News

Philippine youth representatives Angeilyn P. Antivo (Eastern Visayas) and Rowell B. Velonza (National Capital Region), both active Adventist youth, joined other ASEAN youth in the ASEAN Youth Interfaith Camp (AYIC) 2022 on August 7-12, 2022 in Jakarta and Semarang, Indonesia.

AYIC is a regional gathering that aims to provide a platform for ASEAN Youth from different religious backgrounds to conduct dialogue and establish a strong network.

During the event, Antivo and Velonza were given the opportunity to present the SADFREE, which stands for Smoking, Alcohol, and Drugs Free.  

SADFREE is a movement founded by Pastor Ron Genebago, Adventist Youth & Young Adult Ministries Director of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division. The movement aims to save young people from the harmful effects of smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol, and illegal drugs. 

Antivo also showed a video titled “Palit Yosi,”  a short documentary produced by Project Life. “Palit Yosi” is a compassion activity of the Adventist Youth that encourages cigarette smokers in public places to exchange their cigarettes for fruits and nuts. 

Antivo and Velonza finished their presentation with an inspiring message for youth delegates to become active in helping the community to quit unhealthy habits. The program is expected to produce post-event initiatives at the community level. 

The camp was officially inaugurated during an opening ceremony held at the Sari Pan Pacific Hotel in Jakarta. The ceremony was led by Asrorun Niam Sholeh, Deputy for Youth Development of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

AYIC 2022 was attended by 30 youths from seven ASEAN member countries, namely the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. 

The ASEAN Youth Interfaith Camp is organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Indonesia in cooperation with the National Youth Commission of the Republic of the Philippines.

Gem Roy Fuentes, Project Life Director