A Multiple Narrative Case Study of Young Filipino Leaders in Faith-based Youth Organizations

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Julianna Mariey M. de Vera, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
Maria Karmela G. Dizon, De La Salle University Senior High SchoolFollow
Elise Maegan P. Paragua, De La Salle University Senior High SchoolFollow
Mia N. Villanueva, De La Salle University Senior High SchoolFollow
Belle Beatrix Alemania, De La Salle UniversityFollow

Document Type

Paper Presentation

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Alemania, Belle Beatriex M.

Abstract/Executive Summary

Given the scarcity of studies on leadership beyond Roman Catholicism in the Philippine context, this study explores the lived experiences, motivations, and beliefs of youth leaders from diverse religious backgrounds, including Born Again Christianity, Buddhism, Iglesia ni Cristo, Protestantism, and Islam. Using a multiple-case narrative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted among eight youth leaders from various Faith-Based Youth Organizations and analyzed using Reissman’s Narrative Approach (2005). Findings show that leadership in FBYOs is driven by various spiritual, social, personal, and familial factors, with the most dominant being spiritual commitment, social responsibility, personal growth, and familial influence. These roles have been observed to enhance leadership skills and strengthen faith, promoting unity among diverse religious groups and beliefs. Additionally, results have shown that these FBYO leaders perceive their roles in spiritual, administrative, and interpersonal viewpoints, with discipleship, management, and planning, and reliable leadership being dominant. Moreover, the interest in joining an organization seemed to have started at a young age, while some joined due to external motivations such as making friends or personal struggles. Participants also reported gaining confidence, leadership skills, and communication skills after assuming leadership roles. Leadership, therefore, transforms the faith of Filipino youth from tradition to personal commitment, strengthening their sense of responsibility and connection to their beliefs. Hence, FBYOs should provide mentorship, leadership training, and interfaith dialogue to support youth leaders, as well as aspiring leaders, in balancing faith, service, and personal growth.

Keywords

faith-based youth organizations; leadership; spiritual commitment