One for VYLH: The Second National Congress

Written by: Aple Dowanie Tadlas, RN*


(IN PRESS - NEWBORN SCREENING NEWSLETTER)

The Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health-Philippines network has finally made its way to expansion, growth and perpetual commitment as it celebrated the 2^nd VYLH National Leadership Congress last June 2-4, 2012 at the beautiful Island Cove in Kawit, Cavite with the theme: One Heart, One Vision, and One Goal in Sustaining the VYLH Commitment to Servant Leadership.

The event was participated by hundreds of active and dynamic volunteers from all over the archipelago. The volunteers were able to reunite again and share one another’s opportunity to inform, inspire and to be involved in the three-day activity.  The experience was also a big blast to the new members of the network, aptly named I3 batch, since it was their first time to be received as one in the organization, applauded with warm welcome and experience the real essence of being a volunteer of VYLH.

Part of the congress’ triumph was the ratification of the VYLH constitution and by-laws attended by the pioneer and K4 batches on the first day of activity. Finally, the discussion was agreed upon very smoothly and irregular boundaries were mended accordingly with the presence and assistance of the advisers and the CHD representatives. With the simultaneous activity set for the program, the volunteers had the chance to be informed with the different updates regarding the three main advocacy topics namely Newborn Screening, Folic Acid Supplementation and the Orphan Disorders, that went sensible especially for the new batch. The topics that were lined up by the speakers all in all brought inspiration and empowerment to the volunteers, specially embarking on the factual realization that the country is facing through in terms of the present situation of the youth, the society, and the health as a whole.

Moreover, the volunteers had become more motivated as they had witnessed the recognition and giving of awards to the outstanding volunteers and actively participating schools and universities. A showcase of talents was also portrayed by different representatives of the region and its cluster with the special presentation from the CHD’s and the advisers as well. The show went on as it was filled with vibrance during the Black and White Party and the Cultural Night. Indeed, the event only signifies the oneness that every member felt and the pride of being a Filipino despite the cultural diversity.  Most of the volunteers were also able to reflect on their role of being an agent of change and a committed leader for the nation, through getting involved in the team building activity and games. The volunteers had their most memorable experience as they get wet and wild in performing the different tasks prepared for them. They had fun, they were closely bonded with one another, and most of all, they learned and practiced the spirit of true volunteerism.

The event concluded with the election of new officers and the appointment of the regional coordinators. Truly, the network has been a phenomenon and victorious for the past two years through the volunteers’ passion in public service. With an optimistic insight, volunteers look forward in molding for  a better and more committed service to the country.

As the maxim goes, it is more fun in the Philippines, but in VYLH Mindanao cluster, we say, it is more fun to be a Volunteer Youth Leader for Health in the Philippines.

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*Aple Dowanie Tadlas finished her degree in Nursing at Mindanao State University. Aple became affiliated to the network during the Mindanao Island-wide Camp last July 2010. She is currently the Birth Defects Surveillance Research Nurse of Newborn Screening Center Mindanao.

(Photos by Renz Bulseco)