Soldiers join youth congress

CAGDIANAO, Dinagat -- The Philippine Army joined a four-day youth congress from October 27 to 30 with a theme “Kabatan-onan sa Dinagat: Maampingon sa Kinaiyahan ug Masaligon sa Gahum sa Kahitas-an,” a call to revitalize one’s faith and conviction toward life.

The congress, which was held at the St. Peter and St. Paul Parish here, is in celebration of the 6th Vicariate Youth Congress. It was held in partnership with the Immaculate Concepcion youth ministry and leaders, and the 402nd Brigade.

The activity served as a forum of ideas. It was attended by 300 youth leaders from Loreto, Tubajon, Libjo, Basilisa, Dinagat and Cagdianao, all of the Province of Dinagat Islands.

The participants prayerfully reflect and share together concerns, challenges and matters of interest which affect the church, community and the youth in the present time to come up with courses of action on how to become more animated and more effective in ministering the youth.

“I feel blessed on this wonderful occasion that God made everything perfect for our youth! God bless the people who believed and supported this activity especially to our Army of Peace. May you always be our partner in molding our youth as God wanted us to be the messenger of peace,” said Most Reverent Antonieto B Cabajog, Bishop of Surigao City.

Colonel Ronald N. Albano, 402nd Brigade Commander, said they believe that through this convergence with all the stakeholders especially with the church, they can do greater things with high impact in the lives of the youth.

“Our advocacy is the same as others so why do we have to separate our efforts with our youth? We knew that the church can help us make our youth not only to become more responsible, productive and well-informed but also to be more spiritually guided and messenger of peace. Together, we will empower the youth of Caraga,” Albano said.

The activity ended with a coastal clean-up along Cagdianao beaches and a boodle fight. (PR)