In the face of growing inequality, job insecurity, and exploitation of young workers, the Young Christian Workers (YCW) Camarines Norte continues to rise, strengthening its commitment to organizing and empowering the grassroots.

On May 23–24, 2025, young workers from across Camarines Norte gathered at Hotel Mo Ko Agri Farm Resort, Purok 2, Brgy. Pambuhan, Mercedes, to take part in a transformative formation activity titled “Embers of Self-Discovery: Igniting Passion and Purpose.”

This wasn’t just a workshop. It was a collective action of reflection, awakening, and organizing. The event created a space for young workers to deepen their class consciousness, examine their concrete conditions, and reclaim their agency in building a life rooted in dignity, justice, and solidarity.

Young Workers' Power from the Base Groups

The activity was joined by young leaders and members from various local YCW groups:

• Hinipaan Base Group (17 members), led by John Francis Larios and Leihanz Obuyes
• Matoogtoog Extension Group (8 participants), led by Janieca Thessa Canuto
• Mercedes Young Fisherfolk Association (3 participants), with leaders Ronnie R. Cereno and Precious Ann Rodenas
• Labo Base Group, reactivated through the support of former leader Kuya Arjay Santiago

Together, they stood as living proof of the strength of community organizing and grassroots formation. The program was effectively facilitated by committed YCW members Precious Ann Rodenas and Aniza Joy Villalon, whose leadership embodied the spirit of collective responsibility.

Raising Awareness, Raising the Struggle

Resource persons Kuya Arnel Adano and Kuya Andy Predicala led sessions that challenged participants to reflect on their personal experiences as part of the wider struggle of the working class. Using the ROLWA (Review of Life and Workers Action) process, they guided the youth to uncover the roots of oppression in their daily lives—be it low wages, job insecurity, exploitation in the informal sector, or the invisibility of young workers' voices in society.

This process sparked critical discussions about the role of young workers in reshaping their future, not just as individuals, but as part of an organized force for social change.

Strengthening the Movement

Behind the success of this activity was the collective effort of all involved. Jolbert Byron Rodenas, the local organizer, expressed his deep appreciation to the participants and groups who united to make the activity possible. The financial and moral support from NTS and other collaborators also played a crucial role, proving once again that solidarity is the backbone of our struggle.

This event became more than a simple formation. It became a seedbed of future action. Many young workers walked away from the activity with a clearer sense of purpose and a renewed determination to resist exploitation, assert their rights, and organize their fellow youth.

Amid systemic injustice, the fire within the young working class continues to burn. And in Camarines Norte, the embers are beginning to blaze.

We will keep organizing.

We will keep resisting.

We will keep fighting for dignified lives, for just work, and for the liberation of all workers.

By: Jolbert Byron Rodenas