The 31^st Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) National Congress which was held last December 7-11, 2005 at Teachers Camp, Baguio City is an annual assembly of students representing various colleges nationwide.  Each year, the congress adopts a relevant theme with particular objectives in focus.  For this year, the theme was “Back to Truth.”  The assembly aimed to empower the Filipino youth through the promulgation of Christian values, which are essential in their response to the issues affecting the society today.

The gathering commenced with a parade of delegates including SSC representatives Mr. Kevin Lapeña, Ms. Jerrine Mercado and Ms. Corinne Pagdagdagan.  The Honorable Braulio D. Yaranon, Mayor of Baguio City, warmly welcomed the participants and organizers of the event with an inspirational talk.  Highlights of the event were the

lectures of keynote speakers Fr. Rolando Dela Rosa, Fr. Emmanuel de Leon,
Dr. Antonio Jose Toralba and Honorable Congresswoman Cynthia Villar.  Their speeches were oriented towards the improvement of individual values and development of leadership capabilities in the youth.  Mrs. Rhodora Ferrer, SSC Dean of Student Affairs, discussed the activities of the assembly which included group discussions, plenary sessions and competitions like impromptu declamation, debate and essay writing contest.  The students were grouped into commissions who drafted resolutions regarding morality of youth in the Filipino society. 

The congress culminated with a farewell party jam-packed with lots of fun and excitement and a showcase of talents of the students.  n