After a hiatus caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic, the YMCA of the Philippines : Rizal Youth Leadership Training Institute held its first face-to-face event on July 16-30, 2023 at YMCA of Albay.
A 15-day intensive training composed of 3 major components.
First, are the lectures, presentations, and discussions on various topics such as leadership, values formation, global issues, program development, and many more. Second is skills development. During the training, participants will enhance their socio-emotional skills, acquire cognitive and practical skills that they can utilize in their daily lives. Last is community integration, wherein participants will have first-hand experience in community engagement on various contemporary issues.
Under this scenario, the YMCA needs to move on to form and train young people towards transformation, self-sufficiency and sustainable life, not only those in the country but even those in the global world. So that three years ago, after a long hibernation, the Movement has embarked into responding to the vacuum of quality leaders not only in the Movement but in the country by re-designing a transformational leadership training for youth leaders. It has, of course, maintained its aims of providing a leadership for honesty, justice, excellence, integrity and love of country while it includes discussions and skill training that are cognizant of and abreast with the changes and developments that are taking shape within the realm of “leadership formation.”
The opening ceremony featured the worship celebration and the opening message was addressed by Mr. Orlando F. Carreon, OIC- National General Secretary of the YMCA Philippines, wherein he also introduced the delegates of each local YMCA.
The keynote address speaker was Dr. Jeremy A. Cruz, the principal of Legazpi City National High School and an alumni of RYLTI. The main theme was all about inclusivity in education as his self advocacy. He also outlined what RYLTI brings out of an individual.
The RYLTI emphasizes responsible, yearning to serve, love, time consciousness, and integrity.
Opening Session
Mr. Christopher Teban San Ramon opened the seminar, and the scholars introduced themselves by imaginatively characterizing their personalities using the acronyms of their names.
The Blob Tree was introduced by Mr. San Ramon, which represents how the scholars perceive themselves in the YMCA.
Ms. Madonna Malilin tackled about kindness where scholars were able to relate themselves and share as well their thoughts with regards to the topic. The topic depicted the idea of the qualities that each and everyone of us should embody as they aspire to be a student leader who will bring difference to the community.
Cultural Night
Different Cultural attire is displayed by each of the Local YMCAs. Culture Nights are a great way to gain knowledge about cultures that are not your own. Presentations, performances, and much more can be included.
CULTURAL NIGHT
Journey Within
Ms. Cherry Camille Depano invites the Scholars to join her on the journey within and reflect on their own thoughts as she guides each and every one.
Night Trail Course
The Scholars were tested on their own trustworthiness, courage, self-belief, determination, and faith.
Night Trail Course
History of YMCA and RYLTI
The program began with Mr. Pablito A. Tabucol discussing the origins of the YMCA. Mr. Tabucol also discussed the Paris Basis which is the group of principles which guides the relationships between individual YMCAs.
The 2nd Vice President of YMCA Albay, Mr. Rhondon C. Ricafort, also discussed the Qualities of Leadership that RYLTI Scholars must possess to be leaders.
Dr. Clea L. Bongat talked about the Life of Rizal on which how Dr. Jose Rizal was appointed National Hero of the Philippines.
Ms. Ianne Christine J. Aquino also discussed the different qualities of a leader. The scholars were divided into four groups and given a task to write and draw about their perception of the perfect leader.
Role of the Youth in the Nation
Ms. Nyldia Paladan-Delfin from the National Youth Commission highlighted the global issues and concerns, focusing on the global challenges that people are currently facing.
Sports Fest
The Scholars participated and competed against each other in an Amazing Race to see which group was the most powerful, clear, authentic, best in sales, and most outstanding.
The Community Immersion orientation aimed to prepare scholars for their immersion in the local community. Mr. Mike Boribor’s experience allowed the scholars to gain insights into the community’s culture, values, and challenges.
Dawn Promenade
RYLTI Traditional Walk with Candles. A sacrificial walk to worship and give devotion to God. The Scholars had an opportunity to reflect on their own sins and ask God for forgiveness.
Vesper Night
The scholars were given the opportunity to offer a candle for forgiveness and reflect on their shortcomings. The scholars also gained a better understanding of themselves through Vesper.
VESPER NIGHT
Community Immersion
Divided into two groups. The Scholars visited Barangay Padang and Barangay Banquerohan to observe and comprehend how each local community spends their day.
Mental and Health Awareness
Mr. Richard B. Hayag and Mr. Gerardo S. Evan II, discussed and focuses on STI/HIV/AIDS Awareness and Mental Health Awareness. They explained that always must be mindful, particularly when it comes to sexual activity, given the adverse effects of doing so.
Ms. Lalaine M. Raposon-Apostol also discussed the Emotional-Spiritual Well-being, which addresses issues of mental health.
RYLTI alumni Dr. Ranielle M. Navarro discussed “A Sustainable Planet” a collaborative efforts of each individual to create a greater impact in the world, particularly in environmental rehabilitation. The highlights of her discussion was the activity entitled “Chain of Hope”. The scholars, were tasked to write down three most important things that they can do for themselves, for our community, and for our local YMCA.
Scholars with the Facilitators
A day with the facilitators. Scholars were given a chance to bond and give thanks to Mr. Pablito A. Tabucol, Mr. Juanito C. Bacani Jr, Mr. Christoper Teban San Ramon as the Facilitators.
The Facilitators and Speakers
Action Plan Making
Each Scholars came up with an Action Plan that will help their local Communities and presented their ideas to the panellists.
ACTION PLAN PRESENTATION
Community Well-Being
The RYLTI Scholars have been given the responsibility of planting new corals, along with the Integrated Coastal Resource Management of Albay.
GRADUATION DAY!
The Institute closed with a meaningful celebration through a solemn graduation ceremony with the presence of the National President Engr. Antonio C. Keh, OIC-National General Secretary of the YMCA of the Philippines, Mr. Orlando F. Carreon, and the Institute Director of the RYLTI Program, Ms. Ianne Christine J. Aquino together with some YMCA Leaders, RYLTI Alumnus and Guests.
Batch Logo
Hands – It symbolizes the openness and willingness in helping others.
Heart – it symbolizes the compassion and selflessness of every scholar.
Light – It symbolizes the knowledge and wisdom of every scholar. This proves that we need to have a big heart rather than having high IQ because servant leadership is offering yourself to anyone without any reservations.
Feathers – It symbolizes the greatness of Dr. Jose Rizal through his writings, we were able to dream for the future of our country and the world.
Image of Rizal -It is composed by the surnames of the 23 participants of the 43rd batch. Also, they signify the dream of our national hero.
Batch Song
The Song was composed by the RYLTI Scholars
TITLE: INDAK
oh oh oh
oh oh oh
oh oh oh
ooooh oh oh woahhh
Verse 1:
Mga kabataan kami ay sabayan
Buksan ang isipan
Wag nang magalinlangan
Ating karapatan
Isigaw, ilahad
Dito sa mundo
I-enjoy nato ng todo
Chorus:
Hey! halina na't sumabay sa indak ng sayaw
Wag ng mahiya, tara lets, sali ka!
Buksan ang mata, at wag ng magpatumpik tumpik pa
Maki- jam na!
Verse2:
Umawit, tumugtog, umindak, sumayaw
Angat man sa buhay
O kapos kapalaran
Lahat pantay pantay, tayo'y iisa lang
Sabay kantahin, awit ng may pagmamahal
Chorus:
Hey! halina na't sumabay sa indak ng sayaw
Wag ng mahiya, tara lets, sali ka!
Buksan ang mata, at wag ng magpatumpik tumpik pa
Maki- jam na!
Rap:
Kabataan! tayo na, makipaglaro, makipagkilala
Karapatan ipakita sabay sabay, sama sama
Kapit kamay, aahon na
Dignidad, bubuti na
Kaya't ano pang hinihintay
Kabataan, tara na!
Bridge:
Sama-sama tayo, ipakita sa mundo
Lahat tayo, may karapatan patungo sa pagbabago
Sama-sama tayo, ipakita sa mundo
Lahat tayo, may karapatan, YMCA! patungo sa pagbabago
Chorus:
Hey! halina na't sumabay sa indak ng sayaw
Wag ng mahiya, makijam na!
Halina na't sumabay sa indak ng sayaw
Wag ng mahiya, makijam na!
oh oh oh
oh oh oh
makijam na!
oh oh oh
makijam na!
Rylti!
Candlelight Ceremony
The light of learning is symbolized by every scholar by lighting their candle.
CANDLELIGHT CEREMONY
A few of the Outstanding Scholars shared their thoughts and experiences about RYLTI.
MARIONNE C. ABAC YMCA of RINALI
“Thank you RYLTI, thank you YMCA! This fifteen day camp made me realize how fortunate I am. I learned to humble myself and offer myself to the Lord. I will be forever grateful for this wonderful experience. It completed my journey as a Y’er and as a youth leader. “
JESSICA MAE B. FERRAS YMCA of ALBAY
“RYLTI is not just leadership training; it’s a transformative journey of self-discovery and growth. It has made me a more confident and empathetic leader, emphasizing personal development and effective communication. It inspires social responsibility, critical thinking, and adaptability. Now, I feel empowered to create a positive impact in my life.”
IVY KRISTEL M. BAET YMCA of SAN PABLO
“The Rizal Youth Leadership Training Institute helped me understand more about my strengths and weaknesses as a human being. RYLTI is not just a simple leadership training where you talk and discuss different societal issues in the community; it’s a life-changing experience that allows me to know myself better and heal my inner traumas. This training made me realize that sometimes we need to prioritize ourselves first and face our own battles before addressing the bigger societal issues in our community. As a leader, we need to understand that we’re not alone and don’t have to carry all the burden on our own. RYLTI truly instills in our minds the importance of honesty, integrity, justice, intelligence, and love for the country. The training ignites my passion to serve my fellowmen with all my heart, without expecting anything in return. I will forever cherish the moments I experienced in RYLTI as they played an important role in shaping who I am today. Truly, we are the nation’s next generation of hope.”
CONGRATULATIONS RYLTI GRADUATES!
The power to create a better future is within the reach of RYLTI Scholars this year!
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