Beyond the Post: Communicating Christ, Preserving Human Dignity, and Proclaiming the Truth

Archdiocesan SoCCom Convention 2026 calls Church communicators to become credible witnesses of the Gospel in the digital age.

In a world where a single post can reach thousands and a few words can influence hearts and minds, Catholic social communication carries a sacred responsibility. Beyond creating content and sharing information, communicators are called to uphold truth, respect human dignity, build communion, and lead others to an encounter with Jesus Christ.

This mission came alive during the Archdiocesan SoCCom Convention 2026, held on October 17 at St. Francis Regional Major Seminary (ReMaSe) of Mindanao. More than 400 delegates from across the Archdiocese of Davao gathered under the theme, “Preserving Human Voices and Faces: Communicating Christ with Truth, Discernment and Communion.” The convention brought together GKK and parish SoCComs, schools, and media practitioners to reflect on how communication can serve the Church’s mission in the digital age.

A Mission That Begins with Christ

The day began with registration at 7:00 a.m., followed by the Holy Eucharist at 8:30 a.m. in the ReMaSe Chapel. Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao, presided over the Mass together with the concelebrating priests namely: Rev. Fr. Ritsche J. Gamaya, Rev. Fr. Roldan B. Baliano, Rev. Fr. Angelo Espinas and Rev. Fr. Christopher Ganzon, SM.

“We are not ordinary SoCCom practitioners. The content we bring to others must best echo the good news,” Abp. Muloy shared in his homily.

After the Mass, delegates proceeded to the gymnasium in a lively parade of parishes, carrying their respective banners. The gathering celebrated the unity of communities called to serve the Church through responsible, creative, and faith-filled communication.

In his opening remarks, Rev. Fr. Ritsche J. Gamaya, Director of the Davao Verbum Dei Media Foundation, Inc. and the Archdiocesan Commission on Social Communications stressed that SoCCom ministry extends beyond writing, broadcasting, and posting on social media.

“Ang SoCCom dili man lang pagsulat, dili man lang pagbroadcast, dili man lang pagpost sa social media, malangkubon kini. Unya inter-ministeriality pud ta,” he stressed.

Fr. Gamaya highlighted the importance of collaboration among Church ministries. He encouraged delegates to become instruments of encounter, using their skills not only to produce engaging content but also to bring people closer to Jesus Christ. The value of Church communication, he emphasized, lies not only in the quality of its output but also in the encounters with Christ it makes possible.

Truthful Words, Credible Witnesses

The delegates also received a video message from Most Rev. Rex Andrew Alarcon, D.D., Archbishop of Caceres and Chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Social Communications. He underscored the need for truth and credibility in the Church’s mission.

“Our mission is to help others encounter Christ. The world does not need louder communicators, but credible witnesses whose words are truthful,” he emphasized.

Putting the Human Person at the Heart of Communication

The plenary session, “The Church and Human-Centered Communication in the Digital Age,” was delivered by Rev. Fr. Roldan B. Baliano, Procurator of St. Francis Xavier College Seminary and member of the Archdiocesan Commission on Social Communications.

“Our role is crucial as evangelizers because what we post not only reflects ourselves, but also affects how others will interact with one another,” he explained.

Conversation in the Spirit: Listening Beyond Words

Following the plenary, the more than 400 delegates were divided into groups of seven for the Conversation in the Spirit, facilitated by Davao seminarians. Through prayerful listening and sharing, participants reflected on the session and connected with communicators from different vicariates.

From Digital Skills to Gospel Witness

Three specialized breakout sessions equipped delegates with practical knowledge for contemporary Church communication.

Mr. Julius Neil Piala, Communication and Multimedia Consultant, facilitated Learning Session A on Digital Evangelization, Storytelling, News Writing, and Truthful Reporting. The session focused on crafting compelling stories, communicating the Gospel creatively, and maintaining accuracy in reporting.

Learning Session B, Social Media Management and Audience Engagement, was led by Ms. Katrina Cecilia Corro, Social Media Consultant of the Davao Verbum Dei Media Foundation, Inc. Her session explored effective platform management and meaningful audience engagement in the service of evangelization.

Mr. Carlo Jade Accion, Social Media and Marketing Assistant of Dayib Lifestyle–United Kingdom, facilitated Learning Session C on the Ethical Use of AI Tools in Ministry Content Creation for Youth and BEC Evangelization. The session addressed responsible use of artificial intelligence in creating content for young people and Basic Ecclesial Communities, emphasizing ethical discernment as technology becomes more integrated into ministry.

Together, the sessions demonstrated that technical competence must go hand in hand with spiritual responsibility. Writing, storytelling, social media management, and AI tools can strengthen Church communication when guided by truth, respect for human dignity, and the mission of Christ.

A Commitment to a Sacred Mission

After the learning sessions, delegates reconvened at the gymnasium for the Commitment Pledge with the Archdiocese of Davao. Through the pledge, they dedicated themselves to proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ and affirmed communication as a sacred mission of evangelization, inspiration, and service.

The Story Continues Beyond the Convention

The Archdiocesan SoCCom Convention 2026 provided delegates with practical skills, spiritual reflection, and renewed commitment to their ministry. Its lasting impact, however, will be seen in the way communicators tell stories honestly, portray people with dignity, listen with compassion, and share messages that inspire others to live the Gospel.

In a world competing for attention, Catholic communicators are called to choose truth over noise, honor every human face, and make each word and image an opportunity to communicate Christ. The Church communicates not merely to be heard, but so people may encounter the Lord, experience His love, and become bearers of His Good News.

Preserve the voice. Honor the face. Speak the truth. Communicate Christ. (Rowena Baldoza Villaflor, OLLP SoCCom)