UP Cebu Student Leaders Join RAFI-KAC Center’s Pilot Run

The second quarter of the year marked the first use of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) Kool Adventure Camp’s (KAC) adventure education center in Barangay Cansomoroy in Balamban, Cebu through a three-day leadership adventure program.

The program involved student leaders from the Union of Progressive Students (UPS) of the University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu College.

The activity provided opportunities for the participants to enhance self-awareness; strengthen competencies in goal setting and decision-making; and develop communication, trust, cooperation, collaboration, and teamwork.

“I learned the essence of being a leader, and that is to motivate my constituents to become leaders as well by entrusting them with roles. My goal is to have a more unified, committed Union of Progressive Students,” Valentin Jose Adrian Bonite, UPS chairperson, said.

The program also featured the challenge ropes course, where participants conquered high elements at a height of 12 feet and higher.

High elements, which require a safety mechanism called belay, evoke powerful memories and provoke deep thoughts and emotions while challenging physical abilities.

“I learned the value of taking risks that might not be too comfortable for me. I was also being able to be brave in facing these challenges, knowing that I can become an example for others to follow. I can apply this by being very diligent with my debate practices so I may inspire my debate trainees to work hard as well,” Rarry Abatol, UP Cebu College deputy for political affairs, shared.

Integration and goal setting activities and recognition of accomplishments were done on the third day of the leadership program. This is where participants planned their organization’s goal and identified their responsibilities towards its realization.

KAC is one of the programs under RAFI’s Leadership & Citizenship focus area, where future leaders are nurtured to prepare them to take an active role in affecting change. RAFI’s other focus areas are Integrated Development, Micro-finance & Entrepreneurship, Culture and Heritage, and Education. KAC has been offering adventure education programs for leadership and team development for youth and professionals for the last decade.

For more information on KAC and its services, contact 260-9000 local 1001 and look for Althea Santillan, or visit www.rafi.org.ph or www.facebook.com/kooladventurecamp, or follow @rafiorgph on Twitter.