DAYCA takes part in the 22nd NCYM 2024

The Davao Archdiocesan Youth Coordinating Apostolate (DAYCA) participated in the 22nd National Conference of Youth Ministers (NCYM) last July 17-21, 2024 at the Archdiocese of Palo in Leyte with the theme, “Abound in Joy, Christ is our Hope”.

Six delegates coming from the Archdiocese of Davao joins the NCYM: Rev. Fr. Mark Kim Samones (Youth Director), John Anthony Camangyan (Youth Coordinator), Jonalen Asares (Youth Leader), Kim Amparo (Formation Ministry Head), Harold Gimeno (Youth Secretary), and Roy Felix Abrio (La Purisima Vicariate Youth Coordinator).

The event commenced with a welcoming mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Palo, officiated by their very own Archbishop, Most Rev. John F. Du, D.D. Over the five days, attendees participated in various activities including workshops, plenary sessions focusing on the theme of Hope, and Eucharistic Celebrations. Evening events showcased Leyte’s rich traditions and cultures, such as the Piyesta Karisyuhan, held at various convention centers and tourist spots. This celebration was made possible through the collaboration between the archdiocese and the local government.

The NCYM, which gathers Youth Ministers from across the Catholic Ministry of the Philippines every two or three years was last held in 2018 at the Diocese of San Pablo, Laguna. The next NCYM after that was originally scheduled for 2020 in Palo, however, due to the pandemic, the conference was pushed back four years later.

One of the highlights of the conference is the beautiful coincidence of the theme grounded on the 2025 Jubilee Year themed as “Pilgrims of Hope” as declared by the Holy Father, Pope Francis. In November 2013, super typhoon Yolanda, also known as typhoon Haiyan, struck Leyte, particularly in Tacloban and other parts of the Philippines; it was one of the strongest tropical cyclones ever recorded that led an immense scale of destruction, with thousands of lives lost and tens of thousands displaced. During the NCYM, the “ENCUENTRO” activity featured a dramatic play and real-life testimonies by Leyte’s youth, offering a glimpse into the community’s resilience and the transformative power of hope sourced from faith in God.

During the culminating night of the 22nd National Conference of Youth Ministers (NCYM) in Leyte, a diverse array of talents and traditions were showcased. With the different regions that have presented their unique cultures and performances, the Mindanao-Sulu Pastoral Council (MSPC) bags the best presenter of the evening.

In the end, chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Episcopal Commission on Youth (CBCP-ECY), Most Rev. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, D.D., urged the youth ministers to continue to hope, emphasizing that hope flourishes through acts of kindness.

With over 500+ delegates nationwide, the next NCYM is set for 2026 at the Archdiocese of Kidapawan. (Jonalen Asares)