MANILA, July 6, 2013—More than 30 student representatives will gather on July 19-21 to learn more about why faith is the missing ingredient for lasting, social change during the 3rd Student Catholic Action of the Philippines (SCAP) NCR Cluster Leadership Conference at the College of the Holy Spirit in Mendiola.
“We know that faith is our only weapon and tool in changing society to restore all things in Christ,” said Mark Vertido, member of the organizing team.
The conference aims to empower participants as changed individuals in faith which will also explore how faith affects and is affected by technology, culture, politics, social change and sexuality, among others through a series of workshops.
Last year, the conference dealt with leadership essentials like credibility, community-orientation, and Christ centeredness, which was inspired by the Year of Faith.
“Aside from two rounds of workshops that will also look into how faith impacts the environment, art, social issues, and eventually the future, the main plenary session will be based on the title ‘Give Faith a Chance’ that will focus about ‘rootedness’ in faith,” added Vertido, the College of Holy Spirit Manila Animator.
The late former Senator Raul Roco’s wife, Ms. Sonia Roco, will give the plenary session speaking about her and her husband’s own experience as SCAP members during their student days.
Vertido pointed out that youth Christian leaders cannot expect to change anything radically, if they are not motivated and moved by faith.
“It is really expected that as members of SCAP, they should be equipped with faith as they try to act for change in the society,” he said.
Representatives from Centro Escolar University, San Beda College, University of the East, De La Salle University and University of the Philippines will be attending the event together with delegations from dioceses of Antipolo and Laoag as observers, part of their preparation for the establishment of SCAP in their respective dioceses this year.
SCAP was established in 1936 as a religious organization in the country. At present, there are about 300 universities, colleges and secondary schools affiliated with Student Catholic Action here in the Philippines. (Jandel Posion/Nirva’ana Delacruz)
