17 September 2013 - Together with their counterparts from other Southeast Asian countries, Filipino youth leaders participated in the Southeast Asia 2 Youth Animators’ Meeting and Workshop held in Dili, Timor-Leste from September 8 to 13.

Organized by the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), the meeting seeks to provide a platform for countries in the region to exchange views and share best practices in doing youth ministry.

Bishop of the Diocese of Legazpi and concurrent Chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Youth (ECY), Joel Baylon, led the Philippine delegation.     

The meeting provided an excellent opportunity for Filipino youth animators to build friendships and linkages with their Timorese counterparts. For instance, Bishop Baylon was able to meet and confer with His Most Reverend Basilio do Nascimento, the Bishop of the Diocese of Baucau in Timor-Leste and concurrent President of the Timor-Leste Episcopal Commission, who led the organizing committee of the conference.

As noted by Philippine Ambassador to Timor-Leste Maria Aileen H. Bugarin, “I welcome the conference as a positive development in fostering a sense of unity and solidarity among the youth leaders of the Philippines and Timor-Leste. In view of the two countries’ shared Catholic heritage, it is not surprising that the Church has and will always play an important role in nurturing the already existing positive ties between the Filipino and Timorese people.”

On their last day in Timor-Leste, Bishop Baylon and the rest of the delegation were invited by Ambassador Bugarin for a simple Filipino luncheon at her Official Residence. The Ambassador conveyed during the luncheon the Embassy’s openness and willingness to pursue a strategic partnership with ECY and FABC on projects of mutual interest. END