By Fr. Edoardo Hilla, SDB

Tondo, Manila, Philippines - Let the 30 days countdown begin! The three sectors of Don Bosco Youth Center - Tondo, namely St. John Bosco Parish, Parish Youth Ministry and Don Bosco TVET (Technical Vocational Educational Training) Center join hands together to ignite the fire of the upcoming Bicentennial Celebration of Don Bosco's Birth.

July 16, 2015 is the start of the 30 day countdown. Activities prepared for this months are formative, educative, pastoral with youthful touch and spirit-filled energy!

Don Bosco is a gift to the people of Tondo after more than 45 years of existence. Young people are continuously formed not only to become good Christians but also as good citizens of the society. Indeed the motto of the TVET Center expresses the aspiration of the people of Tondo "Per angusta ad augusta!" Through difficulties to greatness! And this will come into fruition through the inspiration and intercession of St. John Bosco. The festivity will last until the feast of our patron on January 31, 2016.

The Salesian presence in Tondo – near the seaport of Manila was started in 1986 as the expression of our preferential love for the poor youth. The memorable visit of Pope Paul VI in Tondo in 1970 spread our commitment. At present there is a community of 5 Salesians ministering the large parish population of 50.000+ with a vibrant youth center, catechesis and vocation training.