Some 50 student leaders will undergo a leadership training at the First Brother James Dunne Scholarship Association (BJDSA) Youth Leadership Camp scheduled from November 24 to 26 at the CARD MRI Development Institute. BJDSA, a private sector association composed of alumni of the Ateneo de San Pablo, provides free education to poor students and develops young school and community leaders. The organization was named after the late Brother James Dunne, the Jesuit who was in charge of the Ateneo de San Pablo scholarship program for the poor.
Justice Pablito Perez of the Court of Appeals, Chairman of the BJDSA Board of Trustees and a member of Ateneo Batch ‘73, said the Youth Leadership Camp aims to develop the participants’ ability to analyze their strengths and weaknesses; develop self-confidence; set life goals; and develop and implement plans. They will be equipped with basic leadership skills and strategies to work in a team setting.
Dr. Jaime Aristole Alip, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of CARD MRI, former President of the BJDSA, and a member of Ateneo Batch ‘73, added that the youth leadership camp aims to teach the participants how to communicate effectively; promote camaraderie among the participants; learn strategies in establishing networks among the youth and relevant sectors; sensitize them on their community’s social, cultural, economic and political challenges; and encourage the youth leaders towards community engagements.
Retired Career Ambassador Romeo Manalo, President of BJDSA, President of the Academia de San Ignacio de Loyola and a member of Ateneo Batch ‘67, said the participants from each school are expected to craft simple proposals for youth-led projects for implementation in their respective schools after attending the Youth Leadership Camp.
The resource speakers and their topics are Justice Pablito Perez (Leaders are Made, Not Born); Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip (Knowing Oneself Before Knowing Others with Oneness of Purpose); Monsignor Jerry Bitoon, Rector and Parish Priest of San Pablo Cathedral and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Friends of the 7 Lakes Foundation (Instilling Values for Daily Living); Mr. Rolly Inciong, former Director for Communication of the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity, President of 7LU Technical Vocational School, and member of Ateneo Batch ’72 (Effective Communication); Ms. Cyrene Lubigan, Deputy Director, CARD Publishing (Social Media and Youth Advocacies); and Mr. Gary Ayuste, RVR Leadership Awardee (Youth Advocacy, Networking, and Opportunities for Youth Engagement).
Mr. Dingdong Dantes, Former Commissioner-at-Large, National Youth Commissions of the Philippines, and an alumnus of Ateneo de Manila, will deliver the inspirational message during the commencement program.
The participating schools are Col. Lauro D. Dizon Memorial National High School, San Pablo City National High School, Felix Amante Senior High School, CMDI, Academia de San Ignacio de Loyola, Canossa College, San Pablo Colleges, Pamantasan Lungsod ng San Pablo, Liceo de San Pablo, Laguna College, Nicolas Galvez Memorial Integrated School, Laguna State Polytechnic University, and St. Joseph School.
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