NEWS

IP Graduating College Students undergo NCAF Leadership Journey

On June 3 to 4, 2019, fifty-four (54) Indigenous Peoples (IP) graduating college students from the Pamulaan Centre for IP Education University of Southeastern Philippines, Mintal Campus in Davao City, underwent the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Leadership Journey (NCALJ). The IP Youth comes from different indigenous tribes all over the country. The NCALJ was given as part of the participants’ continued formation as IP youth leaders, expected to help out their respective tribes and communities after graduating.

The participants spent two (2) days resting, reflecting, and learning different modules on leadership, care, and service. They also looked back at their own leadership journeys, through the “Lifebook” activity and the “Connecting The Dots” module. Led by NCAF Program Director, Mr. Jampao Reyes, the participants recalled moments in their lives where they felt loved and cared for. They were given opportunities to share their stories with one another, through the “Kuwentong Buhay” activity. The participants were also given a chance to express their feelings of gratitude and forgiveness to one another, through the “Thank You and I’m Sorry” activity.

Throughout the two days, the IP Youth leaders listened to the leadership stories of various speakers, such as ARO Coordinator for Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Meryl Resoor, Light of Jesus Campus Missionary, Zildjian Pigao, Ateneo de Davao Senior High School’s Assistant Director for Formation, Fr. Jboy Gonzales, SJ., and NCAF Executive Director, Mr. Rapa Lopa. They all shared their own personal experiences as leaders, and encouraged the participants to embrace their callings as leaders, saying, “the call to leadership is the call to love.” They talked about how love can be a palpable source of motivation for a leader and how one must remember and share that love to others.