Forming the Formators: SIGNIS Philippines Invests in Cybermissionaries
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bySIGNIS PHILIPPINESin Capacity Building Sesson
In a digital landscape that is rapidly evolving, the need for grounded, ethical, and faith-based communication has never been more critical. Recognizing this, SIGNIS Philippines proudly sponsored two delegates—Jezreel Mark T. Raymundo (SIGNIS Youth Advocate) and Sr. Cynthia Tabañag, MCSH—to attend the Digital Media Education (DME) Online Training held from September 15–19, 2025.
The intensive five-day course, organized by TULIP Trainings, was not just a technical workshop but a strategic investment in the Church’s future “Cybermissionaries”.
#ChiKatesismo: Meeting the Flock Where They Are
For Sr. Cynthia Tabañag of the Missionary Catechists of the Sacred Heart, the training answered an urgent pastoral need. Currently assigned to guide student volunteer catechists, Sr. Cynthia realized that their weekly 30-minute sessions needed to expand beyond the classroom walls.
“We are now exploring how to extend our apostolate through digital media platforms,” she wrote in her expression of interest. Her goal is not only to create content herself but to train her students to produce meaningful media for evangelization.
Already active online managing her congregation’s social media, Sr. Cynthia uses the hashtag #ChiKatesismo to share catechetical content and promote vocations. She views this training as a vital step to “support our mission in reaching more people online with the message of faith”.
Navigating the “Onlife” Reality
For Jezreel Mark Raymundo, the training offered a profound shift in perspective regarding the “Onlife”—the reality where online and offline lives are increasingly intertwined.
Reflecting on the sessions, he noted that the experience “deepened my awareness that digital media is not just a tool but a space… a place where evangelization, connection, and authentic presence must take root”. The course, which covered topics from identifying fake news to Artificial Intelligence, encouraged participants to view AI not as a replacement for human creativity, but as a “katuwang” (partner) in the mission.
A Pact of Stewardship: The Cycle of Giving Back
For SIGNIS Philippines, this sponsorship was never intended to be a simple transaction or a one-way gift. Rather, it was designed as a covenant of stewardship—a spirit of partnership between the organization and its members. Viewing the sponsorship as an investment in the entire community, SIGNIS established a model that ensures the knowledge gained by a few creates a ripple effect for the many.
Before embarking on their training, the scholars entered into a commitment to become conduits of this new knowledge. The agreement requires them to bring the “harvest” home by hosting an “Echo Session”—a workshop or talk delivered within three months of their return.
In this way, the insights on digital safety, AI, and media ethics do not remain improved personal skills but become shared community assets.
Furthermore, the journey does not end when the certificate is issued. The scholars have pledged a year of “active service,” promising to volunteer their time and newfound talents to strengthen the wider SIGNIS family.
Looking Ahead: CYBERMISSION 3.0
This pledge to service is already transforming into concrete action. SIGNIS Philippines is pleased to announce that both Sr. Cynthia and Jezreel will serve as key members of the organizing team for the upcoming SIGNIS Ph CYBERMISSION 3.0 Diocesan Roadshow in 2026.
By integrating their fresh training into this major initiative, they will help steer the organization’s efforts to bring digital literacy and evangelization tools to dioceses across the nation. By forming formators like Sr. Cynthia and Jezreel, SIGNIS Philippines ensures that the Church remains a beacon of truth, empathy, and “Digital Wellbeing” in an increasingly complex world.
Published in: https://signisphcom.wordpress.com/2025/12/14/forming-the-formators-signis-philippines-invests-in-cybermissionaries/