FSY 2025 - Alicia and Roxas

18/10/2025

Watch party na yan!!! 🤗😍

26/09/2025

Congratulations Alicia!!! 🤩 Elder Abuan was one of our counselors and Elder Cerillo and Elder Aquino were youth participants. Your FSY family is so proud of you!! ❤️

| 𝗙𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗠𝗧𝗖; 𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗦 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗢𝗥

On September 25, 2025, the Alicia Philippines Stake marked another milestone in its missionary efforts. Five young missionaries, Elder Aquino, Elder Cerillo, Elder Abuan, Sister Ordoñez, and Sister Romano, officially reported to the Philippines Missionary Training Center (MTC) to begin their journey of service and discipleship.

These five will spend the coming weeks in rigorous training and spiritual preparation, equipping themselves with the language, gospel knowledge, and Christlike attributes needed to serve in their assigned missions. Their departure reflects the growing spirit of faith and commitment within the stake, as more youth continue to heed the call to “go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15).

On the same day, family and friends welcomed Elder Calinggangan as he returned home after faithfully completing his mission. His return serves as a reminder of the blessings that come from devoted service, both for the missionary and for the families and communities they touch.

This moment, with five beginning their journeys while one concludes his, beautifully illustrates the cycle of missionary work: sending, serving, and returning with honor. The Alicia Philippines Stake stands united in prayer and support for these missionaries, trusting that the Lord will guide them in every step of their service.

23/09/2025

Alright!!!

| 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗘

Sister Kristalyn Ibarra of Echague 2nd Ward recently received her mission call to serve in the Philippines Cebu East Mission starting in January 2026.

“I know that this is the best decision I have ever made—to serve a mission. Eighteen months are not enough to repay everything the Lord has done in my life. He has performed many miracles and helped me overcome every trial and achieve everything I have today."

"I am so blessed to know the gospel, and I am so grateful to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for giving me the privilege to be one of Their missionaries. I want to share the gospel because I want others to know how much Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love them, and I want them to understand the greatness of the Plan of Happiness that has been prepared for each one of us."

"I am excited to forget myself and lose myself in serving the Lord. I know that I am not behind in achieving my dreams, but rather, I am on the path the Lord has set for me. I testify that the Lord does not just call the qualified; He qualifies those He calls."

SISTER IBARRA
PHILIPPINES CEBU EAST MISSION
JANUARY 2026-JULY 2027

23/09/2025

We are proud of you, Elder Rubia!!!

| 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗘

Brother Ibrahem Rubia of Alicia 1st Ward recently received his mission call to serve in the Philippines Legazpi Mission starting in November 2025.

"Serving a mission has been a childhood desire of mine. As a primary-age child, I remember raising my hand so high when asked who wanted to become a full-time missionary someday. However, as I grew older, my desire gradually waned. But working with missionaries reignited my desire. I learned and experienced much, including joy and rejection – both part to this work. I realized that missionary work isn't easy, but I know the souls of my brothers and sisters are worth saving – spiritually, not just temporally."

"While preparing, I've doubted myself and often convinced myself not to go on a mission. I just wanted to give up. But then a thought came to mind: 'The Lord's work doesn't stop; He Himself doesn't stop working. So what gives me the right to do so?' It lit a fire in my chest, and that's when I knew I needed to serve the Lord with all my heart, might, mind, and strength."

"It's an honor to serve God as a full-time missionary. I'm grateful to know the true Gospel. I know participating in this great work will bring joy and blessings to me, my family, and those I'll preach to. Heavenly Father's love is evident in giving His Son to atone for our sins. I know that the Book of Mormon is evidence of Jesus Christ's divinity and God's fulfillment of prophecies."

"I'm committed to serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Lord's kingdom on earth. I'll do my best to help gather Israel."

ELDER RUBIA
PHILIPPINES LEGAZPI MISSION
NOVEMBER 2025-2027

23/09/2025

Congratulations, Elder Alota!!!

| 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗘

Brother Justine Alota of Alicia 4th Ward recently received his mission call to serve in the Philippines Butuan Mission starting in November 2025.

"From a young age, I felt a strong desire to serve a mission. This desire was inspired by two dedicated missionaries who willingly sacrificed two years of their lives to serve the Lord and share His gospel. Their example touched my heart and strengthened my faith."

"At first, it was not easy for my parents to accept my decision, since neither my mother nor my father are members of the Church. Being the first member in my family, I faced challenges and doubts. Yet, through sincere prayer and trust in God, I received the strength and guidance I needed in building my desire to serve. Now that I have been called to serve, I feel deeply grateful and truly blessed."

"I testify that our Heavenly Father is always there to guide us as we strive to follow His plan. When we place our trust in Him and obey His commandments, He will bless us in ways beyond our understanding. I know that the trials and mistakes we experience in life are not meant to weaken us, but to strengthen our faith and bring us closer to Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ."

ELDER ALOTA
PHILIPPINES BUTUAN MISSION
NOVEMBER 2025-2027

12/09/2025

Our very own Elder Gandela! He is assigned to labor in the Philippines Legazpi Mission.

21/08/2025

So long, Elder Buduan!

07/08/2025

The future is definitely bright for you, Elder Cerillo! Congratulations!

| 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗘

Brother Ruben Cerillo III of Echague 1st Ward recently received his mission call to serve in the Philippines Davao Mission starting in September 2025.

"Before I decided to serve a full-time mission, one of my biggest fears was falling behind in my studies. I’ve always valued education and had plans for my future, and I couldn’t help but worry. I asked, what if serving meant I’d be left behind? What if I missed opportunities or struggled to catch up after I returned? These thoughts were real and overwhelming, and for a time, they made me hesitate."

"But as I prayed and sought guidance, I felt the Spirit speak peace to my heart. I came to understand that the Lord sees the bigger picture of my life far better than I do. He knows my goals and dreams, and He would never ask me to serve if it meant abandoning the future He prepared for me. I realized that putting Him first above my own timeline, I would invite blessings I couldn’t imagine. Serving isn’t a delay; it’s a preparation."

"Now, I feel peace and confidence in choosing to serve. I know that the Lord will take care of everything I’ve left behind, including my studies and my family. Most of all, I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us so much."

ELDER CERILLO
PHILIPPINES DAVAO MISSION
SEPTEMBER 2025-2027

07/08/2025

This is it Elder Galera! Your FSY family is so proud of you!

| 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗘

Brother Paolo Galera of Echague 1st Ward recently received his mission call to serve in the Philippines Olongapo Mission starting in November 2025.

"Back when I was in Primary, I already felt a small desire to serve a mission. But honestly, it wasn’t that strong yet my heart wasn’t fully decided. Then in 2021, I joined the FSY activity… and that moment changed something in me. FSY helped me realize my purpose. It helped me build a stronger testimony and a firm desire to serve the Lord. It’s been four years since then and my desire to serve has grown even deeper. I want to help people find Jesus Christ in their lives. I want to be part of the gathering of Israel."

"But along this journey, I’ve faced so many trials and doubts. There were times I wanted to give up. I heard voices telling me, “Sayang naman, mahuhuli ka,” “kailangan mo ba talaga umalis?” Friends told me, “kami nasa college then pag balik mo 3rd to 4th year na kami tapos ikaw mag uumpisa palang”

"I took all those thoughts to prayer. I poured my heart out to Heavenly Father, asking Him to help me stay on the right path to hold on to the iron rod, no matter how hard things got. And little by little, He gave me the strength I needed. This decision isn’t easy. It’s one of the hardest I’ve ever had to make. But I know in my heart that this is what the Savior and Heavenly Father want for me. This is part of Their greater plan for my life."

"I know that missionary work will challenge me, but I also know that through obedience, there are blessings and promises waiting. And now, as I prepare to enter the MTC, I feel so excited. I can’t wait to meet people, to share the gospel, to grow spiritually and mentally, and most of all to help others come closer to Christ, just as I have."

ELDER GALERA
PHILIPPINES OLONGAPO MISSION
NOVEMBER 2025-2027

07/08/2025

Congratulations Elder Aquino! Hello Iloilo!

| 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗘

Brother Mosiah Aquino of Echague 1st Ward recently received his mission call to serve in the Philippines Iloilo Mission starting in September 2025.

"Mula pa noong ako'y bata at nagsisimula pa lamang sa pag-aaral, hindi ako marunong magbasa. Ngunit buong puso kong pinatototohanan na ang Aklat ni Mormon ang naging kasangkapan upang ako’y matutong bumasa. Sa araw-araw na pagbabasa ko nito, unti-unting lumawak ang aking kaalaman at naunawaan ko ang mga salita, hanggang sa natutunan ko na ring magbasa nang maayos."

"Pinatototohanan ko rin na sa tuwing ako'y sumasama sa mga misyonero, higit pang tumitibay ang aking pananampalataya. Marami akong natutuhan mula sa kanila, kabilang na kung paano magturo ng may kapakumbabaan, makipag-ugnayan sa iba, at makipagkapwa-tao nang may malasakit. Natutuhan ko rin ang kahalagahan ng BRT o building relationships of trust. Sa mga karanasang ito, lumago ang aking tiwala sa sarili."

"Gayundin, sa pagsali ko sa FSY (For the Strength of Youth) Conference, nadagdagan ang aking kumpiyansa at mas lumalim ang aking patotoo kay Amang Walang Hanggan at kay Jesucristo. Mas naunawaan ko ang tunay na halaga ng paglilingkod at pagmimisyon. Napagtanto ko na ang misyon ay higit na mahalaga kaysa sa pansamantalang layunin gaya ng edukasyon. Ngunit aking pinatototohanan na kapag inuuna ang Diyos sa lahat ng bagay, maraming biyaya ang dumarating sa buhay."

"Buo ang aking paniniwala na ang Simbahan ni Jesucristo ng mga Banal sa mga Huling Araw ay totoo, at na ang mga propeta sa ating panahon ay tunay na tinawag ng Diyos upang ipalaganap ang Kanyang ebanghelyo sa buong mundo."

ELDER AQUINO
PHILIPPINES ILOILO MISSION
SEPTEMBER 2025 - 2027

30/07/2025

"My Weakness Amidst My Calling, Duty, and Service"

Sister Garay - Called to Serve in the Philippines Davao Mission starting in November 2025.

One of the participants of FSY 2025 – Alicia and Roxas. Sister Garay has learned that even in moments of emotional heaviness and self-doubt, the Savior’s strength is constant. Through her honest struggle to find joy in service, she has discovered that weakness, when paired with humility and faith, can become strength. Her FSY experience helped her recognize that she is never alone in the Lord’s work—preparing her spiritually and emotionally for full-time missionary service.

Come and be inspired by Sister Garay’s honest and powerful journey—A Must-Read!

“I can’t feel the joy in serving others.”

The biggest inspiration that I often get comes from those who share the greatest weaknesses and trials they’ve fought through. Sometimes, it’s really hard to admit your weakness in front of many people. It takes courage. But here I am, telling mine.

It was not just one time, I’ve felt this way ever since I was a youth leader. I felt so burdened by my calling and service. I recently experienced this again as a YSA representative. I felt guilty. I even wondered, How can I serve my mission when I struggle about serving these beloved people?

We recently had a camping activity. I felt alone and tired again. The thoughts of simply wanting the activity to end crossed my mind multiple times. My flaw was so obvious in my eyes. However, miracles never cease to happen in my life. In my case, I witnessed the promise in Ether 12:27: "[be] humble ... and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." Despite the heavy feelings, I saw that I wasn’t alone in this service. He’s always been with me, and He has been helping me, because it is His great work.

I never thought I could endure without a single tear. It took me a lot of faint smiles, deep breaths, and silent prayers before I was able to feel the joy and peace that comes from serving others. It will probably take me thousands of those in my mission, and it’s okay. Now I understand that I am not working and helping others alone. My Savior and Strength is with me. Jesus Christ is with me. For He is indeed the Strength of Youth.

As a called missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I testify that He is not only the strength in our journey, but He Himself is our ultimate goal. I, Sister Garay, will help our Heavenly Father gather His children back to Him. I love Him, and I love serving my brothers and sisters, through highs and lows.

Magpadayon kita kanunay sa dalan sa atong katungdanan, mga FSY leaders ug mga partisipants. (Let's continually press forward in the path of our duty, FSY leaders and participants. )

Sa ngalan ni Jesucristo, Amen.

SISTER GARAY
PHILIPPINES DAVAO MISSION
NOVEMBER 2025- MAY 2027

29/07/2025

"FSY Hanggang Misyon: Lakbay-Pananampalataya"

Elder Amaro — Called to Serve in the Philippines Antipolo Mission starting in October 10, 2025

One of the dedicated counselors of FSY 2025 - Alicia and Roxas, brother John Russel Amaro has experienced firsthand how FSY can strengthen faith, deepen testimony, and bring hearts closer to Jesus Christ. Through his journey, he has grown in patience, understanding, and love for the scriptures—preparing him spiritually for full-time missionary service.

Tuklasin ang kanyang kwento ng pananampalataya—basahin ang kanyang patotoo!

"Sobrang laki ng pasasalamat ko sa FSY dahil mas pinatatag Nya ang pananampalataya at testimonya na meron ako ngayon, at mas nakatulong ang FSY sa akin na mas lumapit pa kay Jesus Christ, at nasaksihan ko mismo na sobrang daming nabago sa sarili ko, at mas lumawak pa ang pang-unawa at pagpasensiya ko sa mga bagay-bagay, at mas nasabik ako sa mga Banal na Kasulatan. Ang laki ng naitulong ng FSY sa aking paghahanda sa pagpunta sa mission, at alam ko na walang imposible sa lahat ng bagay kapag ang Diyos na mismo ang gumawa ng paraan. At alam ko na isa ako sa mga napiling disipulo ni Jesus Christ na handang tumulong, at alam ko na sa aking pagpunta sa mission ay maraming pamilya ang matutulungan ko na mas makilala pa si Jesus Christ."

ELDER AMARO
PHILIPPINES ANTIPOLO MISSION
OCTOBER 2025 - OCTOBER 2027