By Fr. Joriz Calsa, SDB

Punta Princesa, Cebu City, Philippines - The Salesian Youth Movement of the Salesians of Don Bosco (SYM-SDB) gathered in Cebu for their triennial National Assembly Days (NADs) from May 1-5, 2015 at Don Bosco Technology Center, Punta Princesa, Cebu City. It was attended by 330 youth leaders and Salesians from all over the country. This year's theme is "JUAN Mentor, Mission, & Movement;" Juan referring to the Filipino name of John Bosco as the mentor of all youth, continuing his mission of serving and helping young people through this one vast movement around the country and the world. It highlights two things, first celebrating this year St. John Bosco's (aka known as Don Bosco) 200th year of his birthday (August 16, 1815-2015), and secondly, focusing on one Salesian Youth Spirituality element of the responsible service expressed in the universal Church's challenge of New Evangelization.

The SYM-SDB Philippines was formally launched in 1988 during the centennial celebration of Don Bosco. But ever since the Don Bosco fathers and brothers (aka SALESIANS) stepped in the Philippine islands, the Salesians started forming and helping the youth, which is their charism and forte. With the SYM-SDB, the Salesians has influenced many young people in the country, moulding into young leaders and preparing them to be honest Christians and upright citizens.

Thus from May 1-5, the young people were given 4 areas of activities namely formation, fellowship, worship, and service. They were given talks to enhance their active involvement in the community especially through anti-human trafficking ideas and at the same time to reflect on their lives in the social media culture. But since the SYM-SDB is a church based movement, they were also be taught how to help the Church spread the Gospel of Joy through new forms and techniques in evangelization. It was a moment to enjoy such that the organizers see to it that they felt the summer fun through adventure games and nightly programs. Everyday, too the group gathered to praise and pray through their daily worship services. Lastly, as mentioned, the focus of this camp was on responsible service. And what better way to teach them this than to immerse them in the community where they could render some services. This was our way of practicing what we have admired of St. John Bosco who was always passionate in serving God and the Church through young people and the community.

The Salesians are present in the whole Philippines particularly through their private schools and vocational learning centers, youth centers and oratories, parishes, boys' home for street children and the Children in Conflict with the Law, and formation and retreat centers. The Salesians are also giving youth ministry and catechetical inputs and updating courses through the St. John Paul II catechetical and youth ministry conferences usually held in Makati (May) and Cebu (October) for youth ministers, catechists, values and religious education teachers and for those very interested to serve the children and youth.

The next NADs will be held in FIN after 3 years and it will be the 30th anniversary of the SYM in the Philippines.