Reflections from AYA/ATF Philippines 2024 Program

As a first-time participant in the Asian Youth Academy/Asian Theology Forum (AYA/ATF) program organized by the Asian Lay Leaders (ALL) Forum, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of this gathering. This program has allowed me to gain new experiences, new knowledge and build new friendships with individuals from diverse countries.

For three days and two nights, I went to Real, Quezon, a province in the Philippines, together with my newfound friends from the program, to immerse ourselves in the daily lives of the local residents and to understand the advocacy efforts of the community host organization, Kilos Unlad ng Mamamayan ng Real Quezon (KUMARE). Throughout our immersion, we explored various places, including vibrant local markets, the municipal mayor’s office, and St. Rafael Church. We also visited Kiloloron area, where we learned about the process of making banana chips, a key livelihood program supported by KUMARE. Additionally, we visited a bat farm and participated in the planting mangroves on an island.

Unforgettable Experience during Immersion

During my immersion experience, I had the opportunity to explore the community together with my host family, gaining firsthand insight into their lifestyles and cultures. This journey opened my eyes to the realities of various forms of poverty that I had never encountered before, such as crowded neighborhoods where families reside in small homes without space to cultivate gardens or raise livestock for sustenance. I also witnessed their struggles with inadequate water supply. This immersion taught me that poverty manifests differently across the globe, with unique challenges in every country. It made me realize that what might seem like hardship in our community could be viewed differently by others; they might perceive our situation as more fortunate in comparison to their own. Therefore, it is crucial for us to maintain a positive outlook and foster creativity to enhance the skills and capabilities within our community. By doing so, we can contribute to creating a better living environment for future generations.

Impactful Speeches Aligned during the Program

During the AYA/ATF sessions, there were many inspiring speakers who delivered impactful speeches aligned with the forum’s central theme. Their insights provided me with invaluable experiences and knowledge, particularly on topics such as “Poverty, Corruption and Autocracy are Main course and Results to be gotten Over for the Poor and the Marginalized in Asia, and What’s the Poverty and Human Dignity of Women and Children in Asia today?”. I believe, I can effectively apply what I learned at the forum to enhance my efforts in supporting my communities. For instance, the discussion on “Poverty of Farmers Forced to Become Migrants Workers Domestic and Abroad in the Philippines” presented by Ms. Vhiktoria Siva and Ms. Rowena Ocado, resonated deeply with me, as our communities are experiencing similar challenges—farmers abandoning their fields to seek work abroad. This session taught me that while we cannot prevent people from migrating, whether domestically or internationally, we can educate them on the essential factors they need to know as migrants. It is crucial for them to develop a clear plan prior to migration—one that outlines the steps necessary for achieving a stable and fulfilling life, a consideration that many migrant workers often overlook.

Looking Forward for Action Plan in My Community in Laos

After the AYA/ATF, I had discussions with my manager and colleagues regarding my plan of action to address migration issues. We have decided to organize a simple training course focused on Migrant Workers within our communities to enhance awareness and preparedness. Our goal is not to endorse migration but to emphasize the significance of having a clear plan before seeking employment abroad.

This aims to help participants to see the difference between those who migrate with a clear plan and those who do not. And these are some of the insights that I gained from the forum. And lastly, I am so thankful for ALL Forum for giving me such wonderful opportunity and I am looking forward to attending more programs like AYA/ATF.*