by Jazel Esperancilla
Student leaders from Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) Alijis, Fortune Towne and Talisay Campuses gathered at the John Paul II Cultural Center, Sacred Heart Seminary in Bacolod City, on September 26, 2026, for the Symposium on the Spirituality of the Creation, held in celebration of the Feast Day of St. Vincent de Paul.
The symposium brought together students, church members, and participating schools and communities to reflect on the connection between spirituality, family, and environmental responsibility.
In his keynote message, Rev. Fr. Angel Cortez highlighted the importance of caring for creation and preserving the environment for future generations.
Rev. Fr. Cortez also led the youth in reflection on St. Francis of Assisi’s love for creation and our responsibility to care for our common home.
The gathering is part of the Diocese of Bacolod’s celebration of the Season of Creation and the Year of St. Francis, a Jubilee Year commemorating the 800th anniversary of his death.
The symposium is organized by the Diocese of Bacolod in association with Caritas Bacolod Social Action Foundation, Inc. led by director, Rev. Fr. Julius Espinosa.
CIER / Jazel Esperancilla photos
The CHMSU student leaders joined students from sectarian schools and members of youth organizations from various parishes in the diocese.
The program featured an opening prayer, a cultural presentation of the Dos Hermanas.
The event concluded with an open forum and a Commitment Tree activity, where participants shared personal pledges and messages of hope for the environment, symbolizing a collective commitment to ecological responsibility.
CHMSU’s participation was coordinated by the Center for Internationalization and External Relations.
