The MISSION POSSIBLE Youth Social Hackathon: Philippines Edition officially opened today at Assumption Antipolo, marking the beginning of a three-day journey where young innovators unite to listen, collaborate, and create change that matters.
The atmosphere was filled with energy and anticipation as student participants from across the Philippines gathered for the Opening Ceremony, a celebration of creativity, compassion, and co-responsibility.
Sister Mary Joseph, R.A. Assumption Antipolo set the tone with her welcome address at the opening ceremony with a message of encouragement and faith, calling the students “builders of peace, compassion, and understanding.”
“Each of you carries a spark that can make a difference: in your schools, in your communities, in our country, and in the world. Open your minds, your hearts, and your hands… together, become the change our world longs for.”
– Sister Mary Joseph
Her words invited everyone to make this weekend “an unforgettable experience” of listening, dialogue, and hope.
Setting the Stage: Walking Together in Synodality
Peter Rachada Monthienvichienchai, Executive Director of LiCAS.news, introduced the Rules of Engagement and reflected on the spirit of synodality, the foundation of the MISSION POSSIBLE journey.
“In this synodal process, there is no vote, no argument. We listen with the ears of our heart. Every single voice matters.
– Peter Monthienvichienchai
He reminded the youth that the weekend was not a competition but a shared mission – an opportunity to take a “moonshot” together, to learn, to support one another, and to make every voice heard.
Inspiration Sessions
Day 1 featured five inspirational sessions led by expert mentors from diverse fields – each sharing stories of courage, collaboration, and compassion. After each talk, student hackers engaged in small group discussions and Q&A sessions, reflecting on what “making the world better” means to them.
Mentor Toto Malvar — One Big Fight Filled with One Big Love
Veteran social innovator and environmental advocate Toto Malvar challenged the youth to live with purpose and love for the nation.
He spoke about re-discovering the link between people and nature – how caring for the forest begins with caring for communities.
“If you want to take care of the forest, you take care of people.”
– Mentor Toto
He reminded everyone that true sustainability starts from the heart and shared a quote from Saint Mother Teresa that, “God doesn’t expect you to be successful; God expects you to be faithful.”
Mentor Mardi Mapa-Suplido — The Power of People and Partnerships
Social development leader Mardi inspired participants to believe in collective action.
Through stories of grassroots organizing, she showed how collaboration and empathy can and should influence systems and policies.
“Each one of us can make a difference. Every big dream starts with a tiny step.”
– Mentor Mardi
She encouraged young hackers to make space for others, to understand differences, and to keep every voice involved – reminding every youth at the hackathon “your voice matters.”
Mentor Nikki Sevilla – Caampued — Building Good People and Good Dreams
Entrepreneur and youth Mentor Nikki reminded everyone that meaningful change requires both courage and community.
Her message resonated deeply with students who are just beginning their social innovation journeys: that good projects start with good people who lift each other up.
“To do something you truly love, you need people around you who believe in you — because even the impossible becomes possible with support.”
– Mentor NiKKi
Mentor Raymund Mirabueno — Turning Problems into Blessings
Engineer and renewable-energy advocate Mentor Raymund shared lessons from entrepreneurship and innovation.
He shared from his past and present professional struggles how every difficulty holds a hidden opportunity for growth.
“Every time we encounter problems, I know right away it will be a blessing.”
– Mentor Raymund
With humor and honesty, he reminded the youth to “chop the monster one by one” – to face challenges step by step, and to see obstacles as teachers, not enemies.
Mentor Honey Bai Rohaniza Sumndad Usman — Teaching Peace, Living Peace
Peacebuilder and educator Honey Bai Rohaniza Sumndad Usman closed the day with a moving reflection on her work in conflict-affected areas.
She spoke about transforming pain into purpose and nurturing peace through understanding.
“If we want a peaceful nation, we must invest in nurturing a culture of peace in the hearts and minds of our children.”
Her message, drawn from years of experience working with youth affected by wars, conflicts and violence, emphasized compassion across faiths and the power of inner peace:
“Peace begins in human minds. When we teach peace, we shape a future where every child believes peace is possible.”
– Mentor Honey
Reflections: Listening with the Heart
Bishop Ruperto Santos of Antipolo graced the event by leading the Eucharistic Celebration with the young hackers. The prelate called on them to embrace synodality as a way of life, describing it as “a journey of listening, learning, loving, and leading together” in faith and service.
In his homily during the opening Mass, Bishop Santos said, “Our life is a synodality in action. We listen, we learn, we love, and then we lead.”
He likened synodality to “a caravan,” where the faithful “follow, and not only follow, we also take the lead so that we can guide them, we can lead them.”
As Day 1 ended, the young participants carried with them not only inspiration but also a shared realization: that truly listening – to oneself, to others, and to the world – is the first step towards repair.
On the next day, they will move from reflection to action, ready to explore new ideas and design creative solutions that embody the heart of MISSION POSSIBLE: “Together, we make a better world possible.”
