Philippines: International Youth and Students Assembly (IYSA) 2025

The International Youth and Students Assembly (IYSA) 2025 was successfully held on September 26–27, 2025, at the UPF Peace Embassy in Quezon City. Organized by the Future Generation Department (FGD) under the International Association of Youth and Students for Peace (IAYSP)–Pilipinas, the gathering carried the theme “Magka-IYSA Tayo: Forging Peace and Unity through Youth Initiatives, Pure Love Values, and Active Nation-Building.” The assembly brought together youth leaders, educators, missionaries, and peace advocates, emphasizing the role of young people as builders of peace and national unity.

Day 1: Laying the Foundation for Peace and Unity
The program opened with welcoming remarks from Rev. John Rhodbert Gregorio, Area 1 FFWPU Director, followed by a keynote message from Rev. Ronnie Sodusta, FFWPU Philippines Regional Director. Despite Typhoon Ompong’s impact, the message was clear: young people who are “crazy for change” remain determined to take action for peace and transformation.

The day featured four main talk sessions:

Educating for Peace: Embedding Pure Love and Unity in the Classrooms of Tomorrow – Ms. Melanie Juantala (Technical Assistant IV, DepEd)
Youth at the Frontlines: Mobilizing Initiatives for Peace and National Unity – Mr. Ninoy Avila (President, IAYSP Asia Pacific)
Digital Nation-Building: Using Technology to Bridge Divides and Counter Misinformation – Ms. Ma. Helena Asuncion (Trainer, Digitribe Innovations Philippines)
Peace and Prosperity: How Young Entrepreneurs Can Drive Social Impact and Inclusive Growth – Mr. Jun Young Teves (President, IAYSP Pilipinas)

A sofa chat followed, where speakers addressed critical questions such as how youth organizations can secure support for initiatives and the implications of AI in modern classrooms.

After lunch, participants were introduced to IAYSP as the hosting NGO through an AVP presentation. Rev. Sodusta then facilitated the Peace Designers Workshop, empowering young leaders to recognize their capacity for creating social impact. The day concluded with an intercultural brotherhood and sisterhood activity led by the Heavenly Top Gun Missionaries, fostering unity among local and international delegates.

Day 2: Pure Love, Advocacy, and Celebration
The second day began with lively dance icebreakers. The S!NERGY Showcase followed, with video messages from Ms. Olga Majitova (Acting President, IAYSP International) and Ms. Vaetoeifaga Apelu (2022 S!NERGY International Champion). Ms. Rica Marfil (2021 Champion) shared her message live and personally engaged participants.

The assembly also marked the relaunch of IYSA’s rebranding, presented through an AVP. This was followed by the IYSA-ng Awit ng Kabataan Music Fest, which gave participants a lively, celebratory atmosphere.

The event closed with a powerful message from Rev. Masaichi Hori, Continental Director of FFWPU Asia Pacific. He emphasized the providential leadership of True Mother Hak Ja Han and encouraged the youth to live for a greater purpose in alignment with Heaven’s vision.

The celebration ended with the Pure Water Dance, symbolizing unity and commitment. After the three cheers of eog mansei and a group photo, participants departed with renewed inspiration to advance peace, purity, and unity in their communities.