ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (October 5, 2026)
The Institute of Formation Fondacio Asia (IFFAsia) successfully concluded its Mission Project 2026. The three-week immersion program ran from September 17 to October 4 across Zamboanga City, Basilan, and Zamboanga Sibugay. The organization partnered with the Claretian Missionaries of the Fr. Rhoel Gallardo Province and the provincial SOMI Team to facilitate the activities. The program carried the campaign title “Hope in Action: Go, Inspire” alongside the theme “Pilgrims of Hope: Walk with Christ in Love and Service.”
Accompanied by Fr. Arvin B. Bellen, CMF, and Br. Joseph Roy D. Villarin, CMF, the delegation consists of 16 members, including 12 participants, one intern, and three staff members. These young leaders came from South Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, East Timor, Laos, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The project moved the participants beyond classroom formation to experience direct community engagement.
In Zamboanga City, the mission began with a courtesy visit to the city government. Chief of Staff Celso Lobregat introduced the local history and culture. The group also met Most Rev. Julius S. Tonel, Archbishop of Zamboanga. On September 18, the Claret School of Zamboanga City hosted the foreign youth for a campus tour and cultural exchange. Later that evening, the delegates joined the Claret Youth Ministry at the San Antonio Maria Claret Parish in Zamboanga City. The groups gathered for a scripture reflection based on the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard to discuss how God extends grace freely to everyone.
The delegation then traveled to Basilan. They joined the Claret Youth Ministry at the San Vicente Ferrer Parish in Tumahubong from September 19 to 20. The youth encounter featured games, personal sharing, and an “Asia Tour” cultural presentation. The young leaders also visited the 32nd Infantry Battalion headquarters to learn about local peacebuilding efforts from LTC Gerwin T. Maghuyop. On September 21, the group visited the Claret School of Tumahubong. Principal Agnes B. Rabaca welcomed the delegates while IFFAsia Director Florence Alexius delivered a message on youth leadership. The visitors spent time inside classrooms sharing music and dance with the students.
The mission continued at the Claret School of Maluso. The school community expressed sincere gratitude as the foreign guests actively participated in a SciMath Slogan and Painting Contest and played a friendly soccer match with the students. The delegates also facilitated a youth encounter with the local Claret Youth Ministry. The missionaries performed a short skit to demonstrate that hope requires love and service. On September 24, the group paid a courtesy visit to Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman at the Provincial Capitol in Lamitan City to understand local governance and community development.
The completed mission provided the Asian participants with a lived reality of their formation. The encounters across schools, parishes, and government offices helped the young leaders deepen their understanding of faith, cultural appreciation, and service.
