Written by Pellan Rhey Capuyan
Foundation University, Negros Oriental, Batch E4
The introduction
of officers, orientation of the goal of the organization, and lots of
energizers formally commenced the first day. The seminar on the first day was
from 1pm to 6pm. It taught us the importance of having newborn screening for
every newborn, having enough folic acid supplementation for all especially
women, and helping individuals with rare diseases. After which the participants
were implicitly taught of camaraderie in a group dinner and the camp's team building
activities. The agenda for the day ended
at 11 pm through a solemn commitment ritual. The night was perfectly suited for the
participants as they internalize the lessons learnt that day.
The cup wasn’t full yet for the
craving minds and hearts of the future catalysts-of-change and youth leaders in
communities! The second day featured the seminar on action plan development and the talk by the National Program Adviser, Dr. Carmencita Padilla. But of course, the camp was also not all about seminars. Fun spiced up the event too! Different leaders showcased their
hidden talents. These were followed by the cultural presentations of leaders
across the Central Visayan islands and provinces, such as Cebu, Negros
Oriental, Siquijor and Bohol. The second day was concluded by giving sort of
“Kalog Awards” to different leaders for individuality or uniqueness as observed
by the facilitators during the two- day camp. This was followed by picture
taking of course! Definitely, it was a day full of very memorable experiences.
The
camp will always be a part of me. I will always look back to it, not the camp
per se but the things that I learned and the people behind the continuous
success of the organization. To name a few, they are Dr. Carmencita Padilla -
National Adviser, VYLH-Philippines; Dr. J Edgar Winston Posecion - Unit Head,
NSC- Visayas, VYLH Visayas Cluster Adviser; Dr. Barbra Charina Cavan - Visayas
Cluster Adviser; Ms. Lyn Sur, RN - VYLH - Philippines. National Secretariat;
and Mr. Emmanual Enriquez, RN - President of VYLH – Philippines.
To
the senior volunteers who stayed active despite their hectic schedule,
like Kuya Jp, Floyd, Steven, Lime, Ate Jane, Leah, Salima, Karen, Choko and the
rest who also served as facilitators during the camp -- thank you! There are so many active volunteer youth leaders whose passion to serve humanitiy keeps on burning. Pardon me
for those who were not mentioned.
Similarly,
I have been very grateful that I was able to join with the rest of the youth
leaders because of the following who made it possible: my Clinical Instructor
Ma'am Ivy Cornelia, Dean Nenita P. Tayko, administrators of Foundation
University (FU), and the rest of the supportive individuals.
Indeed,
the two-day camp taught me a lot of things. It gave me so much learning and
realization. I can say that it renewed and made me more equipped with Skills,
Knowledge and Attitude (SKA) of what a true leader should be. I will continue
to be an effective leader and will keep the passion burning inside me until
such time every individual will take a move in advocating for better health of
Filipinos.
________________
Pellan Rhey Capuyan is a Senior Nursing student at Foundation University in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. He is also the current President of the Foundation Universities Association of Student Nurses. He is one of the newest VYLs added to VYLH-Philippines roster after the 2014 Central Visayas Camp.
