The Diocese of Antipolo, Philippines, celebrated the Jubilee for Social Communications with the theme “Communicatio Et Spes” (communication and hope) on January 25, 2025.
The event took place at the Minor Basilica, Parish of St. John the Baptist, and Siena College of Taytay, Rizal.
The theme was part of the church’s celebration in the 2025 Jubilee Year: Pilgrims of Hope.
Ruperto C. Santos, Bishop of Antipolo, shared his inspirational message for social communication, reminding participants of their mission to be bearers of truth, hope, and faith in the digital age.
Msgr. Pedro Quitorio III, media director of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), said, “If we want to be communicators of hope, truth must be there. In the absence of truth, hope becomes futile.”
He emphasized the inseparable link between truth and hope.
He said that falsehood leads only to despair, but truth brings genuine hope to the world.
“As we embrace our mission in social communications, let us always choose to speak the truth and be bearers of hope,” he added.
Panelists shared insights on the evolving role of social communications in the Church and society.
Father Roy Bellen, second assistant cluster coordinator of the Commission on Social Communications of the Archdiocese of Manila, and Ms. Jheng Prado, supervisor of social communication, Manila Archdiocese, were part of the panel discussion.
They are joined by Ms. Leahna Villajos, diocesan lay coordinator of the Diocese of Cubao, Tabella Philippines Representative, and Ms. Karen Deane Layug, producer and host of Mama’s Boys, Mama Mary’s Boys, and Limang Siglo.
Ms. Kat Diaz of TV Maria facilitated the workshop on social media management while Michael Añonuevo of Radio Veritas discussed journalism.
Alexander Lopez of EWTN Asia Pacific expounded on the use of artificial intelligence (AI), while Mr. Nigel Laxamana discussed the topic of broadcasting.
Laxamana shared the principles of ethical journalism and how to report faith-based stories with accuracy and integrity.
He also urged them to enhance their skills in radio and television broadcasting to share the message of faith with clarity and impact.
The hands-on workshops immersed the participants in strengthening their skills in social communications and evangelization in the digital era.
Lopez discussed the responsible use of AI in faith-based communication that upholds truth and ethical standards.
Social communicators are to learn best practices for managing social media platforms effectively to engage and inspire online communities.
It was a transformative experience for participants, equipping social communicators to be bearers of truth and hope in today’s digital world.
About 500 social communicators of the Diocese of Antipolo attended the Jubilee for Social Communications of the diocese.
Father France Baasis, the Diocese of Antipolo's director for social communications, and his team organized the event.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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