First meeting in the presence of Youth Leaders and Animators after the pandemic

October 6, 2023 Andrés Vega0

(Don Bosco Technical College, Mandaluyong) – Last September 30, 2023, marked the first face-to-face gathering of the Salesian Youth Animators and Leaders Assembly (SYALA) in the Philippine North Province (FIN) since the pandemic. The Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) in the FIN, with the institutional support of Don Bosco Technical College – Mandaluyong (DBTC), organized this youth gathering with the theme, “Together, We Step Up”. SYALA 2023 aimed to relate to the participants the PRIMER and the responsibilities of a Salesian youth animator in each Don Bosco setting. The SYALA also presented an opportunity for the various members of the youth groups to interact with those from other settings.

At the beginning of the day, the participants gathered at the Gesu Adolescente Gymnasium, where, as they got settled down, an animation dance was performed to set the jovial mood for everyone. It was followed by the opening prayer with the participants singing along to Live the Dream.

The rector of DBTC, Fr. Ronilo Javines SDB, gave the opening remarks and welcomed the participants to the event. He was soon followed by Fr. Ramil Maranan SDB, the provincial SYM delegate, who gave a talk on the Primer of the Salesian Youth Movement.

He also discussed the PRIME, a set of values and attitudes needed for a renewed Salesian youth movement in the FIN. They are: a. Popular and Ecological, b. Rooted in Christ, c. Integral and Synodal, d. Missionary and Vocational, and e. Empowering and Participatory.

Mr. Andre Launio followed Fr. Ramil’s talk with an explanation of the One SYM National Assembly Days Manifesto made by those who attended the One SYM National Assembly Days gathering held in Cebu last June 28 to July 2.

The provincial of the FIN province, Fr. Gerardo Martin SDB, also graced SYALA 2023 and gave a short message to the participants as part of the morning’s program. The highlight of the morning came with a talk was by Rev. Paul Dungca SDB on Artificial Intelligence and Salesian Values, integrating it in the context of the young leaders and animators.