassion, and active ministry.

The future of the youth ministry shines brighter with your commitment and passion for service. May the Holy Spirit strengthen and guide you every step of the way.

Congratulations to the newly elected Regional Youth President of the Visayas Region for the Triennium 2026–2029! Your el...
07/05/2026

Congratulations to the newly elected Regional Youth President of the Visayas Region for the Triennium 2026–2029!

Your election is a testament to your dedication, leadership, and willingness to serve the youth and the Church with faith and humility. May your term be filled with meaningful ministry, strengthened unity, and empowered young people across the Visayas Region.

As you take on this sacred responsibility, may God grant you wisdom, courage, and compassion in leading the youth toward a stronger and more active faith community.

Together, let us continue building a Christ-centered and mission-driven youth ministry. Padayon sa pag-alagad kag pagtuo!

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Cathedral Of The Most Holy Trinity , Brgy. Trinidad
Calbayog
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