More than 1,000 youth leaders from different local government units (LGUs) in Metro Cebu gathered last Sept. 22, 2018 for the 6th Mega Cebu Youth Convention held at the SM City Trade Hall.
With the theme “Mega Cebu: Lamdag sa Kabatan-onan,” the event aimed at inspiring the youth to be self-starters and become a part of an advocacy for a better Cebu. It featured inspirational speakers who shared life stories and contributions to the youth community of Metro Cebu. The event was organized by Mega Cebu in partnership with Club Mega.
Actor and amateur artist Baron Geisler spoke about second chances as he shared his spiritual journey during his rehabilitation in Cebu. After speaking fondly about his time in Cebu, he then courageously opened up about his transformation. He also shared a poem he composed.
Another celebrity featured was Cebuano singer and 2010 Sinulog Idol winner Jacky Chang. She is known for her hit single “Pero Atik Ra” which she also sang during her time on stage. Chang talked about how she refused to give up on her dreams during her teenage years.
Two organizations were also invited to speak about their programs and projects in their respective communities. Philippine Accessibility Disability Services (PADS) Executive Director John Paul “JP” Maunes introduced his organization, which is a group that promotes inclusive development for persons with disabilities and envisions a disability-inclusive Filipino society. Along with him was Brylle Arambo, a PADS beneficiary who shared his journey about being an athlete with disability.
The last speakers were Carmel Amigable and Michaela Jaycel Dolores, who shared about their project called the “Shoeperhero Campaign,” a community project in Barangay Kamagayan that aims a holistic growth for members of the Kamagayan Football Club through character development. The campaign has 35 beneficiaries who are students with ages 9 to 15 years old and residents of the barangay.
Aside from the inspirational talks, the convention also featured the Mega Cebu Festival Dance Competition 2018 where dance groups from Metro Cebu LGUs showcased the festival dance of their respective areas to promote their culture and that of Cebu. Students from Uling National High School representing the City of Naga went on to win the grand prize of the competition.
Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB) Research, Program and Organizational Development (RPOD) Executive Committee Chairman Gordon Alan P. Joseph was also present along with the MCDCB RPOD Program Management Office (PMO) director Evelyn Nacario-Castro.
The Governance and Linkages Unit of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI-G&L) seeks to foster responsive institutions and an engaged citizenry through awards and recognition, good governance and leadership development programs, and active linkages and platforms of engagement and collaboration.
