Archbishop appeals for increased attention to youth

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August 22, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula yesterday appealed for increased attention to the youth, especially those who are silently facing serious problems amid the shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University.

“We must not allow this tragedy to pass without listening deeply to what it tells us about the struggles of our young people,” Advincula said.

He added that the response to the incident should not end with solidarity and sympathy for the victims, but rather lead to a deeper understanding of what youths are going through.

Advincula said many young people may be silently struggling with loneliness, anxiety, hopelessness, family problems, bullying and academic pressure – problems that are often invisible to those around them.

He emphasized the importance of listening and learning about the plight of young people.

“We need to listen to them, not only when they speak loudly, but especially when they suffer quietly,” Advincula said.

He cited a study by Filipino researchers, published by Cambridge University Press, showing that the number of young people experiencing mental health problems has increased, with one in every five young people, aged 15 to 24, experiencing moderate to severe depression.

Advincula urged families, schools, the Church and other institutions to create safe spaces where youth can speak out without fear of being judged and seek help without shame.

“An act of violence within a school community wounds more than those who are physically injured. It wounds the sense of safety and trust that should allow our young people to learn, grow, dream and become who God calls them to be,” he said.

The archbishop expressed condolences to the victims, their families, those injured and traumatized as well as to the entire Ateneo de Zamboanga University community who continue to deal with the effects of the shooting incident.