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In its effort to continually learn and grow, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. Social Development (RAFI-SocDev) cluster team leaders gathered for a midyear check in and engagement activity.

The main objective of the activity was to enhance leadership skills through experiential learning and to equip themselves with new trends. It was also a very good opportunity to bond and know each other better. The activity was hosted by the Kool Adventure Camp of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI-KAC).

Michael Godinez, RAFI’s AVP-HR, was also present to give a talk on “Disruptive Leadership,” while Marie Sol Gonzalvo, KAC Director, gave inputs on “the Language of Teams.” Facilitators Anthony Terence ‘Totits’ Ocampo and Gabriel Lamparas introduced the “Leave No Trace” (LNT) Principles as a preparation for the next day’s activity.

Early morning the whole team proceeded to the Foressa Trails for the half day trek. Each one of them was assigned one LNT topic in which there was a discussion as they encountered teachable moments along the way. The forests, hills and fresh air had definitely provided them true tranquility, health, wellness and adventure.

Before they took the trail, they were oriented on how long they needed to walk and the distance they needed to cover. They packed their snacks and meals, and ensured that they were equipped with necessities for the trek. They crossed rivers, passed forests and climbed mountains.

The lessons learned from the activity were:

•  Preparation is the key. Know what needs to be achieved and plan how to accomplish it.
• The journey may not be all smooth, there may be a sprained leg or broken shoes, we need to adjust to each other’s pacing;
• There are times when a decision needs to be made, whether to stop or continue, and when you decide to go farther, be ready and commit yourself 100% to it.
• Each one has a potential to be a leader and that change of leadership is less stressful when the direction is clear;
• The journey need not be boring;
• Rest if you must but don’t you ever quit.

They took turns in taking the leadership role and decided as a team when they reached a certain point if they needed to stop or continue. Talents and potentials were unleashed and interesting things were discovered along the way. They rested when they got tired and continued when everyone was ready. They walked together and arrived together — no one was left behind.

Note (for the picture): The activity was attended by James Abadia, VP SocDev, Michael Godinez, AVP-HR, Ernie Alix, EDU Director, Iris Andrino, DACF Director, Ronald De Los Reyes, EJACC Coordinator, Chris Estallo, HDPR Supervisor, Constantine Samson, IDU Senior Program Officer, Sol Gonzalvo, KAC Director, En Abrea, KAC PDP Assistant Director and Daphne Dia, KAC YDP Assistant Director