As part of their commitment plan crafted during the National Youth Assembly (NYA) in February 2024—aiming to inspire meaningful actions and create a ripple effect of positive change—the Stella Maris Academy of Davao (SMAD) NYA delegates organized the first-ever Regional Youth Encounter (RYE) of Davao-Cebu-El Salvador in collaboration with the Provincial Youth Ministry Team from January 10-13, 2025.
Adopting the NYA 2024’s commitment statement, “We Are God’s Children, The Face of Hope, Bearers of His Love, Champions of Fraternity, and Builders of a Caring World, Walking Together with Christ in Our Hearts,” as its theme, the RYE brought together youth communities, with 20 delegates from SMAD, 15 delegates from Sacred Heart School (SHS) in Cebu, and 14 beneficiary delegates from El Salvador. It provided an opportunity to cultivate each student’s character, skills, and talents while deepening their connection to faith, well-being, and community.
Held at the Hijas de Jesús Apostolic Center in El Salvador, the four-day, three-night journey offered a tranquil setting that encouraged personal growth among the participants. Surrounded by lush greenery, each day began with the sun rising over the sea, setting the tone for transformative prayer sessions prepared by the SHS delegates and teacher-companions, reflections, and masses. It focused on holistic development, blending social, environmental, and spiritual experiences to create lasting impact.
The RYE activities began on January 11 with an introduction, orientation, and the first talk. The delegates eagerly prepared for the Immersion session, working in groups to pack goods. They were guided by Ms. Metzi Joy Alson, Ms. Flordelette Sison, and Mr. Jouard Jayson Tasic from the Provincial Youth Ministry Team, as well as teacher-companions Ms. Patricia Leigh Gonzales, Mr. Cedric Vince Gometer, Ms. Nadeal Ijurpe, and Mr. Rodan Kent Ganar. Also present in El Salvador during the RYE were Sister Felisa Molina, F.I., the Superior of the Cebu-Mindanao Community and RCA of Sacred Heart School – Hijas de Jesús, along with Sister Patricia Anna Aragon, F.I., Sister Felie “Lhai” Acelo, F.I., and Sister Dionisia Quela, F.I., who are based at the Hijas de Jesús Apostolic Center. Their guidance and support further enriched the experience, reinforcing the values of service, faith, and fraternity among the youth.
Afterward, everyone headed to the dump site, where Sister Lhai, the sister companion of the El Salvador delegates and the one in charge of Apostolic Work in El Salvador, led an introduction. This was followed by parlor games facilitated by the El Salvador delegates, which brought smiles to all—students, teachers, children, and parents alike—echoing with laughter. Next, the delegates distributed goods, toys, and slippers. The experience served as a reminder of the blessings the delegates received and emphasized the importance of humility, kindness, and the joy of sharing and volunteering.
As the delegates interacted with the parents and children throughout the event, many shared their joy and gratitude. One parent remarked, “Mas lingaw na ni daghan pa mo ron kay grabe ang kalipay sa mga bata.” (It’s more fun with more participants, as the children’s laughter grew even louder.) They expressed how they appreciated the larger gathering compared to other visits they had. Another parent shared, “Kahit ga tan-aw rami sa mga bata na nagdula, murag ang kalipay pud niadto sa amoa mga magulang.” (Even just watching the kids play, we felt the joy they experienced.) The parents were fulfilled by seeing their children actively participate, and many expressed how they experienced God’s love through their actions, aiming to spread more hope and more kindness to others.
Moving on, the second day of the Youth Camp, January 12, 2025, introduced opportunities for action and reflection, with key activities including tree planting, cleanup, and painting. Organized into groups, everyone contributed to the tasks, guided by teachers and sisters. The group effort cultivated communication, a greater appreciation for nature, and stronger bonds among participants. By the end of the day, the camp was filled with freshly planted seedlings, cleaner paths, greener surroundings, and creatively painted tires—all the result of the students’ hard work. Ms. Nadeal Ijurpe, one of the teacher-companions of the SHS delegates shared, “Hopefully the students grew from their time that was spent together, and new friendships were made.”
Indeed, during the camp, delegates also formed strong bonds as they worked together. Many shared how the activities had helped them build new friendships and deepen their understanding. Charmaine Margaret Ramos, a delegate from SHS shared, “I enjoyed my experience because I was able to reflect on nature—from planting to sweeping. It made me realize even more the importance, beauty, and wonder of nature. Moreover, Mary Ernleen Bongo, a SMAD delegate, expressed, “I felt happy sweeping the floors because, even though it was done individually, some kuyas (older brothers) helped me and in the end, I created new friendships.” These reflections strengthened their sense of fraternity as brothers and sisters in Christ, committed to the mission of Laudato Si. The day concluded with tired yet accomplished faces.
Additionally, the El Salvador youth helped guide fellow delegates in different tasks, drawing from their own past experiences in similar youth camps. Sarah Mae Salvo, a beneficiary delegate from El Salvador, reflected, “The lesson I truly learned and understood from the entire youth camp was kindness. It allowed me to form genuine bonds with like-minded peers and made me appreciate the goodness that comes from spreading love to others.” Meanwhile, another co-beneficiary delegate Harris Kim Palasan said, “I’m grateful for the immersion experience and the smiles we received. I can feel the positive impact we bring as a youth, and I genuinely hope for more inspiring ventures.” Both delegates expressed deep sentiments and reflections that capture the goal of this year’s youth camp theme.
Truly, the insightful lessons gained during the Youth Camp brought various communities together, fostering sincere and lasting connections. The encounter taught participants to see glimpses of God in every individual and to rekindle the sense of fraternity as brothers and sisters in Christ. This echoes the very goal of St. Candida Maria de Jesus, who once said, “It is my joy to see young children come to my school to receive Christian education.” The delegates embraced her mission, guiding and inspiring others with sincere hearts. As the camp ended and the last sunset dipped below the horizon casting a glow over the landscape, the delegates carried forward the mission to spread kindness and love, continuing to make a positive impact in their communities.
by Reichill Anne A. Quiazon