Organized by the Salesians of Don Bosco – Philippine North Province, the meeting will be held at Fr. Al’s Retreat House in Cavite. Centered on the theme, “Communion, Mission, and Strategic Presence in the Digital Continent,” the gathering aims to strengthen regional collaboration and formulate a concrete communications roadmap for the EAO Region amid rapidly evolving technological and cultural realities.
The assembly is convened by Fr. Fidel Maria Orendain, SDB, who underscored that communication within the Salesian mission is not merely technical work but “a ministry of communion, witness, dialogue and cultural engagement.”
Delegates from Salesian provinces across the EAO Region are expected to participate, including representatives from China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, Thailand, Timor Leste, Vietnam and the Philippines. Members of the Salesian Generalate in Rome and collaborators from the wider Salesian Family will also attend.
Beyond a conference, the gathering is envisioned as a regional planning assembly focused on strengthening the Salesian presence in what Church leaders describe as the “digital continent.” Discussions will address digital evangelization, artificial intelligence and discernment, youth engagement, crisis communication, ethical digital presence, safeguarding, regional collaboration, and the formation of communicators and lay partners.
The program will also examine the challenges faced by young people in digital environments. Dr. Paul Lawrence Filomeno is scheduled to speak on mental health concerns related to online culture in Asia, including the effects of excessive digital exposure, smartphone dependency, cyberbullying and social isolation among youth.
Another key session will be led by Fr. John Mi Shen, who will reflect on communication from the perspective of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), emphasizing dialogue, intercultural understanding, pastoral presence and communion as essential dimensions of Church communication in Asia.
According to the meeting prospectus, participants aim to produce a three-year EAO Social Communications Roadmap, establish shared regional priorities, strengthen inter-provincial collaboration, and develop concrete communication protocols and structures for the region.
The program will include liturgical celebrations, strategic planning sessions, workshops, regional sharing, cultural encounters and visits to Salesian institutions in the Philippines, including Don Bosco Batulao, Don Bosco Canlubang and Don Bosco Press.
As the Church continues to navigate the realities of digital culture, organizers said the 2026 EAO Social Communications Meeting seeks to reinforce the Salesian mission of evangelization among the young by fostering a communication culture rooted not only in media competence, but also in listening, discernment, fraternity and missionary presence.
