“KATOOD: GABOS KAAYON, GABOS MAY GIBUHON”—CYC GATHERED YOUTH MINISTERS ACROSS CACERES FOR ACYM 2026

by Fatima Sola Bandin

The Caceres Youth Commission of the Archdiocese of Caceres successfully conducted the Archdiocesan Conference of Youth Ministers (ACYM) last May 9-10 at the Holy Rosary Major Seminary.

Guided by the theme “Katood: Gabos Kaayon, Gabos May Gibuhon”, the ACYM gathered youth directors, ministers, formators, and leaders across the various vicariates to discern the future of the youth ministry in the Archdiocese.

Pagsalingoy

On its first day, themed “Pagsalingoy: Going Back to our Roots”, the Conference focused on rediscovering the identity, mission and history of the Youth Ministry in Caceres. 

The morning sessions gave meaningful reflections and lessons as the former youth directors shared insights rooted in their experiences as leaders of the Ministry. Rev. Fr. Fidel Mamerto Bagayaua, youth director (1987-1996) emphasized the importance of looking back at the roots, identity and mission of the Youth Ministry in Caceres. Rev. Fr. Danilo Imperial, youth director (1979-1987), discussed “The Graced Story of the Caceres Youth Ministry,” sharing the beginnings, milestones and journey of the Ministry through the years. 

After, a talk show focusing on the Christological Pattern of the Youth Ministry in Caceres convened Mr. Jovan Galvo, a former youth leader, and former Youth Directors: Rev. Fr. Danilo Imperial, Rev. Fr. Fidel Mamerto Bagayaua, Rev. Fr. Joseph Wilfred Almoneda, VG (1997-1998), Rev. Fr. Rex Luis Hidalgo (1998-2001 & 2006-2013), and Rev. Fr. Noel Sumangui, SDB (2001-2003) who also participated in answering the questions via video presentation. The conversation focused on the speakers’ experience of the Life-Death-Resurrection Cycle during their time as leaders of the Ministry.

Bro. Francesco Janne Labuntog, SJ discussed the “Trends of Religiosity Among the Young”. He presented the different perspectives of today’s youth towards religion and faith.

Afterwhich, the delegates reflected on the talks given during the day and engaged in spiritual conversations which highlighted the importance of prayer and discernment while also listening to and sharing with other delegates.

Insights gathered from the successfully concluded VCYMs were presented to the body alongside the Vicarial Statements. The Initial Apostolic Directions—which featured the goals of the Youth Ministry for the next five years—were also introduced to the delegates. Questions and suggestions were discussed.

The first day ended with a fellowship night that highlighted the ‘pakikipag-katood’ among young people. After, all came together to close the night in prayer.

Pangiturugan

Guided by the theme “Pangiturugan: Dreaming for the Youth in Caceres”, the final Apostolic Directions entitled “Katood ni Ina, Katood ni Cristo” were named and presented to the body on the second day of the Conference. Afterwards, the Ministerial Directions were crafted. 

In the afternoon, before finally concluding the two-day event, the groups presented their proposals, which will be the foundation of the Executive Summary for the ‘KATOOD 5-Year Apostolic Plan’ of the Caceres Youth Commission. 

The ACYM formally ended with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided over by His Excellency, Most Rev. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, D.D, Archbishop of Caceres. Within the Mass, the initial directions from the ACYM were presented to the Archbishop, and a Closing Ritual of Commitment and Induction of Council Members was done.

The ACYM is a call to mission, where young hearts and minds come together in synodality towards a shared vision for the future, where the Archdiocese walks with the young and journeys with them, in faith and hope.