NATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2019

“I am the servant of the Lord;

may it be done to me according to your word.”
[Lk 1:38]
April 23-28
Archdiocese of Cebu

Episcopal Commission on Youth

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines

PRIMER
 A Guide to the Contents

I Introduction
II The National Youth Day 2019
III Invitation from the ECY and the Archdiocese of Cebu
IV The Delegation
V Registration
VI Practical Information
VII Contact

I INTRODUCTION

What is the National Youth Day

The National Youth Day (NYD) is an event where the Philippine Church expresses, in
very concrete ways, her great love for the young. It is an occasion offered for young
people to celebrate and deepen their faith, and a special moment of coming together as
one body, united in a journey towards intimacy with Christ.

In 1986, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), as a way of

concretizing its preferential apostolate for the youth, approved the annual celebration of
the NYD every December 16, the first day of the Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi.

The NYD is celebrated annually around the country on the 16th of December (or on any
day near it): in the dioceses and organizations. The CBCP-Episcopal Commission on
Youth (ECY) prepares the NYD formation program and proposes activities for its
celebration. Adaptation of the formation program to suit the local context depends
largely on the creativity and possibilities of each diocese or organization.

The NYD is also celebrated through a national gathering. It is usually on a date near
December 16, and lasts for around three days. When celebrated this way, the local host
of the celebration collaborates with the ECY in the planning and execution of the NYD
events.

Since the year 2000, the NYD celebrations are centered on the theme offered by the Holy
Father for the yearly celebration of the World Youth Day (WYD).

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II THE NATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2019

National Celebration in Cebu

Aside from the annual celebration of the NYD, the NYD2019 will be celebrated through
a national gathering, to be hosted by the Archdiocese of Cebu, cradle of Christian
civilization, and its archdiocesan youth ministry office, the Cebu Commission on Youth.

The dates selected, i.e. April 23-28, are rich in meaning for our Filipino Catholic faith:
they fall within the Octave of Easter, with Divine Mercy Sunday as the closing day.
This final day also marks “Kaplag” (Cebuano for “finding”), the discovery of the Santo
Niño image in 1565 by the Spanish solider Juan Camus, who was part of the expedition
led by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi to reclaim the islands after Ferdinand Magellan’s visit
in 1521, when the first celebration of Baptism and the Eucharist was held in our shores.

NYD within the 2019 Year of the Youth

This NYD2019 takes place within the 2019 Year of the Youth, which is the 7th in the
nine-year novena of the Philippine Church in preparation for the Jubilee of 2021, the
500th anniversary of the Christian faith in our country.

The beginning of this year on the 1st Sunday of Advent on 2018 December 02 will also
be marked by the NYD2018 local celebration on December 16. The NYD2019 national
celebration in Cebu will serve as a highlight of this Year of the Youth, with its spirit and
fruits echoing across our shores throughout the rest of the year. On the Solemnity of
Christ, King of the Universe, on 2019 November 24, the Year of the Youth will close, but
the hope that its graces continue to benefit the whole Church will remain.

It is expected that the preparations for the NYD2019Cebu will engage all the youths in
our local churches and other settings, and that the message it will convey will echo
beyond the celebration, to all our communities.

NYD in Cebu

Having this NYD national celebration within the Year of the Youth in Cebu is
remarkable in many ways. First, this affirms the presence of a dynamic youth ministry
in the Archdiocese of Cebu that is open to growth and to mutual enrichment by other
youth ministries. Also, the Señor Santo Niño, devotion to Whom finds its epicenter in
this island, shows us the young Jesus who is the Model for our young people.

The Cebuano Church shows its being a gift to the bigger Church in the Philippines by
its hosting this NYD2019. Moreover, holding this youth gathering in Cebu shows the

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link between being evangelized and being sent on mission: in Cebu was celebrated the
first Mass and Baptism in our country, which ignited waves and waves of missionaries
into other parts of the nation and abroad; from Cebu, we hope to rekindle the fire of
evangelization and mission especially among our youths, today's servants of the Lord.

Program of Celebration

As in past NYDs, the NYD2019Cebu will offer various activities centered on the theme
offered by the Holy Father for World Youth Day on the same year: group activities,
personal reflection, catechesis, prayer and the Sacraments, interaction with local culture,
and sharing with fellow pilgrims. A unique touch to this NYD2019Cebu is the contact
with the rich Catholic and Filipino traditions of Cebu (think about celebrating the
Sinulog Festival in summer)!

All these activities are geared not only for the NYD2019 to offer a fun and festive
celebration, but also to inspire our young people to learn, love and live their Catholic
faith more deeply, enabling them to say, like and with Mary of Nazareth:

“I am the servant of the Lord;

may it be done to me according to your word.”
Theme of the WYD2019Panama, and also of the NYD2019Cebu

Venues and Festival Sites

Main events will take place in designated sites in Cebu City. Aside from these main
events, the daily program will generally unfold in nine (9) places around Metro Cebu.
These places, called Festival Sites to illustrate that the NYD is a celebration of faith, are
in the following cities and municipalities:
• Cebu City (North and South) • Mandaue City
• Consolacion • Minglanilla
• Lapu-Lapu City • Naga City
• Liloan • Talisay City

Foster Families as Accommodations

Homes of families in parishes within the above-mentioned Festival Sites will open their
doors to host participants and provide accommodations. As in past NYDs and even in
other youth gatherings, the welcome and interaction, which a stay in foster families
offers and makes possible, are an integral part of the program.

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III INVITATION FROM THE ECY AND THE ARCHDIOCESE OF CEBU
The Chairman of the CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Youth, Most Rev. LEOPOLDO C.
JAUCIAN, SVD, DD, and the Archbishop of Cebu, Most Rev. JOSE S. PALMA, DD,
invite all the 86 ecclesiastical territories in the Philippines and member-organizations of
the Federation of National Youth Organizations (FNYO) to be part of the
NYD2019Cebu by sending a delegation of their young people accompanied by their
youth ministers (clergy, religious and lay adults—their Bishops are also welcome!).

This joint invitation, dated 2018 May 31, Feast of the Visitation, ECY Chairman and the
Archbishop of Cebu, is accompanied by the NYD2019 Primer and Delegation
Registration Form No. 1 (DRF#1). As a sign that the invitation is accepted, the Diocesan
Bishop (or the Diocesan Administrator) or the National Head (in the case of FNYO
member organizations) should endorse the forming of a delegation from his/her
ecclesiastical territory or youth organization by accomplishing and sending the DRF#1,
possibly with the assistance of the youth ministry office.

IV THE DELEGATION
For the NYD2019 to become a fully meaningful experience, those coming to take part
must be prepared well--this begins with understanding well what the event stands for.

The best context for this preparation is the delegation and its origin, whether the
particular church (archdiocese/ diocese/ prelature/ apostolic vicariate/ Military
Ordinariate, and their local communities: parishes, BECs, etc.) or youth movement
(organization).

What is an NYD2019Cebu Delegation

A delegation is a group composed of individuals, whether youth or youth ministers,

who legitimately belong to the same diocese or national youth organization.

The formation and sending of the delegation to the NYD2019Cebu is recognized,

endorsed and supported by the NYD Endorser (see below). The delegation is under the
leadership of a duly designated Delegation Head and Assistant Head.

Below are key topics regarding the delegation: NYD Endorser, composition of the
delegation, Delegation Head and Assistant Head, and movement of the delegation.

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NYD Endorser

The NYD Endorser is the person of utmost authority in the origin which a delegation
represents. He/She recommends and gives full support to the creation and
participation of the delegation.

If a delegation comes from an ecclesiastical territory (archdiocese/ diocese/ prelature/

apostolic vicariate), its NYD Endorser is the Diocesan Bishop (or the Diocesan
Administrator). If a delegation comes from an FNYO member-organization, its NYD
Endorser is the National Head (or equivalent).

The NYD Endorser designates the Delegation Head and Assistant Head.

He/She endorses not only the delegation itself, but also each person in the delegation.

Composition

The delegation is composed of youths who belong to the particular church or youth
organization which the delegation represents. These youths are accompanied by youth
ministers who may be clergy, religious or lay adults.

Since the delegation is sent to a youth event, its composition should be of young people,
i.e. 80% of the total number are youth. It will be well to keep a balanced representation
of male and female youths.

The following are other basic criteria for pilgrims:

Youth • At least 13 and at most 39 years of age

• Belongs to the diocese/ organization represented by the
delegation
• If a minor (below 18 years of age): Carries a written
authorization from parent/s allowing the child to participate in the
NYD2019Cebu under the supervision of the Delegation Head

Youth minister • Actively involved in the youth ministry of the diocese/

organization represented by the delegation
• Between 20-50 years of age

The Delegation Head and Assistant Head

As the name of the role implies, the Delegation Head is responsible for leading the
entire delegation. He/She is a youth minister, normally a member of the Youth Council

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(Director, Coordinator or Leader), and possessing pastoral, ministerial and leadership
capacities. Specific responsibilities include the following:

• Lead the delegation in the registration process implemented for the NYD2019Cebu
• Accomplish the Registration Forms accurately and fully, and send it to the ECY;
• Serve as the contact person of the delegation for all NYD2019Cebu communications
and transactions with the ECY and the Archdiocese of Cebu;
• Act as conduit of information from the NYD2019 Organizers to his/her delegation
members, ensuring that all information is relayed and understood;
• Organize the preparation of his/her delegation, starting with a Delegation
Orientation aimed to ensure that each member of the delegation understands the
NYD2019Cebu Primer, and other ways and means, including those offered by the
NYD2019 Organizers for the preparatory phase; and
• Travel to the NYD2019Cebu with his/her delegation, and accompany them in full
and active participation in the entire NYD2019Cebu.

The Delegation Assistant Head, on the other hand, assists the Delegation Head in all
his/her functions and responsibilities. Second to the Head, he/she serves as the contact
person of the delegation. He/She also assumes full responsibility over the delegation in
case of the absence or incapacity of the Head.

Here are basic criteria for a Delegation Head and Assistant Head:
• Come from the same origin as the rest of the delegation they will lead
• Between 25-50 years of age
• Duly designated by the Diocesan Bishop (for a diocesan delegation)/ National
President (for a delegation of an organization)
• Capable and committed to represent the delegation
• Have a working email address for the exchange of communications with the
NYD2019 Organizers

Movement of the Delegation

The delegation comes together before the NYD2019Cebu not only for the registration
and other practical arrangements (travel to and from Cebu, etc.) but also for the
preparatory phase which includes formation modules, community prayer activities and
others, which can use either those to be shared by the NYD2019Cebu Organizers or
those prepared by the delegation itself.

Before leaving for Cebu, it will be significant to celebrate a Rite of Commissioning

(possibly within a Eucharistic Celebration) within the origin, for the bigger community
to pray over and send forth their delegation to the NYD2019Cebu.

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After the event, it will be wise to come together as a delegation, led by the Head and
Assistant Head, and process the experience, identify paths forward inspired by the
NYD2019 Cebu, and implement these plans within the context of one's origin.

V REGISTRATION
Each ecclesiastical territory and FNYO-member organization is allocated 100 spaces for
its delegation. This number includes the youth minister/s (clergy, religious and/or lay)
accompanying the youth participants. The Bishop, if he chooses to come, is excluded
from this number.

Additional slots may be requested by the delegation, the request for which should be
specified in the DRF#1. The assessment of requests for these additional slots shall
depend on the initial turnout of the registration. Available slots from the initial turnout,
if any, will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Given the above instructions on the invitation, a diocese/ organization forming a

delegation to the NYD2019 is then asked to follow this registration process, which
consists of two (2) phases:

1st Phase A delegation registers using the NYD2019 Delegation Registration

Form No. 1 (DRF#1). This form requires the following:

1 - Name of the Origin (ecclesiastical territory or organization), which the delegation

represents.

2 - Estimated number of pilgrims: Here, to be indicated is how many of the 100 slots
allocated to the origin will be taken by the delegation. Here too, the number of
requested additional slots, if any, should be specified.

3 and 4 - Delegation Head and Assistant Head, with important information

about them.

Endorsement by the Diocesan Bishop (or Administrator), if the delegation is from a

diocese, or by the National President, if the delegation is from an FNYO member: This
is indicated in the first part of this form.

The ECY, through its Secretariat, must receive the accomplished DRF#1 by mail or
email or fax not later than September 08, Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Mother.

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During and after this 1st Phase, the delegation is expected to undertake efforts to
prepare for the 2nd Phase, e.g. promotion of the delegation in the entire diocese/
organization, recruitment of delegates, designing delegation activities, etc.

2nd Phase After receiving and assessing the DRF#1, the ECY shall confirm the
registration of the delegation through email. This confirmation
ushers the 2nd Phase, where the ECY will send the following for
further accomplishment by the delegation:

1 - NYD2019 Delegation Registration Form No. 2 (DRF#2), which will generate the
following regarding the delegation:
a) Final number of participants
b) List of names of the participants
c) Total amount of solidarity share
d) Travel details

2 - NYD2019 Individual Registration Form (IRF), which will require the following
information regarding each individual participant:
a) Personal details
b) Contact person in case of emergency
c) Health declaration
d) Authorization and waiver, with signature of the delegate

The ECY must receive the accomplished DRF#2 of the delegation and all the personally
accomplished IRF of its delegates by December 08, Solemnity of the Immaculate
Conception. These must be sent as actual copies; therefore, sending by email or fax is
not permitted for this phase.

Registration Fee

As part of the registration process, each delegate is asked to submit a Registration Fee as
one’s personal share in the considerable resources required for a big event like the NYD.
For the NYD2019Cebu, the individual Registration Fee is P1,500.

The Delegation Head may remit the total Registration Fee for the delegation in either of
two ways:

1 - By bank remittance to the following account, using the following details:

Bank Name: Philippine National Bank, Intramuros Branch

Account Name: EPISCOPAL COMMISSION ON YOUTH
Account Number: 101786300017

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After the deposit, a copy of the bank-validated deposit slip with the following subject
“NYD2019 Registration Fee from <origin>” must be sent to the ECY either by fax or by
email.

2 - By payment of check, payable to the “EPISCOPAL COMMISSION ON YOUTH”

The Delegation Head is expected to submit the total Registration Fee on or before
December 08, to conclude the 2nd Phase of the NYD2019Cebu Registration.

Payment of the total amount for registration completes and finalizes the registration of a
delegation.

VI PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Travel Arrangements

As one body, the delegation follows one movement going to the NYD2019Cebu, i.e.
same travel itinerary for arrival in the NYD host-archdiocese.

While it may be preferred that the delegation also leaves together after the
NYD2019Cebu, different dates of departure may be accepted; however, the hosting by
the host-archdiocese ceases once the delegation deregisters on the last day of the event.

Preparing for the NYD2019

Each delegation which is confirmed after the 2nd Phase of the Registration will receive,
through the Delegation Head, materials and resources for the preparatory phase, as
well as further information and updates about the NYD2019, e.g. meaning of the logo,
theme song, delegation tasks, etc. These will be sent primarily through email.

Keeping the Delegation Intact

At the onset, delegations are requested to submit and keep a realistic number of
participants. Since, in a manner of speaking, the group begins the NYD2019Cebu
pilgrimage not only in April upon arrival in Cebu but even in their own origins months
before the NYD2019, it will be well to have everyone onboard throughout the
pilgrimage, i.e. beginning from the registration, onwards to the preparations which will
take place months before the NYD2019Cebu and in the respective origins, up until the
NYD2019Cebu itself, and echoing even after, through re-entry sessions and planning in
youth ministry settings post-NYD.

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Policy on Cancellation

If a registered participant or even a whole registered delegation has to cancel

registration, a certain percentage of the Registration Fee will be collected or considered
non-refundable, the amount of which will depend on the date of cancellation.

For cancellations made…

…between 2018 December 09 and 2019 January 23: 10% non-refundable
…between 2019 January 24 and April 04: 50% non-refundable
…on 2019 April 05 and beyond: 100% non-refundable

This scheme is in place in consideration of preparations already being made as the

event draws near.

A cancellation is validly made when done through email by the Delegation Head.
Cancellations expressed through SMS, phone call and other means will not be honored.

Replacement of Cancelled Registration

Replacing a cancelled registration may be requested to the Organizers, provided that

the replacement is of the same status as the cancelled participant. For example, if a
registered pilgrim who is lay and male cancels because of a major reason (for example,
the migration application of his family is approved and has to be made immediately),
then, another lay young male may take his registered slot.

VII CONTACT
The NYD2019Cebu Organizers are happy to accompany you in this path of preparation
to this momentous gathering!

For registration concerns and other NYD2019Cebu-related matters, please contact:

The NYD2019 Organization
c/o ECY Secretariat
Address: CBCP Building, 470 Gen. Luna Street, 1002 Intramuros, Manila
Telephone: +63 2 5279567 Telefax: +63 2 5279566
Mobile: +63 917 8536792 Facebook: @CBCPECY
Email: secretariat@cbcp-ecy.ph, nyd@cbcp-ecy.ph

Please like, follow and share the NYD2019Cebu social media pages on Facebook,
Instagram, Twitter and YouTube managed by the Promotions and Publicity Team:
@NYD2019Cebu

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