To support for the welfare of Filipino youth, the three Bacolod stakes (dioceses) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints organized an interfaith convention on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
The event, held at the Bacolod Philippines Stake Center under the theme “Strengthening the Rising Generation,” brought together religious, community, and educational leaders to discuss the pressing concerns of youth today and to explore ways to fortify, support, and strengthen them.
Attendees included representatives from the Catholic Diocese of Bacolod, the Islamic Society of Bacolod, the Baptist Churches of Manapla, Goldland, and the Fundamental Church, the NoCNoC Christian Church, the Dunamis Praise Word Conquest Church, and Seventh-day Adventist Church. Educational institutions such as the University of St. La Salle Bacolod, La Consolacion College-Bacolod, and the Carlos Hilado memorial State University (CHMSU) were also represented. They were welcomed by President Rossen Bon Escobar of Bacolod Stake, President Joaquin Montero of Bacolod North Stake, and President Antonio Jayme of Bacolod South Stake, along with other Latter-day Saint leaders.
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| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
Most Reverent Patricio A. Buzon, SBD, DD, delivered an inspiring message highlighting the various social, digital, emotional, and spiritual challenges facing today’s youth. “Despite these challenges, there is always hope for young people,” emphasized Bishop Buzon. “As adults and mentors, we must instill the truth in the rising generation. As elders and guardians of humanity, must also walk alongside the youth to help strengthen them,” he added.
An open discussion facilitated by President Montero featured a rich exchange of advice, counsel, and guiding principles aimed at supporting the younger generation. Barangay Taculing Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Leaders Vincent Debide and Kristel Reyes shared their perspectives on the real-life struggles, triumphs, and potential contributions of today’s youth.
The insights shared by the community youth leaders were particularly eye-opening, providing a deeper understanding of the challenges facing young people in society. They shared first-person accounts of the increasing array of challenges faced by the youth which threaten to undermine their personal values, beliefs, principles, and norms.
Despite the limited time, ideas flowed freely, and the participants were fully engaged in discussing how they can support the youth during these turbulent times. How can they help the youth rediscover their inner strength?
The theme is deeply rooted in the teachings and principles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has always emphasized empowering young people to realize their potential as followers of Christ and future leaders. Many attendees expressed the desire for continued interfaith gatherings to address these issues more regularly.