SIGNIS Asia Assembly 2025: Brief Report
Whispers of Hope: Communicating Peace, Building Futures
Report by Dr. Magimai Pragasam
The SIGNIS Asia Assembly 2025 was held from 21–25 October 2025 in Manila, Philippines, focusing on the theme “Whispers of Hope: Communicating Peace, Building Futures.” Nearly 75 media professionals from 11 member countries of SIGNIS Asia, a regional body of the World Catholic Association for Communication, gathered for deliberations and collaborative planning. The inaugural programme was hosted at the Prince Hotel in Manila, and the subsequent sessions took place at St. Paul Centre for Renewal, Alfonso, Cavite.
The assembly commenced with the inaugural Holy Mass at the Manila Cathedral, celebrated by the Chancellor of the Diocese Fr. Carmel “Jek” Arada. Fr. Dr. Stanley Kozhichira, President of SIGNIS Asia, in his opening address, acknowledged the remarkable contribution of media professionals in their respective countries and encouraged continued excellence in mission-driven communication.
Keynote and Sessions
The keynote address was delivered by Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit, Jr, who described Artificial Intelligence as the new industrial revolution. He called upon Communicators to become missionaries of hope in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
The first panel discussion, titled “The Listening Post: From Conversation to Consensus,” was moderated by Sr. Rose Agtarap, FSP. The panelists – Dr. Magimai Pragasam, Dr. Pauline Leong Pooi Yin, Fr. Emmanuel “Nono” Alfonso, SJ, and Fr. John Mi Shen – emphasized the need to take concrete action in media advocacy. They highlighted the power of storytelling to awaken communities, foster participation, and communicate messages that empower society.
The Voice of the Young
The youth panel, “Human Library: A Dialogue with Living Stories,” moderated by Fr. Felmar Fiel, SVD, featured young communicators Emmanuel Panganiban, Suman Ghale, Monica and Muriel Vonne Millanes, along with the Director of IFFAsia, Florence Alexius. Their personal narratives of transformation illustrated how faith continues to inspire and guide youth today. The session underscored the role of positive motivation and role modelling in shaping young communicators.
Dr. Arul Aram’s presentation, “The Prophetic Voice: Crafting a Horizon of Hope in a Fractured World,” reminded participants of ongoing socio-political, economic, and environmental conflicts around the world. He called for responsible, proactive communication strategies to build peace and harmony between communities and nations.
The Action packed Workshop
A highly interactive session, “From Attention to Action: Communicating Hope in the Digital Economy,” led by Pie Mabanta-Fenomeno encouraged participants to think innovatively in digital media production. Through hands-on activities such as creating reels, posters, talk shows, and music videos, delegates enhanced their practical skills to better engage audiences online.
Pie explained how digital platforms operate within a competitive “attention economy,” offering universal appeal of sensory satisfaction with neurological rewards, cognitive relief and sensory gratifications especially to younger generations. She stressed that faith-based communication requires not just attention but meaningful behavioural change. Her key message – “Stop competing and start connecting with trust” – captured the essence of hope-centric media engagement.
Participants collaboratively developed guiding principles and pledges to initiate pilot media projects that promote peace and responsible communication. The creative outputs demonstrated the rich talent and commitment present within SIGNIS Asia delegates.
Resolutions
The Statement Committee, led by Dr. Magimai Pragasam with members Adeline James and Fr. Robinson Rodriguez, presented the official Assembly Statement. It emphasized:
• Strengthening human connection in communication
• Promoting media education with renewed vigour
• Being the voice of the voiceless and empowering marginalized groups
• Communicating peace, harmony, and trust with empathy and gentleness
Cultural Immersion and Conclusion
Delegates experienced meaningful cultural visits to significant sites including Tagaytay City, the SVD Farm, the Cathedral of St. Paul the Hermit in Laguna, the University of Santo Tomas, and the National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in Quiapo— moments that strengthened fellowship and cherished memories of the Philippines.
The assembly concluded with a Eucharistic celebration at St. Paul’s Cathedral, presided by Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit, Jr, and enriched by an inspiring choir. Delegates expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organizing team led by Pie with the member organisations of SIGNIS Philippines, which included TV Maria, JesCom, Radio Veritas, CBCP-Cinema, Radio Veritas Asia, Daughters of St. Paul, DigitalMedia Ph, Laudato Si Movement, and the SIGNIS Youth, who contributed to the success of this memorable gathering.
Also see:
https://www.signisasia.net/signis-asia-assembly-2025-concludes-with-a-renewed-call-to-communicate-peace-build-futures/
https://www.signisasia.net/saa2025/
https://www.signisasia.net/signis-asia-assembly-2025-statement/
https://www.signisasia.net/signis-asia-assembly-2025-launches-theme-song-whispers-of-hope/