CALABARZON AND MIMAROPA STUDENT LEADERS GATHER FOR CAMYLLA
FAITH hosted the first Calabarzon-Mimaropa Youth Leadership Learning Adventure (CAMYLLA) last October 27 to 29, 2008 which brought together the student leaders from CALABARZON and MIMAROPA and engaged them in relevant and empowering discussions on leadership and responsible citizenship. 137 students and 46 faculty members from 39 schools were able to join the event.
CAMYLLA’s roster of accomplished speakers shared their insights to the young leaders. Bam Aquino, former Chairman of the National Youth Commission, TV host and entrepreneur, talked about Leadership and Heroism for the Youth of Today. Mr. Aquino reiterated that “Government cannot solve our problems alone. People need to get involve to make things work and people’s involvement can and does make a difference. More of our countrymen, especially young people should realize this.” He urged the youth to continue emulating the values Ninoy lived and died for. Gian Karlo Dapul, winner, English Speaking Union’s International Public Speaking Competition in London, gave his views on the topic, The Philippines through the Eyes of a Young Filipino. Gian, as a young achiever expressed his optimism that today’s youth can indeed make a difference. Jaime Garchitorena, President, EduPro Inc. gave a presentation on The Millennium Development Goals (MDG). He also facilitated a workshop on the MDGs where the participants were divided into groups. The student leaders eagerly worked together and presented various plans that they wish to implement. Dr. Ma. Judea G. Millora, Founder, Zero Kalat para sa Kaunlaran Foundation Inc., spoke about present environmental issues and concerns. This too was very insightful which provided all the participants with the knowledge required to take action against environmental pollution and degradation and how the youth can help to save our ailing environment.
FAITH also conducted a seminar on Mentoring: Rewards and Challenges for teachers and guidance counselors from the participating schools with Mentoring guru, Dr. Severina Villegas of the University of Asia and the Pacific, as speaker.
Dr. Evelia S. Orbeta, FAITH’s VP for Student Affairs tackled “Vision for Mimaropa” during the first day of the 3-day conference for MIMAROPA students.
Aside from the talks and workshops, student delegates also joined a community trip, visiting some of Tanauan’s historical sites: The Mabini Shrine and Tanauan Museum. The group also visited the Lima Hotel in Malvar.
FAITH President Saturnino G. Belen, in his message to all participants, quoted some lines from the book “Ninoy.” He challenged the young leaders to be heroes in their own way. “The Filipino is worth living for,” said Mr. Belen. As a gift to the participating schools, he presented each school a copy of the “Ninoy” commemorative book. All the Mimaropa schools also received a copy of the "Best of Bato Balani" book published by Diwa Learning Systems.
