Philippines: School's archdiocese launches 'pandemic' formation program for students

The Archdiocese of Caceres Parochial School in the Philippines launched a formation program to aid and direct students impacted by the pandemic lockdown experience. 

The program started a year ago when Fr. Enrico Julian Paglinawan, the School Principal, and Fr. Wilmer Joseph Tria, the school director, assessed the students on the concrete actions they could contribute to the church to address the growing number of cases of depression that led to suicide, drug addictions, prostitution and crimes involving young people.

The Student Council suggested forming a Core Group that will address the issue.

They thought about developing a formation program consisting of sessions that would help them process and overcome their painful experiences. After undergoing such a process, the next part of the program is sharing their experiences with their fellow youth to enkindle love and hope in the situations they are in.

The program was incorporated into the school's on-the-job training program. The program taught the students how to share and articulate their feelings about drug addiction, love, and other issues in society.

The organization solidified its identity through its engagement in outreach activities targeting other institutions or students. The group reportedly reached out to 33 communities, and they have additional events scheduled.

They facilitated faith-seeking sharing and conducted gatherings, which enabled them to assist children who had fallen prey to substance abuse, prostitution, domestic violence, and rape. As a result of this action, the government and non-governmental organizations assisted in referring these victims to the appropriate authorities and furnishing them with suitable aid.

Fr. Paglinawan stated that every student undergoing the formation experience must make a vow. The vow or promise is to integrate themselves into the different apostolates of the church, such as altar serving, lector, choir, catechist, or Campus Ministry volunteering. 

Father Paglinawan said, "The initiative, which began last year, was very timely for the Lenten season as it guided our youngsters towards Jesus and taught them how to be with Him."

The priest also said that it would also be helpful to the parishes to have additional youth volunteers in the different ministries. 

The priest stated that the Pili Parochial School's particular apostolate empowers the youth to assist their fellow youth and create a support group amidst various church-related issues. - Joy M. Fabay