PHILIPPINE RED CROSS 17TH NATIONAL YOUTH CONGRESS HELD AT CMU

2nd from left Secretary General of Philippine Red Cross. Ms. Gwendolyn
Pang, 3rd from left Al- Azanereeh Ramos-Madale, Chapter Youth Council
President of Iligan City Chapter and 6th from left Gov. Juan Miguel
Zubiri, during the open ceremony of 16th National Youth Congress held at CMU, maramag, bukidnon last Oct 21-24, 2011.

BY: ASA T. MADALE

MARAMAG-BUKIDNON- The Philiippine Red Cross recently held its 17th National Youth Congress at the Central Mindanao University (CMU) here with the theme “I. A. C. T.,Assert, Care, Transform”. Ms Gwendolyn Pang ,secretary-general of Philippine Red Cross said the main objective of the convention was trying to ASSERT each youth in their extra-ordinary ideas and extra-ordinary capabilities for an extra-ordinary change in our country. Pang stressed that the youth should be encouraged to CARE for the environment to preserve our Mother Earth fo the next generation and they should be steering to a TRANSFORMATION for the betterment of our world and serve as a hope of many fruitless Filipino in our Country.

Al-Azanereeh R. Madale,chapter youth council president of Iligan City and Fairy Queen S. Enriquez said on October 21,2011 was the arrival and registration of the delegates and billeting by each chapter. Madale and Enriquez lauded the Central Mindanao University administration for the hospitality they have extended to the delegates, the good thing that happened was the youth stayed together at the MGM Resort and the Advisers stayed together at the RR Resort.

This give them the opportunity to be acquainted with each other from different Chapters all over the Philippines. Youth were united despite of their cultural differences and economic status with one goal and that is to pursue humanitarian services in our country to alleivate pain and sufferings and be one of the changes for the youth empowerment worldwide. Madale added.

Unexpected speakers were there to welcome the youth delegates during the opening ceremonies held at Kaamulan, Central Mindanao University Amphitheater. Mr. Juan Miquel Zubiri and PRC secretary Gwendolyn Pang stressed the main point that Volunteers are unpaid in their services to alleviate pain and uplift human dignity and they encouraged the youth to let the fire of volunteerism keep burning with the Red Cross’ Seven Fundamental Principles, Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality. Enriquez stressed.

Madale said that on the second day of the convention was the plenary session in the morning . Among the speakers were Atty Lorna Kapunan emphasize on the youth involvement in PRC Governance. Zubiri appen the unique role of the youth in climate change adaptation. While. Mr Mabini Pablo affixed the topic about RCY from a follower to a leader.

On the afternoon activity was the commission session /parallel session for was being divided into six commission sessions for the youth and three commission sessions for the advisers. Youth Commission Session involves RCY 143 Youth Pledge 25 initiated by Agnes Esquera from Pasay Chapter, Council Management and Development by Ira Bongayol from Davao City Chapter, Leadership Development Program for RC 143 Youth by Charisse Mae Salcedo from the National Youth Council, Peer Education on HIV AIDS and Substance Abuse by Norman Gagarina (volunteer educator), RC 143 Youth Awards and Recognition by Alfrey Gulla from Quirino Chapter and RC 143 Youth in Schools and Communities by Marvin Richard Ilusorio from Valenzuela City Chapter.

The Advisers Commission Session involves Awards and Recognition initiated by Mr. Nonito Llanos III, the National Red Cross Youth Advisers League President, 143 Volunteerism and Management by Ms Arlyn Banks, Volunter Service OIC and Fund Raising in RCY Councils by Anaclets Bandril, Fund Generation Department OIC. The commission session gave knowledge that would guide as a bridge of the Youth in improving their corresponding chapters and be responsible in taking the responsibilities as a Youth Leader, on the other hand the commission session was followed by the Area meeting headed by the outgoing area coordinator where youth were united to have their respective coordinator and despite of this competition in candidacy, Youth found a stress absorber which they had during the Youth Night, Youth in Philippines worn a cowboy attire and show the world how young people can make a change through their astonishing talent, creative and
brilliant minds and the will to serve, the after socialization follows, Enriquez emphasize.

Madale said the third day of the congress and fire of the youth were getting more intense because of the passing of the resolutions and presentation of the candidates during the plenary session and everyone was practicing the parliamentary law that would mold the youth become more efficient in public speaking and gain more confidence in facing formal gathering and meetings in the near future contrariwise the advisers had also their General Assembly of National RCY Advisers League in a separate venue.

Election of area coordinators follows the Plenary Session of the Youth at the same time the National Red Cross Youth Advisers League Officers election were held in a separate venue. On the afternoon activity, youth had a tour within the area and went back to the resort to prepare for the closing ceremonies and oath taking of the newly elected National Youth Council and National Red Cross Youth Advisers League Officers. They worn their cultural costumes that lived the Seven Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross , despite their cultural differences. Madale added.

Enriquez said on October 24 was the departure of the Youth delegates from the Central Mindanao University where the 17th Youth Congress was held and back to their respective chapters.

Madale and Enriquez said the youth have the capabilities, extra-ordinary talents and the will to serve for the betterment of our World and to uplift human dignity by alleviating sufferings of the people, despite economic status and cultural differences. Through this 17th National Youth Congress, the youth has widen their knowledge and ideas about the Philippine Red Cross and was acquainted to live the Seven Fundamental Principles of the Philippine Red Cross, Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality and continue the goals of being a RCY volunteer in incalculating humanitarian values, instilling practice of healthy lifestyle, enhancing youth leadership skills through service delivery and advocating National/International Freindship. Philippine Red Cross Youth is the living Henry Dunant of the new generation with a heart saying “Siamo Tutti Fratelli”. Volia RCY!