Young Leaders in Southern Philippines Deepen Safeguarding Commitment during Mission Immersion

Young people and guidance advocates from Claret School in Zamboanga City joined IFFAsia Batch 17 for a seminar-workshop on child protection and safeguarding minors and vulnerable persons as part of the Institute of Formation Fondacio Asia (IFFAsia) Mission Project 2026.

The activity gave participants an opportunity to deepen their understanding of safeguarding and reflect on their responsibility to help create safe environments for children and vulnerable people.

Zamboanga City, a major urban center in the southern Philippines, is the starting point for IFFAsia Batch 17’s mission immersion in Mindanao from September 17 to October 4. The “Hope in Action, Go Inspire” mission project also brings participants to Basilan and Zamboanga Sibugay for experiences of faith, service, cultural exchange and care for creation.

Guided by the theme “Pilgrims of Hope. Walk with Christ in Love and Service,” the immersion includes youth leadership, community encounters, foster-family visits, interfaith dialogue, environmental activities, service and outreach, safeguarding awareness, faith formation and encounters with Indigenous and local communities.

During the safeguarding workshop, participants identified groups requiring particular protection, including children and adults and elderly people who may be unable to advocate for themselves because of their physical or mental condition.

The morning session also explored the distinction between child protection and safeguarding. Participants were reminded that abuse and maltreatment should not be met with passivity and that cases requiring intervention should be referred to the appropriate authorities. Safeguarding was presented as a shared responsibility that includes protecting children from maltreatment and promoting their rights.

In the afternoon, participants worked in groups to identify rights bearers and duty holders responsible for protecting children and vulnerable persons. They then reflected on how the lessons could be applied in their own communities and developed action plans to bring back to their parishes or dioceses.

The workshop concluded with a “River of Life” activity, inviting participants to reflect on the experiences, successes and setbacks that have shaped their lives and the causes they value. The exercise encouraged them to consider how the knowledge and skills gained through formation could be translated into concrete action.

Ma’am Coleen and Sir Rey facilitated the workshop. Participants also expressed gratitude to IFFAsia Director Florence and Fr. Larry for helping make the activity possible.

For IFFAsia Batch 17, the safeguarding session formed part of the wider mission experience of encountering communities, listening to their realities and putting faith into service. The activity also highlighted safeguarding as an integral part of mission, calling young people to help build communities where children and vulnerable persons are protected, respected and accompanied