Young Minds Academy
A Youth Citizenship Program of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.
First YMA summer edition conducted in Region 8
The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) brought its team-based youth leadership and citizenship development program, Young Minds Academy, to Eastern Visayas.
This was the first time that YMA, which has run for three years since 2006, was duplicated in another part of the country.
The YMA Summer edition officially began last April 20, wherein 35 young people from Region 8 underwent training on leadership and citizenship, with a focus on environmental stewardship, as environment is the theme for this edition. The summer program ended on May 18.
The YMA Summer edition ran for a month only, as compared to the regular eight-month program, and required the scholars to stay-in for the duration of the summer program.
The first two weeks of the training, from April 20-29, were conducted in Cebu, while the rest of the sessions were held at the Religious of the Sacred Heart- Sophie’s Farm, Mondragon, Northern Samar.
Seven teams with five members each from Baybay, Tanauan, Biliran, Guiuan, and northern Samar, and with ages ranging from 12-30 years old, were chosen to participate after a region-wide screening process.
The scholars were, from Baybay—Pia Fleur Khristine Noriel, Val Anthony Borines, Mary Grace Semilla, Christopher Ray Pantin and Carlo Tulin; Tanauan—Karen Joy Magnawa, Gemmie Lyn Navarro and Mara Jane Cañeda; Biliran—Jenny Genoguin and Lovely Krystal Garing; Guiuan—Carl Andres Padua, Marifel Duran, Jan Paul Badocdoc, Jessa Lyn Alcala, Cielito Lagramada; and northern Samar—Renerio Adobo Jr., Arizza Joy Evardone, Bayani Bacalso, Christian Dolorzo, Franklin Cortez, Argie Rus Paula Tobes, Fernando Ramirez, Marion Babilone, Ronie Vanial Dorol, Ma. Chona Villacortes, Mike Ruzzel Ablazo, Jesan Sabedoria, Mary Rose Aquiatan, Elrod Lorenz Carbonilla, Jay Ann Pedamato, Larry Mark Morales, Celina Doceo, Czarina Beatriz Mercado, Fely Angelica Balanquit and Phoebe Ma. Blanca Merino.
The YMA Summer edition was made possible through the partnership with the Sacred Heart Institute for Transformative Education (SHIFT) Foundation, Inc. and the funding support from the Foundation for the Philippine Environment.
[ read more ]
YMA Season 3 Opens
The Young Minds Academy (YMA) officially began its third run last Dec. 13, 2008 with the covenant signing and orientation of its scholars at the Bryant George Hall of the Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center.
Twenty-one groups, composed of four to five members, 104 scholars in all, signed contracts to indicate their willingness to fully participate in and finish the eight-month program, and comply with the YMA requirements.
Accepted were: Generation 1 Team 1—Jay Dayondon, Vernon Joseph Go, Raymundo Iligan Jr., Janemarie Semblante and Mary Gretchen Tamarra; Team 2—Melody Federico, Irenea Ferolino, Jennibeth Garcia, Cecilia Listones and June Villarubia; Team 3—Gladys Dianne Lee, Bernadine Nacua, Rafaela Perez, Fedwilyn Villarba and Tanya Francia Yap; Team 4—Marilyn Godino, Arturo Mamitag, Haidee Emmie Palapar and Niña Marie Tomongha.
Generation 2 Team 1—Bernalyn Bernales, Denneth Bernales, Queen Cythea Boyonas, Lady Irina Maravilla and Shamir Ybañez; Team 2—April Rose Garavan, Marion Jep Laput, Fannie Lendio, Roberto Martin Misterio and Eunice Suan; Team 3—Aiza Giltendez, Louraine May Georfo, Salvador Isok, Adrianne Tirado and Cherry Joy Ycong; Team 4—Alexa Cecilia Aguipo, Abigail Joy Cesa, Jerone Navales, Juicy Kriz Oliveros, and Marisse Paraoan; Team 5—Russell Christian Fernandez, Mayette Genovesa, Razilee Rae Ligaray, Stefany Marie Serino and Kevin Soon; Team 6—Lordie Grace Garcia, Mindy Pomeline Jadraque, Janna Eucel Lua, Ivy Florence Rafols and Joan Ybañez.
Generation 3 Team 1—Guillermo Diluvio Jr., Ariel Echaves, Stephen Magallon, Migue Mar Malayo and Kimberley Mae Sabate; Team 2—John Paul Francisco, Kenji Nakao, Myles Ziegfred Samson, Rhyle Clifford Sayat and Ritzy Esly Tuñacao; Team 3—Rowela Aguillon, Chinee Antido, Mc Cherry Ann de Leon, Stacey Kay Fortuna and Vernie Naraja; Team 4—Niña Kathryn Alfeche, Patrice Marie Bote, Mark Anthony Esperida, Dan Clever Gigantone and Christine Toledo; Team 5—Frances Cuyos, Julia Celine Ebsin, Renee Camille Laguda, Shari Alexa Paclipan and Fratri Edson Silva; Team 6—Juliet Hannah de la Cruz, Julianne Tara Lapradez, Eza Claire Ong, Charisse Eirene Tallo and Charis Keziah Vicentillo; Team 7—Cliffjandee Cañete, Kyle Reuben Cañete, Angela Carmela Fantone, Ammon Philip Matthews and Paul Ernesto Matthews; Team 8—Anna Marie Benitez, Bryle Jabas, Kerwin Jaye Jabas, Princess Jayme and Ryan Christian Ragasajo; Team 9—Sayre Bongo, Camielle Faith Jimenez, Prexie Jade Ligaray, Rhomeljustein Redoble and Annamhel Monique Roa; Team 10—Benedict Espinosa, Fe Berlyn Gernale, Cindy Godino, Jennifer Melencion and Elizar Sabinay Jr.; and Team 11—Beverly Aspiras, Ma. Monica Jimenez, Jezrel Perez, Yuko Sato and Jovelyn Tenebro.
A signing of a memorandum of agreement between RAFI and UnionBank was also done.
UnionBank and City Savings Bank are RAFI’s partners in sponsoring the program.
[ read more ]
Youth to tackle issues related to education
[ read more ]
Youth to tackle issues related to education
The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) is now accepting applications for the third batch of Young Minds Academy (YMA) scholars who will tackle and come up with proposed solutions on issues related to education. Education is one of the development goals of the Millennium Declaration signed by 189 countries in 2000 to eliminate poverty.
YMA season 3 will be officially launched on September 29, 1:30 to 4:30 PM at the Bryant George Hall of the Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center, 35 Lopez Jaena St. Cebu City.
YMA, a youth citizenship and leadership development program of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. with the support of City Savings Bank and UnionBank Philippines, is designed to enhance young people’s awareness of the dynamics and challenges facing our community.
Started in October of 2006 and now in its third season, YMA has continued its work of developing young emerging leaders aged 12-30 years old to become responsible citizens and accountable, proactive leaders ready to serve the public and its interests. This is done through awareness raising, education, immersion and open discourse. Activities include learning sessions on leadership, social development, creative thinking, research, participatory project development and proposal making; learning visits and immersion for 8 months.
Interested applicants may contact the program officer of the Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center at 418-7234 loc 110, email mel.yan@rafi.org.ph or log on to www.rafi.org.ph/youngmindsacademy.
[ read more ]
Youth responds to health issues
Youth teams proposed projects addressing public health issues in a conference held last September 6, 2008 at the Rizal Memorial Library and Museum.
| The proponents were scholars of the Young Minds Academy (YMA), a team-based youth citizenship and leadership development program of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. and implemented through the Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center. After various trainings and immersions since January 2008, the YMA scholars came up with project proposals addressing community health issues related to primary health care, maternal and child care, adolescent health, reproductive health, teenage pregnancy, rehabilitative care, nutrition, hygiene and sanitation, health education and health care delivery systems. The scholars formed teams with 4 or 5 members each and were classified under three generations: Generation 1 (21-30 years old), Generation 2 (17-20 years old) and Generation 3 (12-16 years old). One team from each generation was awarded the “Innovative Young Minds Award” for their most innovative, relevant and sustainable project proposal. |
 100 Young Minds Academy Season 2 scholars graduated during the event with different levels of distinction after their 8-month training in the Academy. |
| Team Kawayan of Generation 1 received the award for their proposal, “An Alternative Community-Based Rehabilitation Project for Post Stroke Patients”. The team was composed of Louie Monteroso, Jessica Homecillo, Irene Legaspina, Ireneo Legaspina and Avenizer Absin. For Generation 2, “Improved Access to Maternal and Child Care (IMACC) Center” of Team Lagundi was awarded best proposal. Rachael Tambis, Jeff Pintac, Jonas Yap, Nadine Chan and Kinard Tan were the proponents. Team Malunggay of Generation 3 composed of Jezreel Ezer Archival, Kay Conales, Lovely Enad and Joylyn Igloria also bagged the award for their “Extra Powered Patid Bitok” proposal. RAFI will provide the seed money for pilot project implementation of the winning proposals Mikel Aboitiz, trustee of RAFI Board and president of City Savings Bank, mentioned that the project proposals were testaments of the scholars’ commitment and interest to serve the country. The best proposals were awarded after the conference. 100 YMA Season 2 scholars graduated during the event with different levels of distinction after their 8-month training in the Academy. Aside from the best proposals, the Influential Young Minds Award for the best team presenters, the Roberto E. Aboitiz Medal for Team Excellence for the most outstanding teams, the Jon Ramon Aboitiz Medal for Personal Excellence for the most outstanding scholar, and other individual and team awards were also given. In a press conference held on the same day, RAFI President Roberto E. Aboitiz, expressed his hope of a new Philippines through our young leaders. This was echoed by RAFI Vice President and Aboitiz Equity Ventures CEO Jon Ramon Aboitiz in his speech during the Awards and Graduation, which challenged the youth to actively participate in positively changing and helping shape our country’s future. |
|
Young Minds Academy Season 3 will be launched at the end of September which will focus on education. Interested applicants may call the
Program Officer of the Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center at (032) 418-7234 loc 110 or email mel.yan@rafi.org.ph.
[ read more ]
Cebuano youth undergo immersion in Europe
Selected Cebuano youth underwent an immersion in Netherlands and Belgium from December 9, 2007 - January 4, 2008.
The visit was part of the Young Minds on Xplore (YMX), an immersion program facilitated by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) and the Dutch government in line with the sister city relationship of Cebu City and Haarlemmermeer.
Thirty-three youth delegates from different Cebu-based organizations, namely; Young Minds Academy, Commission on Youth, Timawa Adventure eadership Inc., Sugbuanong Pundok Aron Sugpuon ang Child Abuse (SUPACA), University of San Carlos, Cebu City Mayor's Management Team, and Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) joined the tour. With them were five (5) adult leaders from RAFI.
The delegates were exposed to the socio-political and cultural aspects between the sister cities. They also visited various institutions and organizations to learn more about the Dutch society.
Among the highlights of the trip were the visit to the European Parliament in Brussels and the different week and day projects focusing on education, environment, politics, health and culture.
The delegates also immersed themselves into the Dutch way of life by living in host families who showed them traditional Dutch values and rituals. Generous host families from all over Haarlemmermeer welcomed and housed the Cebuano guests.
The program ended with a forum between Dutch and Cebuano youth on their impressions regarding issues about sex, abortion, religion, and other global concerns. The immersion program strengthened friendship and brotherhood among the delegates and the Dutch counterpart as well as between Cebu City and the City of Haarlemmermeer.
[ read more ]
YMA Season 2 scholars sign covenant
The Young Minds Academy (YMA) Season 2 officially started with a covenant signing and orientation last December 1, 2007. The activity was held at the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc – Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center (RAFI – EADSC) plenary hall with 105 scholars or 21 teams attending the signing.
According to Mel Fatric Rhai R. Yan, YMA Season 2 class advisor and former YMA scholar, around 30 teams went through the 3-phase screening but only 21 teams were admitted to the academy.
YMA Season 2, which focuses on Public Health, is composed of three generations – Generation 1 (21-30 years old), Generation 2 (17-20 years old), and Generation 3 (12-16 years old). These generations have 5, 10, and 6 teams respectively.
Aside from the covenant signing and orientation on scholar’s responsibilities, Pastor Earl Opinion gave a talk on youth spirituality and Hary Abellana, AVP for Marketing-City Savings Bank, imparted an inspirational message. City Savings Bank, an Aboitiz company, is a major sponsor of YMA Season 2.
YMA promotes proactive, responsible, and dynamic citizenship. It is one of the programs of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Incorporated.
[ read more ]
21 teams admitted to Young Minds Academy Season II
Twenty-one teams were admitted to the Season II of the Young Minds Academy, a youth leadership and citizenship program of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI). YMA aims to develop the character, competence, and citizenship of young emerging leaders who are willing to serve their community.
The teams, with 5-member each, will undergo sessions on leadership, social development, critical thinking, research, participatory project development and proposal making. They will also undergo learning visits and immersions.
For Season II, the scholars will research and propose programs to address the issues and concerns on public health. It officially started with the covenant signing last December 1, 2007, and had on January 5, the S-Leadership, the first learning session conducted from its module. The next sessions will be the Basic Social Development and the outdoor and adventure-based youth leadership training to be conducted by the Kool Adventure Camp – a program of RAFI.
YMA Season is composed of three generations – Generation 1 (21-30 years old), Generation 2 (17-20 years old), and Generation 3 (12-16 years old). These generations have 5, 10, and 6 teams respectively. Supporting YMA Season II is City Savings Bank, an Aboitiz Company, which provided financial assistance to the scholars who were admitted to the program.
The YMA that promotes proactive, responsible, and dynamic citizenship started in 2006 with the first batch of scholars addressing issues on environment.
[ read more ]
Youth proposes projects for the environment
Youth teams proposed projects to help solve environmental problems. This was done in a conference held last August 18, 2007 at the Cebu International Convention Center.
The presenters were the scholars of the Young Minds Academy (YMA), a youth citizenship and leadership program of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI). Launched in October 2006, YMA aims to develop the character, build competence, and promote active citizenship among the 16 teams with 5-members each who were admitted to the program.
[ read more ]
RAFI offers citizenship program for the youth
Breeding a generation of young and responsible citizens ― through a process of transformation, developing a deep sense of love of God, love-of-country and an understanding of multi-cultural diversity ― lays the groundwork for good governance, nation building, and regional development.
The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) through the Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center (EADSC) launched last October 18, the YOUNG MINDS ACADEMY, a citizenship development program for the youth. It aims to mold and develop the youth to become responsible and pro-active citizens, accountable leaders, and successors who are ready to serve the public and to promote the universal virtues of peace, respect, and understanding.
[ read more ]