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

By RVA News | February 09, 2026

The Institute of Formation, Fondacio Asia (IFFAsia) launched Batch 17 of its 11-month formation program with a Eucharistic celebration at Radio Veritas Asia Social Hall in Quezon City, Philippines, on February 8.

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 She, 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.

Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon, Archbishop of Cáceres and IFFAsia Bishop Chair, presided over the launching 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.

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

Archbishop Alarcon was joined by Fr. John Mi She, 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.

Archbishop Alarcon 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, 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.

Archbishop Alarcon highlighted the importance of humility in learning, urging participants to remain open, continue asking questions, and embrace the spirit of encounter.

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.

Quoting Pope Francis, Archbishop Alarcon noted that Christianity is not merely a set of ideas, but an encounter with a Person.

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.

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.