26/05/2026
NEWS I Archdiocese of Manila Media Camp Calls for Unity and Christ-Centered Communication
In his message during Media Camp 2026, Fr. Roy Bellen, assistant commissioner of the Archdiocesan Commission on Social Communication, called on all social communications ministers from parishes in the Archdiocese of Manila to become instruments of unity in a time of growing divisions in society. His remarks were made at the conclusion of Media Camp 2026, held at St. Michael Retreat House in Antipolo from May 22 to 24, coinciding with the Solemnity of Pentecost.
Fr. Bellen, who also serves as the director of the Archdiocesan Office of Communications, emphasized the important role that media practitioners and social communicators play in inspiring others through their gifts and talents. “We are given life through the breath of the Holy Spirit; may we also give life to others,” he stated, highlighting the spiritual responsibility of those in the media, as he told Radio Veritas.
He underscored the need for truth-centered communication as a means to foster unity and bridge societal divides, urging participants to focus on what brings people together rather than what separates them. “It is a time for us not to take sides; it is a time for us to unite people. And there is no other way to achieve unity except by standing behind the truth,” Fr. Bellen said.
He also reminded the media ministers that the truth should never be wielded as a weapon to shame or destroy others. “We proclaim the truth not to seek revenge or to shame others, but so that the truth may come out and, hopefully, so that all of us may be united,” he added.
The Media Camp was attended by 55 members of the Social Communications Ministry from various parishes across the Archdiocese of Manila. This formation and training program of RCAM SOCOM aims to enhance their skills in media, communication, and evangelization using digital platforms.
Participants engaged in workshops designed to improve their digital evangelization skills, reflecting on the theme of the 60th World Day for Social Communications, “Preserving Human Voices and Faces.” Notable speakers included Art Samaniego, who addressed “Cybersecurity and Scams,” Jonathan Montes, who led a “Basic Voice Acting Workshop,” and Amelia Canlas, who offered insights on “Basic Acting and Hosting for Christian Communication.”
Fr. Bellen concluded the gathering by commissioning the delegates to deepen their evangelization efforts, especially in the ever-evolving digital landscape. As they return to their parishes, the hope is that these media ministers will carry forth the message of truth and hope, fostering unity in a world that often feels divided.
Media Camp 2026 was organized by the Archdiocesan Commission on Social Communications – TV Maria, Radio Veritas, and the Archdiocesan Office of Communications (AOC).
By Jheng Prado / RCAM Media
Photos by Raymond Magayanes/ SOCOM
