This joint initiative between the De La Salle Philippines-Lasallian Mission Services and the LEAD Life of the Brothers, and LEAD Youth and Vocations Committee gathered youth formators, ministers, and educators for a three-day program that consists of plenary sessions and workshops.
Day one's highlight is the message and keynote of LEAD Brother Visitor, Br. JJ Jimenez FSC, that invited the participants to be companions who enable young people to be more and experience more. Following the message, Mr. Troy Calimlim from the ASEAN Youth Organization gave an input regarding the State of Young People today. He was soon joined by Dr. Rose Marie Salazar-Clemeña, Professor Emeritus and University Fellow of De La Salle University, and Mr. Raphael Hari-Ong, Ms. Andrea Ysabelle Suarez, and Mr. Ashkin Jacob Cajucom — all young Lasallian leaders— in a panel discussion moderated by Ms. Aira Romero, Chairperson of the Lasallian Youth Commission. The afternoon was devoted for different workshops facilitated by our resource persons.
Day two focused on the work of Lasallian youth formation.
The day started with a guided conversation on challenges and best practices facilitated by Br. John Ong FSC. Br. John also introduced the SOAR Framework that will be used throughout the remaining reflection session and groupings.
We were also joined by Hon. Guill Marc D. Mariano, City Councilor of the Municipality of Isabela and alumnus of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, and shared with us his experience as a young Lasallian leader whose life is deeply influenced by formators who journeyed with him. The third plenary session was skillfully led by Mr. Keane Palatino, Director of Communications of the District of Eastern and North America and former Intl. Coordinator of the Intl. Council of Young Lasallians. His resounding message was youth formation is not separate from our Lasallian mission, but the very essence of it. Workshops were held in the afternoon, and our special thanks to the following for facilitating for two days:
Fr. Jordan Orbe SJ- Vocations and Discernment
Ms. Julia Mayer- Forming Youth Leaders
Mr. Rodne Galicha- Social Justice and Ecology
Ms. Dynes Asiatico and Mr. Kent Alfred San Felipe- Basic Skills on Coaching and Mentoring
The last day started with a plenary session on Safeguarding facilitated by Sr. Weeyaa Villanueva RNDM. The participants were invited to reflect on how we can create spaces within ourselves, and in turn, our communities.
Br. Jeano Endaya FSC also led a session that allowed the participants to share their dreams and aspirations for themselves and the young people entrusted to their care.
Finally, the afternoon was dedicated to consolidating all the learnings from the past three days into an output.
We thank all the Brothers, Partners, and resource speakers who attended and made the 2025 FOYA.
