With the spirit of faith, struggle, and solidarity, the Young Christian Workers of the Philippines (YCW-Phil) successfully held its 36th National Council last October 26–31, 2025, at Verbum Dei Retreat House, Tagaytay City.

The gathering brought together 25 young leaders from different base groups across the country, representing the sectors of working students, informal workers, contractual workers, and the unemployed — the real faces of the young working class today.

In this historic event, YCW was honored by the presence of Basma Mikhail, the International President of the IYCW, and John Brian Geronimo, IYCW-ASPAC Coordinator, who both expressed their solidarity with the struggles and aspirations of Filipino young workers.

Three Years of Struggle and Renewal

The National Council, as the highest decision-making body of YCW, became a space for collective reflection and militant evaluation of the 2022–2025 Plan of Action.
The delegates assessed the movement’s experiences, identifying challenges, difficulties, strengths, and learnings from their organizing work in schools, communities, and workplaces.

Drawing from these lessons and the current realities faced by young workers, the Council forged a new three-year plan (2026–2028) anchored on three major campaign pillars:

• Working Students
• Contractual Workers
• Informal Workers

New Forces, Growing Movement

The YCW continues to expand its base, officially welcoming three new aspirant groups:

• Hacienda–Sto. Rosario (Negros)
• Maria Clara (Iloilo)
• Matoogtoog (Camarines Norte)

Their acceptance symbolizes the growing strength of young workers’ organizing efforts in the different regions — a clear sign that more youth are rising to claim their rights and dignity.

Deepening the Struggle of the Young Working Class

Throughout the week-long council, delegates engaged in deep and collective discussions on the urgent struggles confronting young workers: child labor, low wages, contractualization, lack of social protection, and precarious living conditions.

From these discussions emerged the Three-Year Priority Campaigns that will guide YCW’s militant action in the coming years:

1. Working Students: Recognition, Benefits, and Mental Health Protection

• Push for educational reform and quality education accessible to all.
• Demand provisions for working students — mental health support, work-life balance, cash assistance, and health services.
• Recognize working students as workers entitled to rights and benefits.

2. Contractual Workers: Dignity and Just Work for All

• End contractualization and fight for regular employment.
• Uphold safe working conditions and just, living wages.
• Defend the freedom to organize and unionize.
  This campaign will highlight YCW’s call: “Para sa Dignidad at Makatarungang Trabaho!”

3. Informal Workers: Social Protection and Climate Justice

• Push for comprehensive social protection responsive to the realities of informal workers and the climate crisis.
• Support the organization and recognition of young fisherfolk, farmers, mothers, pedicab drivers, out-of-school youth, and working students.
• Assert the right to decent work and living wage for all informal workers.

Building Toward the 16th International Council

In her message, Basma Mikhail highlighted the preparation for the 16th International Council of the IYCW, to be hosted by YCW Philippines in 2026.

The event will gather around 75 youth leaders from all over the world, engaging in exchanges and exposures in Filipino communities and workplaces — a moment to raise the voice of the Filipino working youth on the international stage.

New Leadership, Continuing the Struggle

To carry forward the movement’s mission and plan, the Council elected the new National Leadership Team:

• Christine Angel Galicano – National President
• Jolbert Byron Rodenas – National Treasurer

National Team Representatives:

• Manila – Mark Anthony Maglente
• Camarines Norte – Joey Letada
• Iloilo – Princess Joy Pecaoco
• Negros – Joshua Samson
• Cebu – Ryan Cabucayan

These young leaders take on the responsibility to lead with faith, commitment, and militant action, embodying the YCW spirit of “See–Judge–Act.”

Forward to a New Chapter of Struggle

The 36th National Council marks not just a meeting, but a renewal of commitment — a collective declaration that the struggle of the young working class continues.

With renewed energy and clearer direction, the Young Christian Workers of the Philippines stands firm:

“We will fight for just work, equality, and dignity for all young workers!

We will build a society where every worker lives with justice, solidarity, and hope!”