8th BIBLIYAMPO CONGRESS 2026: Collaborating with Love in the Word, in the Spirit of Synodality

The Word of God gathered 516 people together once again as the Immaculate Conception Parish Youth Apostolate (ICPYA) joined the 8th Bibliyampo Congress 2026 held at the St. Francis Xavier Regional Seminary of Mindanao (ReMaSe).

With the theme, “Collab with Love in the Word, in the Spirit of Synodality,” the congress became a day of learning, prayer, sharing, and simply being together as one community. More than just listening to talks about the Bible, the gathering gave everyone the chance to slow down, listen to one another, and reflect on how the Word of God continues to guide us in our everyday lives and in our service to the Church.

The day began with the Bible Enthronement, reminding everyone that the Word of God is at the center of the gathering. It was followed by the preliminaries and Talk 1: Verbum Domini 73 by Rev. Fr. Ritsche J. Gamaya, Archdiocesan Bible Apostolate Director, which helped the participants look at Sacred Scripture in a deeper way and appreciate its importance in the life of every Christian.

After the talk, the participants entered into a Conversation in the Spirit with Ms. Vicky Estoque. It was a time to listen and share, not just to speak, but to really hear what others had to say. In a simple way, the session showed what synodality can look like: people coming together, bringing their own experiences, and making space for one another.

The morning continued with the Holy Mass, presided over by Rev. Fr. Jesus Samaniego, Archdiocese of Davao BEC Director. After spending the morning listening and reflecting, the Eucharist became a moment to pause and bring everything back to God.

The afternoon session continued with animation and Talk 2: Sulong Padayon by Rev. Fr. Russell Bantiles. The message encouraged the participants to keep moving forward in their faith and ministry. The journey may not always be easy, but there is always a reason to continue when we know that we are not walking alone.

The participants were also introduced to different Bible Sharing Methods through Mr. Concordio Pondias. The session reminded everyone that sharing the Word is not only about knowing what the Bible says, but also about allowing it to speak to our lives and helping others encounter God through it.

As the day came to an end, the participants gathered once more for the Acknowledgement and Closing, followed by the Closing Prayer and Final Blessing led by Rev. Fr. Ritsche J. Gamaya.

Looking back, the 8th Bibliyampo Congress was not simply a day filled with talks and activities. It was a reminder of what happens when people are willing to listen, share, learn, and walk together. The theme of synodality became something more than a word but it was experienced through conversations, prayers, fellowship, and the simple act of being present with one another. (Jeanebabe Campos)