The first facility to host For the Strength of Youth conferences in Asia opened outside of Manila, Philippines, with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, dedication and tours on Wednesday, June 7.
The 24-acre site in Tanay, Rizal, about 65 kilometers (about 40 miles) east of Manila, can accommodate up to 600 participants weekly from several areas of the northern Luzon island, reported the Church’s Philippines Newsroom. It’s expected that 7,200 youth and leaders will use the facility annually.
The campus includes dormitories for leaders and youth, meeting rooms, an auditorium, a pavilion, an amphitheater and a small Church history museum.
For the Strength of Youth conferences are large five-day events that include devotionals, classes and activities designed to help strengthen faith in Jesus Christ and help youth have fun as they learn to apply the gospel in all aspects of their lives. FSY is for young men and young women, starting the year they turn 14 and through the year they graduate from high school. Area young single adults serve as youth counselors for the conferences.
FSY is modeled after Brigham Young University’s Especially for Youth program and has been held internationally for more than 15 years.
“Our vision extends beyond this inaugural facility. Though it is the first in Asia, it certainly won’t be the last,” said Elder Steven R. Bangerter, a General Authority Seventy and Philippines Area president, who was accompanied by his wife, Sister Susann Bangerter.
“As we stand here today, our eyes are already set on the horizon, scouting locations for our next facilities in Mindanao, Cebu and Northern Luzon. We aim to continue this mission to nurture, develop and enrich the lives of thousands more, including both members and non-members of the Church.”
Also participating in cutting the yellow and white ribbons with golden scissors were Elder Yoon Hwan Cho and Elder Carlos G. Revillo Jr., both General Authority Seventies and counselors of the Philippines Area presidency, and their wives, Sister Bon Kyung Koo Choi and Sister Marites Revillo; Tanay Mayor Rafael “Lito” Tanjuatco; the Rev. Father Carlos Reyes, minister for Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs of the Archdiocese of Manila; Elder Tomas Merdegia Jr., an Area Seventy; and Edgar Fernando, director of temporal affairs for the Philippines Area.
Mayor Tanjuatco said that in addition to physical and mental health, spiritual well-being is also needed. “The need for spiritual resilience is all the more crucial in our youth, and this facility aims to cultivate just that,” he said.
Barbie Orowa, of the Antipolo Philippines Stake, was one of several FSY counselors or leaders who shared about their experiences.
“Through FSY, I found a sense of belonging. It served as a poignant reminder that I am a beloved daughter of Heavenly Parents who love us, and we love them,” she said.
Elder Choi and Elder Revillo both shared how FSY helps youth understand their identity.
“Once these young individuals step into this journey, they start to recognize who they are, what kind of men and women they can evolve into,” said Elder Choi. “In essence, it’s about recognizing and harnessing their potential for the future.”
Elder Revillio said: “We want them to be here so that they can be together and experience joy and a true sense of belonging and unity.”
The groundbreaking for the FSY camp was on June 30, 2021. There are 40 FSY sessions scheduled for July and August throughout the Philippines, including seven at the Tanay FSY facility, according to the Church’s website.
