Concept Notes

MINDANAO LUZON REGIONAL GATHERING OF

INDIGENOUS YOUTH
04 October 2021
Via ZOOM

THEME: INDIGENOUS YOUTH STANDING UP… NOW!

(Katutubong Kabataan Naninindigan…Ngayon!)

Introduction

On a national scale, a large percentage of our society is made up of the youth sector. It is known that they
contribute to and are affected greatly by the condition of the country. There have also been so many big
events in our history that were led by emboldened young people.

Many youth-centered gatherings took place but rarely for indigenous youth. In face of the global health
pandemic and various challenges they bore, the youth sector continued to be on the frontlines. The United
Nations defined young people to be within ages 15-24, while the Church classifies individuals aging 16-35 as
youth during World Youth Day celebrations.

On the month of indigenous peoples this October, IPAs will convene together with regional indigenous youth
partners from the various dioceses to hear them, share their experiences & situations, and identify their roles
and duties in the community, province, and region.

Possible formation of regional IP youth organization could also be discussed. The gathering may also serve
as our preparation for next year’s national and local elections.

Schedule of Mindanao Regional IP Youth Gathering - October 04, 9:00am – 5:00 pm

Objectives of the Gathering

1. Identify and unite indigenous youth partners in dioceses of respective regions;

2. Share their youth experiences & situations and their role in the community; and
3. Come up with action plans for organizing and strengthening the indigenous youth sector in different
regions of IPAs.

Methodology

Due to the COVID 19 pandemic and the ban on large physical gatherings, the gathering method will be
made “virtual”. Internet technology will be used to meet, share, and plan. The ZOOM platform of the ECIP
national office will be used for the gathering. The IPA will identify representatives of indigenous youth.
Maximum of 20 representatives per diocese is required.

To support our objectives, indigenous youth representatives must be able to share their situations and
experiences. The use of groups discussion, workshops, reporting and plenary discussion will be maximized.
Inputs from invited speakers will also be used as bases for action planning. All plenary discussion will be
focused to deepen the workshops’ results and group discussions. Plenary sessions will also create spaces
for dialogue between and among youth participants.

Budget will be shared by the ECIP National Office and Caritas Philippines . Expenses such as internet data
for the day of the gathering and meals of the delegates are part of the budget. Incidental expenses of
participants will be shouldered by their respective diocese. However, if there are needs for transportation
expenses of participants to and from their area for stronger internet signal, respective diocese and the
National Office will find ways to deal with it.

For COVID 19 protocols, no more than 10 people with proper intervals should be in a room. For an inter-
active gathering, group delegates can also use a personal computer or laptop with attached to an LCD
projector, speakers, and microphone to listen and share together.

Proposed Program Flow

Morning

I. Part One - Prayer or ritual

Opening Remarks (Archbishop Joe Cabantan, D.D.)
Pax Introduction (Facilitator)
Rationale and schedule of the Assembly Program
Meeting Expectations (Facilitator)

II. Part Two - Workshop on the situation of the community and youth
1. What is the situation of your community?
2. Who are the young people in your community, is there a specific activity for
you?
3. What can you do to change the situation in your community?
Reporting
Discussion and Deepening

Afternoon

III. Part Three - Invited speakers:

1. National status of the Indigenous
2. An Indigenous youth leader shares his or her experience in responding to
a community challenge or situation

IV. Part Four - Action Planning (sub-regional workshops or plenary)

Reporting
Discussion and Deepening

V. Part Five - Closing Remarks (Commission Bishop)

Prayer or ritual