YOUTH OF IGLESIA FILIPINA INDEPENDIENTE PARISH OF STS.

PETER AND PAUL SAN PEDRO, SAN JOSE, ANTIQUE THE BRIEF HISTORY OF THE YOUTH OF IGLESIA FILIPINA INDEPENDIENTE According to the account in the brief historical presentation to be found in the Comprehensive program of the YIFI document, the first organized if the IFI to demonstrate in concerns for the youth began in the early 60s with establishment of the PIC Episcopal Churches Students Center in Lerma Street, manila. IFI and PEC students chaplains were assigned to run its program. It then become a second home especially to those who came from the provinces. Counseling services were provided to extend advises to the many problems students encountered while in the Universities and Colleges. There were even visits towns and cities to conduct rallies and conferences intended to make more conscious of the Christian responsibilities. Prior to the establishment of the Joint PIC_PEC Students Work Program in Manila, an IFI Campus Ministry at the University of The Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City had already been in operation. By the early 1960s the UP Congregation was able to put its own church at the periphery at the UP Katipunan Campus. After several years, they developed a flourishing student work, which gave birth to the formation of the UPPICSA or University of the Philippines- Philippine Independent Church Student Association, How Ever, during this period there is no existing national youth formation representing the IFI Youth. The focus of this of the young people then was very typical and confined within the limits of the church and that of simply producing good boys and girls. Caught in the vortex of political protest and unrest that time, and propelled by a commitment to nationalistic values and ideals, the UPPICSA with the approval of the late Obispo Maximo Isabelo Delos Reyes Jr. Called National Youth Assembly in Marikina, Rizal in 1969. In that historic gathering the Youth decided among other things to denounce the political and economic orders( semi feudal and semi-colonial) particularly the US- Marcos dictatorship, and the Church hierarchys lack of concerns for the Youth in participation in decision making process and for the neglect of the church in its social responsibility. It was the first organized move of the youth to reclaim the nationalist heritage and tradition and spirit of the IFI. To have more powerful voice the delegates organized themselves into a movement called Kabataang Pambansa Katedral (KPK) the precursor of the National Youth Organization (NYO). The IFI youth at this point in time transcended to purely Church based activities towards higher degree of expression of faith and social involvement. They were swept alongside the arising towards tide militant youth and students power that the challenge the innate existing comforts of the dictatorship of both local and foreign ruling classes. In 1972 the KPK held an assembly in UP Los Baos , Laguna affirmed the need to oppose the three unholy trinity on Imperialism, reason why Filipino people are suffering. Inside the church, the KPK was in challenging the well- entrenched conservatism and reactionary tendencies of our church leaders and the demanded reforms within the church and restoration of the genuine teaching of the history of the IFI. The name was a part of the historic second propaganda movement or popularly known as First Quarters Storm (FQS). Upon the election of Obispo Maximo Macario Gaa in 1973, he pledge priority to the Youth the Supreme Council Bishops in its annual meeting in 1974 created a resolution urging Diocesan Bishops and parish priest to develop youth programs in the local church. The SCCB also created the office of the national Youth Coordinator appointing then FR. Eustaquio D. Coronado (Now Bishop of Laguna) to the position. From April 21-24, 1976 National Youth Consultation was held at St. Andrew Seminary and the delegates expressed the need to restructure the National Youth Organization adopt a National Constitution and By Laws for the organizations. The preparatory committee was immediately organized. Later on, after adopting Constitution and By Laws and give birth to the national Cathedral Youth Organization (NYCO) of today originated, Mr. Fructoso Jun Sabug of (San Pedro) - Antique was elected Chairperson of the Organization. By the following year, the Youth successfully campaigned for recognition for the Youth organization come into being. As with the regards to the transition from the NFDYO to the NYO and circumstances surrounding its changes and differences, establishment of the NYO came during this period. The lives of NYO had its ups, downs and turn until it came to the point that it almost ceased to operate as an organization. It was in the year 1994 to 1996 that the youth started to rebuild: it was also in that year in Sta. Cruz, Laguna

where the national Youth General Assembly came up with the group of committed youth leaders gave their full time for such difficult task. In 1991, during the 11th National Youth Convention held in Grasa. Marinduque, with the theme Thats says, KABATAANG AGLIPAYANO: Ipagpatuloy ang pagyakap sa Dakilang pamana, pagbuklirin ang lakas, pag-ibayuhin ang pagkilos tungo sa panibagong siglo sa paglilingkod sa Diyos at sa Bayan. The youth have the comprehensive amendments in their Constitution and By Laws. It includes the approval of the new name of the Organization, the YOUTH OF IGLESIA FILIPINA INDEPENDIENTE a new logo and identity, new organizational structure and newest of leaders responding to the call of the mother church and to help in the preparation for the IFI to face her 100th year serving God through year of serving God through His people. Coinciding the centennial Spirit, the Historic 12th National youth Convention was recently held on April 30- may 6 at Aglipay Central Theological Seminary (ACTS), Nancamaliran West, Urdaneta, and Pangasinan where more than hundred young people collectively gather in fellowship and re-affirmed the covenant to God by serving the people through IFI. Deeply by the life and deed exemplified of NYEC with resolve backing from the general convention, vowed for a renewed vigor in living out her rich heritage pursue her historical mission , ministry and struggle towards the establishments of Shalom, For God and Country.. This was the beginning of the Youth of Iglesia Filipina Independiente. Our new logo represents many symbols for our organization the name Youth- Recognized as the strong foundation of the organization it should strengthenits solidarity and actively promote its total development to serve God and Country. Pro deo et Patria- to acknowledge that God as our Divine Providence and we live to be faithful In prompting the Church heritage and serve our country for the glory of His Name. Iglesia Filipina Independiente. To bear in mind and spirit the historical ministry of Church in the mission and service of being servants of our God and to our country as well. Vine- The youth should uphold and unite in the mission of Jesus Christ carry His cross and follow His footsteps to be one of His people. Holy Bible is the strong foundation and shield of the youth to protect and define their faith. Bamboo cross- A symbol fro great love to our Savior. Knotted Rope- The individual member has their duties and obligation to protect and developed this organization their participations and unity symbolize strength hope and power of the church. Color Red- It symbolized the blood of Christ for our Salvation and develop and the color of bravery as what servants followers follow the life of JESUS. Color Blue- Symbolized the honesty integrity and dignity and part and member of these Nationalistic. Philippine map- represent our country in which we are born and still need help and concerns for the welfare of our missions and goals.