Archbishop Alarcon to NYD Delegates: “Welcome to Caceres!”

By Myrna S. Bermudo

“Be open to collaborate -to be part of a community [that] helps one another and [is] ready to support one another.” This was the message of Caceres Archbishop Rex Andrew C. Alarcon as he welcomed the delegates of the upcoming National Youth Day (NYD) 2025.

Alarcon, in his message, underlined the importance of inclusivity. “In our time, we continue to

emphasize the need for collaboration, networking, synergy, interdependence, and linkages. This is very

important.”

In addition, with delegates coming from various places and cultures, NYD is both a blessing and a

challenge for cross cultural competency. Alarcon said, “For the youth, one of the benefits of attending

the NYD is they become cross cultural competent. We learn to engage and discuss, ‘makibagay as

kapwa-kabataan na hindi taga-rito sa atin’ -a fellow youth with different views but still, a Filipino. This

fosters unity among us, towards nation building and enriches Church community building.”

A highly anticipated event.

After a long hiatus due to the pandemic, Alarcon expressed much joy in hosting this event for the

youth. “We are happy to welcome you to Naga!”, he exclaimed. The last NYD was supposed to be in 2021, on the occasion of the 500th year of Christianity in the Philippines. However, it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alarcon also shared that a lot of delegates approach him and say, “Bishop, pupunta po kami sa inyo!

We are excited po, pupunta kami sa Naga for the National Youth Day!”

“I am amazed at the excitement of the people who are coming and I am equally amazed for some

generous few people who have come and readily offered help,” he continued to say.

An opportunity to share

“[Having pilgrims] here is also an opportunity for all of us, as hosts, to share our place, our

culture and our devotion; while those visiting [have the] opportunity to share their experiences, joy,

excitement, dreams, and aspirations.”, Alarcon said. “Our theme is also timely, ‘Rejoice in Hope, Endure

in Affliction and Persevere in Prayer’.”

Slated on June 10-14, NYD 2025 is hosted by the Archdiocese of Caceres, with activities and events happening mainly in the Pilgrim City of Naga, known for its strong devotion to Ina, Our Lady of Peñafrancia. The NYD is organized by the Episcopal Commission on Youth and the Caceres Youth Commission. This long-awaited event expects about 8,000 youth pilgrims and volunteers from 82

ecclesiastical territories and 22 organizations.

Alarcon is also the Chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Youth. His message to the pilgrims

and volunteers for NYD 2025 was delivered on May 30 during the Press Conference for the said

event.