Philippines: IFFAsia Launches Batch 17 Formation Program at Radio Veritas Asia Campus; Participants Urged to Be Salt and Light

The Institute of Formation, Fondacio Asia (IFFAsia) formally launched Batch 17 of its formation program with a Eucharistic celebration at the Radio Veritas Asia Social Hall, Quezon City, Philippines on February 8, marking the beginning of an 11-month formation journey for participants from across Asia.

The Launching Mass was presided over by Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon, Archbishop of Cáceres in the Bicol Region of the Philippines, and IFFAsia Bishop Chair. He was joined by Fr. John Mi Shen, Program Director of Radio Veritas Asia and Executive Secretary of the FABC Office of Social Communications, along with several other priests who concelebrated the Mass.

Centered on the theme “Walking in His Light, Living His Call,” the celebration underscored the spiritual and communal foundations of the IFFAsia formation experience.

In his homily, Archbishop Alarcon invited participants to “unlock their hearts” in order to connect more deeply with one another, with their mentors, and most importantly, with God. Drawing from a familiar modern experience, he likened human relationships to searching for a signal or Wi-Fi connection, reminding participants that authentic formation begins with openness and genuine encounter. He emphasized that cultural and personal differences within the community should lead to conversion and mutual enrichment, as diversity complements rather than divides.

Reflecting on the Gospel reading of the day (Matthew 5:13–16), the archbishop further encouraged participants to empty themselves so they may truly receive, underscoring Jesus’ call to be the salt and light of the earth. He highlighted the importance of humility in learning, urging participants to remain open, continue asking questions, and embrace the spirit of encounter. Quoting Pope Francis, he noted that Christianity is not merely a set of ideas, but an encounter with a Person.

Batch 17 is composed of 13 participants from Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, East Timor, and South Korea, reflecting IFFAsia’s commitment to intercultural and inter-ecclesial formation. Since its establishment, IFFAsia has accompanied over 250 participants from 16 countries, including lay leaders, religious, and clergy, through holistic human, spiritual, and missionary formation.

The celebration concluded with a fellowship gathering at the IFFAsia Session Hall, providing participants, formators, and guests an opportunity to strengthen community bonds as they begin their shared journey of formation.

The IFFAsia Batch 17 launching fellowship event came alive in the afternoon with joy, culture, and shared stories. The celebration opened energetically with Batch 17’s cheerful dance to “It’s a Happy Day,” setting a tone of enthusiasm and gratitude. Fr. Renato Repole, SJ, President of LST, encouraged the new participants to “catch every opportunity to learn,” grounding the festivities in a spirit of formation and growth.

What followed was a vibrant weaving of cultures: a Lao dance awakening memories of home and belonging; a Malaysian song celebrating unity and national pride; a powerful Korean Taekwondo performance expressing discipline and harmony; a moving Timorese poem revealing faith lived as community; and a joyful Myanmar dance reflecting happiness and togetherness beyond borders. The afternoon concluded with Batch 17 singing “We Are Unity,” a fitting finale that captured the heart of IFFAsia—diverse cultures walking together as one community of faith, joy, and hope.

IFFAsia (Institute of Formation Fondacio Asia) is a school of discipleship rooted in the spirituality of Fondacio, committed to forming a new generation of lay leaders for the Church and society. Over the past 20 years, IFFAsia has journeyed with more than 46 dioceses across 16 countries, supporting the formation of over 250 young lay leaders through integral programs grounded in Jesus Christ, docility to the Holy Spirit, and community life. The IFFAsia Diploma in Integral Leadership and Community Development is jointly offered by Loyola School of Theology (LST).

Ms. Florence A. Alexius, Director of IFFAsia, shared the spirit of the formation at IFFAsia, “At the heart of the Institute, the formation team and staff are equally committed to our own ongoing personal transformation and becoming. We learn to embrace our vulnerabilities and to mature through our communion with one another—and it is our hope to instill these same values in all who journey with us.”