WCD 2009: Youth C-A-M-P

The Daughters of St. Paul organized a YOUTH C-A-M-P to celebrate World Communications Day 2009 on Pentecost Sunday (May 31) at the new Alberione Auditorium, 2650 F.B. Harrison St. Pasay City.
The one-day gathering of youth leaders representing schools and parish-based Youth Ministry groups sought to strengthen Communion, deepen Awareness of media’s impact and Motivate them to Promote media literacy education among their peer group / members. To underscore the power and impact of the new forms of communications media, especially among the youth, we reflected on the Holy Father’s message on the occasion of the World Day of Communications with the theme: “New Technologies, New Relationships: Promoting a Culture of Respect, Dialogue and Friendship”.
More than 400 young people from different schools, parishes and organizations joined the event: the Media Club Members of Sto. Niño Formation School, Rosario, Batangas and St. Joseph College, Olongapo City; the Friendly Youth group from Pasay City; the Youth for Christ; the BPSK (“Balik-aralan Para Sa Kinabukasan) scholars of the Paulines Institute of Communication in Asia; the Youth Leaders of VIDES Busina Mo, Dunong Ko; and the Seminarians, Pre-postulants, Postulants and Novices of the Pauline Family.
The singing of the Philippine National Anthem opened the day’s celebration, followed by the Opening Prayer, Welcome Address by the Provincial Superior and the introduction of delegates from the different schools, parishes and organizations.
First Input. Fr. Ramil Tapang, SSP gave an hour-long talk on “The Holy Father’s Task to YOUTH”. His lively presentation emphasized the benefits and the disadvantages of the information and communication technologies as well as the impact of the use and abuse of modern gizmos especially among the youth. Today, our youth are so immersed in the internet and the use of mobile technology and other gadgets which include cell phones, MP4 players, laptops, PSPs, digital cameras, etc. The Holy Father says: “If the new technologies are to serve the good of individuals and of society, all users will avoid the sharing of words and images that are degrading of human beings, that promote hatred and intolerance, that debase the goodness and intimacy of human sexuality or that exploit the weak and vulnerable.” The challenge of the Pope to the youth stays: “…Young Catholic
believers: I encourage you to bring the witness of your faith to the digital world. Dear Brothers and Sisters, I ask you to introduce into the culture of this new environment of communications and information technology the values on which you have built your lives.”
The Master of Ceremonies, actor Mat Ranillo III, gave a pep talk on the proper use of the means of communications today. This was followed by actress Jolina Magdangal’s video clip especially addressed to the participants which encourages the youth to take responsible choices in today’s world. The “Family Band” of the Youth for Christ
performed two songs entitled “Nilikha Ka” and “Awit ng Kabataan”.
Second Input. Actress Krista Ranillo, graduate of Communication Arts and Psychology of the Ateneo De Manila University, shared about the powerful impact of media on the decisions of the youth. On the good side of technology, she stressed its usefulness in research, advocacy, fighting crime and corruption, and faster communication. On the bad side, she cited piracy and the tendency to be anti-social / being cooped up in one’s own world. She challenged the youth with the words of Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change that you want to see.”
Sharing. Sharing by dyads ensued after the talks, focused on the participants’ personal response to the Holy Father’s invitation and task to the youth. Open Forum. Questions were raised by the participants ranging from handling criticisms, fear of the youth about doing good, their interest in visiting religious sites on the web, combating temptations in using the modern means of communication, and the things required in carrying out their resolutions about the proper use of media. Fr. Ramil and Krista gave very meaningful and well-appreciated answers.
After lunch, the group assembled once again at the auditorium, and had some unfreezers. Prizes were awarded to the winners. Giveaways were given to selected representatives from the groups. The group reports were presented
before the General Assembly, where the representatives talked about their
insights on the message of the Pope.
The celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided by Rev. Fr. Ramil Tapang, capped the day’s activity.