IFFAsia Young Leaders Bring Formation into Mission Across Southern Philippines

Young leaders from across Asia brought their formation into direct engagement with communities in the southern Philippines as part of the “Hope in Action: Go, Inspire” Mission Project 2026 of the Institute of Formation Fondacio Asia (IFFAsia).

The three-week mission project, running from September 17 to October 4, is taking IFFAsia Batch 17 participants to communities in Zamboanga City, Basilan Province and Zamboanga Sibugay, where they are engaging in youth leadership, faith-sharing, cultural exchange, peacebuilding, service and care for creation.

The 16-member delegation includes 12 participants, one intern and three staff members from across Asia. The project is being conducted in partnership with the Claretian Missionaries – Solidarity and Mission.

The immersion is designed to help participants move beyond classroom-based formation and encounter communities directly, learning from local people while putting into practice the values and skills developed during their formation.

The mission began in Zamboanga City on September 17 with a courtesy visit to the city government. Chief of Staff and Executive Secretary Celso Lobregat introduced the participants to the city's history, heritage, culture and language traditions, providing an introduction to the community where they would spend the first part of their mission.

The delegation also met Most Rev. Julius S. Tonel, Archbishop of Zamboanga, who welcomed the young leaders and shared his perspective on the local Church and its service to the people.

On September 18, the participants visited Claret School of Zamboanga City, where they met young people from different cultural backgrounds for friendship, cultural exchange, faith-sharing and fellowship.

They also joined members of the Claretian Youth Ministry for Bible sharing on Matthew 20:1-16, the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard. The reflection focused on God's call, grace and the different paths people take in responding to mission.

The participants then brought their formation into a different community setting in Basilan. From September 19 to 20, they joined the Claretian Youth Ministry–Tumahubong at San Vicente Ferrer Parish for a youth encounter centered on friendship, faith, cultural exchange and service.

Games, personal sharing and an “Asia Tour” enabled the young people to learn about the different cultures represented by the IFFAsia delegation while identifying common hopes and experiences.

The mission also exposed participants to the realities of peacebuilding in Basilan.

On September 20, accompanied by Rev. Fr. Arvin B. Bellen, CMF, and Claretian mission partners, the delegation visited the headquarters of the 32nd Infantry (Daredevil) Battalion in Barangay Tumahubong, Sumisip. They learned about the province's peace and security situation and the roles of government, faith-based organizations and civil society in local peacebuilding and development.

LTC Gerwin T. Maghuyop, commanding officer of the battalion, described the encounter as an opportunity for mutual learning and encouraged the participants to better understand Basilan's communities and their aspirations for peace.

The following day, the delegation visited Claret School of Tumahubong, where Principal Agnes B. Rabaca welcomed them. Participants entered classrooms, met students and shared experiences through music and dance.

IFFAsia Director Florence Alexius spoke to the students about youth leadership and the importance of keeping hope alive. The participants also visited Claret School of Maluso, Inc., joining students in a SciMath Slogan and Painting Contest and playing soccer.

The immersion continued on September 24 with a courtesy visit to Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman at the Provincial Capitol in Lamitan City. The meeting provided the young leaders with another perspective on local governance, community development and efforts to strengthen understanding among communities.

Across the different encounters, the participants experienced mission in settings ranging from schools and parish communities to government offices and peacebuilding institutions.

For IFFAsia Batch 17, the experience is intended to make formation a lived reality, through listening to communities, learning from different cultures, engaging young people and responding to local realities.

The “Hope in Action: Go, Inspire” Mission Project continues until October 4, with further encounters planned in Zamboanga and Zamboanga Sibugay.

For the Asian participants, the mission offers an opportunity not only to share what they have received through formation but also to allow encounters with communities to deepen their understanding of leadership, faith and service.