NDMU Marist Student Leaders Stand as Youth Representatives at the Marist 23rd General Chapter

Tagaytay City, Philippines – John Ryan B. Huqueriza, a fourth-year Social Work student of Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU), took part in the 23rd General Chapter of the Marist Institute, held at the CCT Retreat and Training Center in Tagaytay. Representing the Marist Youth Ministry of Asia and serving as a Senator of the Supreme Student Government (SSG), Huqueriza presented the realities and struggles faced by young people in Asia, sharing stories of hope, resilience, and perseverance with the Marist capitulants.

Together, they offered perspectives on youth experiences and renewed the commitment to the Marist mission of serving young people worldwide. The breakout session was further distinguished by the presence of Br. Ernesto Barba Sánchez, Superior General of the Marist Institute.

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Reflecting on the experience, Huqueriza shared: “Meeting the Marist Brothers in person was beyond what I imagined. More than the excitement of presenting and conversing with them, it was the profound encounter that mattered most. The Marist Mission started by our Founder, St. Marcellin Champagnat, is indeed alive. Being Marist is truly a proud moment — because we are not just local, we are global.”

NDMU also played a key role in organizing and facilitating the opening program of the 23rd Marist General Chapter, led by University President Br. Paterno S. Corpus, FMS, alongside other university administrators, including Dr. Joan Palma, VP for Academic Affairs; Atty. Rene M. Barrion, VP for Administration; Mr. Kenneth Anino, CPA, Comptroller; Miss Elma Rafil, Human Resource Officer; and Mrs. Liza Aliligay and Mrs. Annaliza Cuarisma, representing the non-teaching personnel.

The opening program featured welcome messages from Br. Allan de Castro, FMS, Provincial Superior of the Marist East Asia Province, and Br. Ernesto Sánchez, FMS, Superior General of the Marist Brothers. Mr. Yap Han Hoe, representing the Marist Laity, also delivered a message. Br. Allan de Castro, FMS, formally declared the opening of the General Chapter. The imposition of leis and flowers symbolized welcome, respect, renewal, and appreciation for the capitulants’ dedication and service.

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The program was directed by Dr. Wilter C. Friales, NDMU-OSA Director, with assistance from Dr. Eliseo Villaganas and SSG representatives Carlos Misperos and Emmanuel Nemenio, who served as technical staff. Dr. Ma. Magdalena Cobrador, Dean of the College of Education, served as master of ceremonies.

The 23rd Marist General Chapter exemplifies the international collaboration fostered by the global Marist Institute, bringing together Marist leaders, educators, and youth representatives from different parts of the world to reflect on and renew the Institute’s vision, mission, and priorities in response to emerging global challenges. These engagements provide opportunities to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and align institutional directions with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Through NDMU’s active participation and facilitation, the University contributes to strengthening international networks, promoting shared responsibility, and advancing collaborative approaches to education, youth development, and social responsibility. This initiative supports SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, particularly through international cooperation and multi-stakeholder engagement. While the gathering demonstrates international collaboration and knowledge-sharing relevant to sustainable development, separate documentation of SDG data collection or measurement would be necessary to establish direct participation in international SDG data-gathering or measurement activities.