NAGA CITY --- Ten projects by various youth organizations in the Bicol region were evaluated and were enjoined to complete their documents and supporting information by September 1 this year for an ocular visit which precedes their final judging and conferment of awards on the birth anniversary of the late Senator Raul S. Roco on October 26, 2008. The ten projects in the second Raul S. Roco Youth Achievement Awards (RSRYAA):
The establishment of a community-based “Nursery in Taisan, Sipocot, Camarines Sur” by the Bicol DeMolay Alumni Chapter No. 36, whose president is Retchie S. Pinangang; the community-based “HIV and AIDS Prevention Campaign” by the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Youth Association, Camarines Norte Chapter, headed by Joferan P, Baylon in Daet, Camarines Norte; the “Concreting of the Cemetery Pathway” by community-based Pag-Asa Youth Association of the Philippines, headed by Arvin C. Regidor, in the Poblacion of Pamplona, Camarines Sur;
The school-based “I-UPLIFT: Intellectuals United for Literacy Feats and Training” by the Scholars League headed by Jay Boy E. Evano of the Sorsogon State College in Sorsogon City; the “E-school Outreach Project” of the Society for the Advancement of Management and Agricultural Economics (SAMAE), headed by Jayson M. Nolasco, of the Institute of Economics and Management of the Camarines Sur State Agricultural College in Pili, Camarines Sur;
The school-based “Faces of Hope: Developing Future Leaders in Fiat Children’s Home” of the Student Nurses Association, headed by Victor Nelson R. Samonte, of the Catanduanes State Colleges; the community based “Barangay Youth Information Caravan” of the Kabataang Busig-on Organization Philippines, headed by Peejay A. Molina of the Poblacion in Labo, Camarines Norte; the community-based “Para kay BEN: Madramang Kantayawan Handog Ng Kabataan” of the United Responsible Youth Council, headed by Jonathan V. Saldivar of barangay Bapor in Masbate City; The school-based “CANR Bigay Saya Program (Community Outreach Program to Indigent Beneficiaries)” of the Young Counselors Organization headed by Shigenori N. Ezaki of Talobatib, Labo, Camarines Norte; and the school-based “Youth Development Training Seminar” of the Peer Counselors Organization, headed by Cecilia Doronela of the University of Nueva Caceres in Naga City.
The project proposals were evaluated by a committee chaired by Dr. Amparo Nieves, whose members are: Atty. Marion Legacion, Florencio Mongoso, J. Antonio Amparado, and Councilor D.C. Nathan Sergio.
Last year, the project “Pathways to Higher Education” of the Ateneo de Naga University Youth Group romped away with the top prize of P50,000 and a trophy designed by national artist Salvador Bernal. The project was chosen for the proponents’ well-planned and project-focused advocacy in promoting the love for reading in two chosen schools --- the Tinago High School and the Leon Q. Mercado High School --- thus “admirably emphasizing the great importance of reading in the education of the youth and lovingly preparing reading and writing modules fitted for fourth year levels and interest”. The project was said to have been inspired by Raul S. Roco’s being “an avid reader, thus a great leader”.
The objectives of the RSRYAA:
First, to honor the life of one Filipino, Raul S. Roco, who having sowed the seeds of change, believing that the Filipino is good, honest, hardworking, heroic and honorable, lived his life serving his people with grace and wisdom, loving his country to his death.
Second, to recognize the important role of the youth in nation-building even as he said: “The youth is called to serve their country not tomorrow but today”.
Third: for the winner, to serve as role model of leadership in community service and whose project might serve as a solution to a particular problem currently affecting their community that may result in a social transformation that will uplift the socio-economic, ecological, moral and political situation in the area where they have chosen to serve.
The project proposed may have any number of members, from ages15 to 25, who are school-based or church-based or barangay-based o by an organization of out-of-school groups, officially endorsed by the head of school, parish priest or barangay captain or the Department of Education, regardless of religion, sex, social status, ethnicity, ideology and political affiliation. jfo
Published at the Bicol Mail Newspaper dated April 24, 2008 and osted at the Bicol Mail Website.
Published at the Bicol Mail Newspaper dated April 24, 2008 and osted at the Bicol Mail Website.
