All systems go for NYD in Zamboanga City

All systems go for NYD in Zamboanga City
Zamboanga Archbishop Romulo Dela Cruz meets with local government and security officials to discuss preparations for the upcoming National Youth Day, July 1, 2017. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA— It’s all systems go for this year’s national gathering of Catholic youth in Zamboanga City despite ongoing conflict in nearby provinces and martial law in Mindanao.

Archbishop Romulo Dela Cruz of Zamboanga assured that “security measures are in place” to ensure the safety of delegates to the National Youth Day (NYD) in Nov. 6 to 10 this year.

“I urge everyone to continue to pray for the success of this national gathering as we also pray for the security and safety of Zamboanga City, the island of Mindanao, and the entire country,” he said.

The prelate recently met with local government officials and other key partners, including the security sector to discuss ongoing preparations for the event.

Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco affirmed that security measures and contingencies remain in place.

She said the ongoing crisis in Marawi City is not distracting the city’s focus from preparing for one of the country’s largest gatherings of young Catholics.

Thousands of youth from different dioceses across the country are expected to attend the gathering that will be held again in Mindanao after 11 years.

Initiated by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines in 1986, the event aims to affirm the Church’s solidarity with the youth. CBCPNews