Global Church Leaders Work with PH Govt to Support Youth Development

On a recent ministering assignment in the Philippines, global leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints met with government officials to explore ways to support the rising generation of Filipinos. Their discussions focused on improving access to quality education, providing spiritual guidance, and supporting government programs that positively impact the youth.

In November, Sunday School General President Paul V. Johnson and Young Men General Presidency First Counselor Bradley R. Wilcox held separate meetings with Department of Education (DepEd) Assistant Secretary Georgina Yang and National Youth Commission (NYC) Chairperson Joseph Ortega. Discussions centered on how the Church could contribute to the spiritual and temporal well-being of Latter-day Saint youth and young single adults.

Meeting with DepEd Assistant Secretary Georgina Yang

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Assistant Secretary Yang, a former spokesperson for Vice President Leni Robredo’s Angat Buhay volunteer group, expressed familiarity with the Church, particularly its humanitarian efforts in the Philippines. She highlighted past collaborations during emergency response initiatives under Vice President Robredo’s term, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

President Johnson and Brother Wilcox were joined by Elder Michael B. Strong, Second Counselor in the Philippines Area Presidency, for the meeting held at the DepEd Main Office in Pasig City on November 18.

During the meeting, the leaders shared how Church initiatives such as the BYU Pathway program, the Perpetual Education Fund, and the BYU–Hawaii Philippines Track have helped Filipino students achieve their educational goals. They also discussed opportunities for further collaboration to support the country’s educational objectives, focusing on improving employment prospects, fostering self-reliance, and enabling students to contribute meaningfully to their families and communities.

Meeting with NYC Chairperson Joseph Ortega

The following day, Elder Carlos G. Revillo Jr., President of the Philippines Area Presidency, and his counselors, President Johnson, and Brother Wilcox, hosted Chair Ortega and the NYC delegation at the Manila Philippines Administration Office for an intimate meeting and lunch.

Chair Ortega expressed admiration for the Church’s For the Strength of Youth guide and commended its detailed and organized approach to youth programs.

During the meeting, NTC Chair Ortega invited the Church to participate in their National Youth Convention at Forest Crest Nature Hotel and Resort in Nasugbu, Batangas, from December 1-4, 2024. Youth government leaders, workers, and councils from all regions of the country attended. The Church set up a booth introducing "For the Strength of Youth" and distributed more than 2,000 brochures for attendees to take back to their provinces.

Church leaders reaffirmed their commitment to empowering the rising generation in the Philippines and around the world. They emphasized the Church’s efforts to provide opportunities for quality education, temporal and spiritual nourishment, and preparation for a self-reliant life. Discussions also highlighted the importance of helping youth build strong families and become responsible citizens who contribute positively to their communities and the nation.

The Church’s Commitment to Political Neutrality and Nation-Building

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is dedicated to sharing Christ’s teachings, strengthening families, and advancing humanitarian efforts. While the Church remains politically neutral, it engages with government leaders on morally significant issues aligned with its mission and values.

In the Philippines, the Church collaborates with government officials to support initiatives that foster nation-building, humanitarian aid, and interfaith cooperation, all while furthering its mission to bless individuals and families.