Makati YMCA Joins Earth Hour to Earth Day Campaign of APAY

Last Updated (Thursday, 04 May 2023 16:33)

The YMCA of Makati joined the Earth Hour to Earth Day Campaign launched by the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCA’s (APAY) through different Climate Advocacy Activities led by the youth which happened between March 23 to April 22, 2023. 

These activities started with a series of Climate Change Education talks from the Makati Y’s Green Ambassadors, Ms. Magda Gana, Ms. Alyssa Alita and Mr. Reagan Melendez who gave a talk on Climate Change, Water Footprint and Carbon Footprint on March 22 among the youth and scholars of Makati YMCA. 

Some of the youth also participated by practicing different environment conscious lifestyle like using reusable water container, bike to school etc. and posted it in social media using the official hashtag #EarthHour2EarthDay. 

The Campaign culminated through a Clean-Up Drive activity around the Makati YMCA Community in San Antonio, where students, teachers and parents from the Red Triangle Club (RTC), Hi-Y Clubs, cholars and volunteers from Ys Men Makati Golden were present. 

To wrap up the day Ms. Melody Quintanilla, one of the team leaders of Makati YMCA's Youth-led solutions Project, KalaKalikasan, gave an interesting talk on Earth Day and encouraged the youth to become stewards of God’s creation.

39th ASC Reflection

Last Updated (Thursday, 04 May 2023 16:10)

My learnings at the 39th ASC

I wish to start my learnings in chronological order. Starting with sharing the life journey, which was an excellent exercise to go down memory lane after 40+ years. It gave me time to see how I have progressed and more over how GOD has blessed me to come so far with his grace.

Next was the session by Dr Rommel Linatoc on “Creative Worships & Liturgies”. A lot of insight was given. We were questioned, “Why do we attend a worship service?”. He clearly explained the process of organizing worship and LITURGY = Life in its fulness, Interconnection, Transformative of lives, Unity of purpose, Radiance of hope, GOD deliverance, Yearning resolutions. The altar formation was a very new thing that I learnt. Most importantly, I learnt how to create a “creative liturgy”, which will suit the context.

The next session was by Mr Nam on “Responding to GOD’s calling for Mission”. At the start, it was affirmed that we must seek GOD’s calling or plan rather than execute our plan. The Quadrennial Program Plan (QPP) was a new learning among the many new learnings and revision of known facts. We were also challenged to explore the DNA of the YMCA. Ecumenism & Ecumenical Movement by Ms Sunita was the next session. I learnt various aspects and different ecumenical organizations. This was a discussion-based session. However, I still doubt whether the YMCA is moving in the correct direction.

Next was a session by Mr Nam on “Movement Strengthening & Relevancy”. During this session, the three pillars of a healthy YMCA were discussed. A clear Vision & Mission, Relevant Work, and a Viable & Sustainable Foundation. It was also shared that if the Local YMCA Presidents are called for a similar session, they will get an insight into these, which will make an impact when it comes to change.

Following that was a session by Mr Razvan from the World Alliance on Vision 2030. An introduction was given on the new mandate; I learnt there is not much Christian emphasis, though it’s a passed mandate at the 20th World Council. Therefore, we need to think critically about certain aspects for the betterment of the movement at our own local YMCA level. I feel we should have allotted more time for this session.

The next session was “Agenda 2030 & SDGs” by Ms Denise KH Yoon. Again, it was quite an informative session and also refreshed my early learnings. I felt that more of our projects need to be re-aligned with the SDGs. We were also enlightened about the YMI, its evolution, and its mission towards the YMCA. Again, this left specific questions in mind and facts for pondering the fundamental mission of this institution and its future continuity.

The next session on “Good Governance” done by Dr Subash Masters” was one of the main topics that I was looking forward to. His teachings were very practical and contextual for the current-day practices of the YMCA. He emphasized the importance of following proper Constitutions and the need to be up to date to keep up with the current requirements. He also mentioned that governance has to be evaluated regularly.

Afterwards, we had a session on “Lay Professional Partnership (LPP)” by Mr Nam where the seven principles of LPP were taught. The next session was by Mrs Cristina & Mr Beng Seng on “Climate Justice for a Sustainable Planet”. There were many new learnings during the session. The session by Dr. George on “Economy of Life”, highlighted that he returned after the COP27, where the main sponsor was COCA-COLA, and that it is a significant contributor for environmental pollution. Now this gives a message across the world for us to ponder. He also enlightened us on the concept of Eco Capitalism. The main teaching was that we must solve the root cause rather than provide bandage solutions.

Though all of the above was on zoom, we learnt and shared a lot. It was a new experience to meet daily on zoom for 2 weeks. Finally, we all met in-person in Chiang Mai. It was another experience that we were longing to meet friends.

The first in-person session we had was on “Interfaith”. It was a great experience to see all the leaders of different faith sit together and discuss on common interests. The session by Dr Muriel also gave me lot of thinking. She highlighted that without properly having the Challenge 21 grasped by local YMCAs, it is now required that we start to think on Vision 2030.

We visited 3 community projects in Chiang Mai. The MAP foundation which was working for the migrant workers and their welfare, the HUG project which was setup to address many issues related to child abuse and trafficking, and the Urban Light which was addressing issues related to youth such as sexual abuse and matters of social concern. Many positives and negatives were shared during the discussion time. I would like to place on record, that it would have been better if this was more of a field exposure where we meet the communities and see how they are being handled. I expect this to be taken as constructive criticism for the next batches.

During the next session by Dr Rey Ty on “Peace Building and Conflict Resolution” it was taught that a good listener could be a point of peace making. The activity done practically proved the capability of listening. The next session on “APAYs Response to Gender Justice” by Sunita gave a lot of facts for thought. Simultaneously it left many questions or challenges for future leaders to ascertain the impact of being for or against the proposals. This being a highly debated topic in the current context, YMCA leaders also will have to be very mindful to think critically rather than just moving towards the trends.

The next session by Bishop Dr. Coorilos on “Contextual Theology”, discussed a new aspect of theology. The content was so intense that it made me want to read more. Our visit to the Sou Hin YMCA was a great exposure getting to know their practical implementations in response to the climate crisis. This visit was the most exciting and valuable during the study. I learnt many things that could be implemented from the learnings. The garbage separation and collection, re-using, power conservation, and use of solar are a few to note.

The one before the last session by Sunita on “Proposal Writing & Resource Mobilization” was useful to recap specific past learnings. Nam’s presentation on the “Strategic Planning Process” followed this, which was also very useful. The final session by Cristina was on “Youth Empowerment, Leadership & Development”. A very good discussion-based session where I could recap most of the theories learnt in the past.

Holistically the ASC has given me a certain level of insight and new learnings to develop my skills and abilities to function in my position.

I want to convey my heartfelt thanks to the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (APAY), the NCYSL & the board of directors of Kandy YMCA, who allowed me to follow the Advanced Studies Course with much support and encouragement. I am also very grateful to all my new friends from different parts of Asia and the Pacific region for all the support during the study.

 

Lalantha Jayasinghe
General Secretary – Kandy YMCA (Sri Lanka)
39th ASC participant

 

APAY 5th Youth Assembly

Last Updated (Tuesday, 09 May 2023 14:42)

APAY 5th Youth Assembly
YMCA International Youth Center, Chennai, India
13-15 September 2023

Theme: “Journeying Together as a Resilient Community: Transforming Lives Through Vision 2030”

Calling young YMCA active members, volunteers and staff who are committed to ensuring that solutions are put in place to address the pressing social problems of our time! Come and join us on our 5th APAY Youth Assembly, a platform aimed to build potentials of youth through spiritual enrichment, education, value formation and capacity building leading to active contribution in sustainable community development processes. Participants to the Youth Assembly must be a registered delegate of the 21st General Assembly. Although the on-going programs for youth attract and serve a relatively wide range of young people, the regional YMCA considered youth for this purpose as those 18 –30 years of age. 

The Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (APAY) Youth Assembly is one of the major activities within the regional participation and leadership development programs. This commitment of empowering youth requires creation of spaces for young lay leaders, volunteers, student members and young staff to actively engage in learning and reflection on social realities impacting them and society. More relevantly, the youth need opportunities to plan appropriate actions in response to challenges they are confronted with such as complex concerns on war and conflicts, poverty and hunger, consumerism, the digital divide, environment and climate change, discrimination, deprivation of human rights and fundamental freedom, unemployment, education, healthcare and well-being, and the culture greed for material wealth and power.

The YMCA, as part of a wider social movement that is called to build a community of justice, love and peace, has the responsibility to illustrate and nurture these values among young people. This two-day event also intends to prepare the youth delegates to actively participate and meaningfully integrate to the entire General Assembly processes.

↑ 4th Youth Assembly participants at Yokohama YMCA Camps, Sep 2019	↑ 4th Youth Assembly - Discussion o issues affecting youth and proposing actions to address the injustices
↑ 4th Youth Assembly delegates raise their voices to address Social Concerns such as ecology and women's rights

As an integral part of the General Assembly and the region’s goal of creating opportunities for youth participation and leadership development, the Youth Assembly aims to meet the following specific objectives:

• to recognize youth’s potential and capacities as key partners in realizing the mission of YMCA;
• to learn and reflect on social realities impacting the youth, their immediate community and the larger society;
• to represent the concerns of the youth rooted from their local and national realities;
• to share experiences and insights on becoming an active participant in the YMCA and in strengthening network among youth;
• to create awareness and develop appreciation on regional YMCA identity and goals;
• to deliberate and search together for meaningful and practical YMCA responses.

Together, the youth will be learning about the stories of young people’s exposure and experiences with YMCA (local/national) and their communities, understanding Vision 2030 and the APAY QPP, Solution Design (Program/Project Planning and Youth and Community Challenges (Social Issues)

For matters related to participation, contact Maria Cristina L. Miranda, Executive Secretary for Programs Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Maria Cristina L. Miranda, Executive Secretary

Time for Climate Action Towards YMCA Vision 2030

Last Updated (Wednesday, 26 April 2023 16:08)

As part of our continued commitment to strengthen Green Movement towards a carbon neutral YMCA by 2030, we invite you to select young staff, volunteers and leaders from your YMCAs; YMCA executive staff; and other like-minded group related to YMCA work on Climate Change and Environment to participate in our Green Ambassadors Training which will be held on 22-27 May 2023 in Chiangmai , Thailand. 

The training is one of the intervention programs of the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs in its continued efforts to combat climate change. The training generally aims to educate YMCA staff, leaders, volunteers and youth about climate change and its impact to people and communities. It is also designed to create a platform to reflect on personal and organizational practices that could bring about behavioural changes and interest in advocacy for eco-justice. The training is specifically keen to engage participants in dialogue on enhancing ‘Green Ambassadors’ capacity for environment and climate change action to secure net zero by 2030 to keep global temperature of 1.5 degrees Celsius within reach. It will also look into potential ways to contribute in rebuilding resilient societies with nature-based solutions. 

The participation fee is USD250; and registration fee which includes Green Fee is USD50USD. Registration deadline is 15 May 2023. The submission of the online registration form indicates prior arrangement/approval from the respective National/territorial Council of YMCAs. For any inquiries, please send email to Maria Cristina Miranda at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Registration link: https://forms.gle/6HCGwEWc7KqKT3G47

- Maria Cristina L. Miranda, Executive Secretary