Don Bosco Philippines South Province

by: Alaiza Nebria

The Don Bosco Youth Center (DBYC)–Lawaan officially launched School Year 2026–2027 on July 26 at Pilgrim Hall, gathering young people, Salesian priests, and youth leaders in a celebration of faith, service, and community under the theme, “DB: Where Faith Feels Like Home.”

Anchored on this year’s pastoral call, Y.E.S. (Youth’s Faith Empowers Service), the opening celebration emphasized the invitation for young people to respond generously to God’s call and to become active members of the Salesian Youth Movement.

The program opened with a prayer, followed by an inspirational message from Rev. Fr. Godofredo T. Atienza, SDB, Rector of the Don Bosco Formation Center (DBFC). Reflecting on the Gospel passage, “Many are called, but few are chosen” (Mt. 22:14), Fr. Atienza encouraged the youth to embrace their vocation to serve with faith, generosity, and joy in the spirit of St. John Bosco.

A highlight of the program was the presentation of the newly elected DBYC officers by youth leader Christell, as well as the introduction of the new batch of pre-novices by Rev. Fr. Wilbert Dianon, SDB. The pre-novices will assist in the youth center’s formation programs and pastoral activities throughout the academic year.

The celebration also featured the introduction of the five sodalities under the Salesian Youth Movement: the Knights of the Altar, Lilies of the Altar, Biblos, Young Saints Choir, and Zatti Friends. Through creative presentations and performances, each group shared its mission and invited young people to deepen their faith through various forms of service, including liturgical ministry, music, Scripture, healthcare, and liturgical dance.

Community guidelines were subsequently presented by youth leaders Jesha and Ice, emphasizing that these principles serve not merely as rules but as shared values that foster respect, discipline, and a welcoming environment within the youth center.

Another significant moment was the induction ceremony of the newly elected DBYC officers and appointed youth group presidents. Presided over by Fr. Dianon, the officers took their oath of commitment before God and the community, pledging to lead with humility, responsibility, and a spirit of service.

In his closing message, Fr. Dianon encouraged the youth to keep Christ at the center of their lives and to continue responding generously to God’s invitation through joyful and selfless service.

The celebration concluded with the community dance, “Padayon,” performed by the Bantams, conveying a message of hope, perseverance, and unity. A closing prayer entrusted the new school year to God, followed by a fellowship that strengthened friendships and welcomed new members into the DBYC family.

The launch served not only as the beginning of another year of activities but also as a renewed commitment to the mission of forming young people in faith and service. As the Don Bosco Youth Center–Lawaan community embarks on School Year 2026–2027, it continues to encourage every young person to live out the meaning of Y.E.S.—Youth’s Faith Empowers Service—by growing in their relationship with Christ, serving others with generosity, and helping build a community where every young person truly experiences that faith feels like home.