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Negros Occidental Conference commissioned 102 youth leaders and celebrated the graduation of 30 Senior Youth Leaders during the first NOC-wide Senior Youth Leaders Convention at the Negros Occidental Conference.

This inaugural SYL convention for the Central Philippine Union Conference took place on March 8, 2025, under the theme "Empowered to Disciple: Mentoring the Next Generation."

The SYL program is a leadership curriculum for the Senior Youth Ministries that employs biblical methods under the Adventist Youth Ministries of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

The NOC SYL program was launched in 2021 by Louie de Asis, who aimed to revitalize youth engagement following the COVID-19 pandemic. When asked during an interview as to why he took the lead, de Asis explained, "I wanted to establish the SYL program because the youth were stagnant during that time."

On Nov. 20, 2021, NOC participated in the first online Central Philippine Union Conference-wide SYL commissioning, where 23 officers from the Southern Negros Adventist Youth Federation represented NOC. This program has been successful and continues to engage more youth.

The first in-person commissioning of the NOC SYL took place on Dec. 4, 2021, at the Kabankalan SDA Church, where 116 youths were commissioned. As a result, NOC was recognized as the most active SYL in the CPUC territory, leading to the appointment of Louie de Asis as the CPUC SYL Coordinator.

"It's not an accident that you have become SYL. It is Christ's decision for you to become youth leaders," stated Pastor Jophone Galanza, NOC president, during the worship hour as the guest speaker. He emphasized that true success stems from following Christ's methods and that recognizing God's call leads to action.

Pastor Von John Sanchez, CPUC youth director, detailed the SYL curriculum's ministry focus and leadership principles during the commissioning service, explaining how the program equips young leaders with practical skills for outreach and discipleship. He also outlined the program's structure and the key values it instills.

On the other hand, Pastor John Chavez, NOC youth director, presented the SYL graduates and candidates for commissioning, each receiving applause and recognition from the gathered attendees. He acknowledged the active youth leaders' involvement in the ministry, emphasizing the importance of their service and the positive influence they have within the church and communities.

In conclusion of the event, Pastor Galanza delivered a closing message, saying, "As leaders, engage yourselves in prayer. Just as God spent time in prayer, follow Christ's example of how to live. As you embark on disciple-making in Christ's way, you will gradually be transformed to be like Jesus. He harvests what He has planted."

Stephanie Loriezo, Head Writer, Negros Occidental Conference

The original version of this article is published on the official page of the Negros Occidental Conference.