43 Paglaum Scholars Undergo Leadership Training in Balamban
The Cebu Provincial Government, in partnership with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (Rafi), organized a leadership training for the second batch of Paglaum scholars at the Rafi-Kool Adventure Camp (KAC) in Barangay Cansomoroy, Balamban, Cebu last Sept. 13.
The first batch, which was attended by at least 140 scholars, had their training last Sept. 8.
“Our history are infused with stories of inspiration and patriotism of leaders in the prime of their youth,” Gov. Hilario P. Davide III told 43 scholars in his welcome speech. ”And remember always that the hallmark of a truly great leader lies in his ability to sow seeds of love, truth, justice and hope in the hearts of others… May the lessons you learned today, and have learned these past days, prepare you in your return to your respective schools, communities and families.”
Image source: http://www.cebu.gov.ph
The governor cited young heroes like Jose Rizal, Gregorio del Pilar and Diego Silang and among others for the scholars to emulate.
The Paglaum scholarship program of the Cebu Provincial Government, which was launched in September 2016 with 47 scholars, accepts poor but deserving students and gives a P1,500 monthly allowance, aside from subsidizing a portion of their tuition in private schools.
“This is the kind of leadership training that you need to understand yourself and understand humanity,” Vice Gov. Agnes A. Magpale said in her speech.
“A program for the poor but deserving students with the passion to study,” the vice governor added.
Education is among the Six-Key Development Agenda of the administration of Davide and Magpale. The other development agenda are health and social services; countryside development; environment protection and disaster management; infrastructure, tourism and investment promotion; and law and order.
Image source: http://www.cebu.gov.ph
“Nagpasalamat ko nila kay natabangan ko sa akong pag eskuyla, nga akong maistorya (puhon) sa akong mga igsoon, amigo nga unsa sila gobernor ug bise gobernador ka maayong mga tawo,” said 22-year-old Niño Alviar, a third year bachelor of science in information technology, major in computer technology student at the Cebu Technological University (CTU) in Dumanjug town.
Divine Grace Ybañez,18, is not only happy for herself but for others as well.
“Thankful and grateful ko kay dili ra ako ang natabangan sa paglaum, daghan nga nagkinahanglan,” said Ybañez who is from Barangay Bago, Asturias and a first year BSIE student at CTU Tuburan.
She also encouraged her fellow scholars to remain focus on fulfilling their dreams.
Marie Sol Gonzalo, KAC camp director, quoted the late Roberto “Bobby” Aboitiz about leadership.
“Leadership starts from within. Every one of us has his own bugsay, which symbolizes our capacity to move forward and achieve our goals,” she said, quoting Aboitiz. (Cebu Provincial Government PR)
Image source: http://www.cebu.gov.ph
