Exchange of MOA between IFFAsia and Xavier University. Front row, left to right: Dr. Ignacio Rosselot, Fondacio President; Mr. Charles Bertille, Fondacio Council member for Asia and former Director, IFFAsia; Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ, President, Xavier University, Philippines; Dr. Dulce, Dean of Arts & Sciences, XU. Back row, left to right: Dr. Sealza, Dean of Graduate Studies, XU; Ms. Alice Tan, Acting Director, IFFAsia.
Starting schoolyear 2013, the Institute of Formation, Fondacio Asia (IFFAsia) partners with
Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan to undertake a common mission of collaboration for the formation of youth and laity, especially from the emerging churches in the Asian region.
To seal this partnership, both institutions came together last November 5, 2012, to sign a Memorandum of Agreement. This event was held at the campus of Xavier University, a private Jesuit institution located in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.
This help in building up capable lay leaders who can participate to bring about changes is IFFAsia's response to the call of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) for a renewed church and society.
This partnership responds to both formation and academic needs of the students of IFFAsia. In this program, the student can earn a Certificate or Diploma in Pastoral Leadership, or a Master's degree in Development Leadership. The program accreditation is granted by the Commission on Higher Education in the Philippines.
Included in the IFFAsia formation program is a skills training focusing on micro-finance and entrepreneurship at the South East Asia Rural Social Leadership Institute (SEARSOLIN), of Xavier University.
Bishop Joel Baylon of the Diocese of Legazpi, and IFFAsia Chairman of the Board, calls the formation at the Institute an "experience lived in the context of a community and missionary spirituality".
Wilfred James of Sabah says, "What I learned in IFFAsia four years ago – Christian values, the spirituality of Fondacio, the formation of the human person – is really sustaining me in my mission, and transforming my attitudes towards relationships and work."
Since its launching in May 2006, IFFAsia has produced almost a hundred young pastoral workers, eighty five percent of whom continue to serve full-time in their local dioceses, parishes and other church organizations. Their areas of ministry include children and youth, basic ecclesial communities, evangelization, community building and social development. Graduates have come from Cambodia, China, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
To seal this partnership, both institutions came together last November 5, 2012, to sign a Memorandum of Agreement. This event was held at the campus of Xavier University, a private Jesuit institution located in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.
This help in building up capable lay leaders who can participate to bring about changes is IFFAsia's response to the call of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) for a renewed church and society.
This partnership responds to both formation and academic needs of the students of IFFAsia. In this program, the student can earn a Certificate or Diploma in Pastoral Leadership, or a Master's degree in Development Leadership. The program accreditation is granted by the Commission on Higher Education in the Philippines.
Included in the IFFAsia formation program is a skills training focusing on micro-finance and entrepreneurship at the South East Asia Rural Social Leadership Institute (SEARSOLIN), of Xavier University.
Bishop Joel Baylon of the Diocese of Legazpi, and IFFAsia Chairman of the Board, calls the formation at the Institute an "experience lived in the context of a community and missionary spirituality".
Wilfred James of Sabah says, "What I learned in IFFAsia four years ago – Christian values, the spirituality of Fondacio, the formation of the human person – is really sustaining me in my mission, and transforming my attitudes towards relationships and work."
Since its launching in May 2006, IFFAsia has produced almost a hundred young pastoral workers, eighty five percent of whom continue to serve full-time in their local dioceses, parishes and other church organizations. Their areas of ministry include children and youth, basic ecclesial communities, evangelization, community building and social development. Graduates have come from Cambodia, China, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
