Friday, April 18, 2008 YMCA summer camp held at Silay
YMCA of Negros Occidental Inc., in coordination with the Department of Education, Division of Silay City and Silay City Government, conducted the "Hi-Y Boys and Girls" summer camp this year with the theme "Negros Occidental Hi-Yers: Prime Movers of Eco-Tourism Initiatives."
This year's three-day summer camp was hosted by Doņa Montserrat Lopez Memorial High School (DMLMHS) Hi-Y Peer counselors from April 11-13 at the DMLMHS grounds.
Three schools from the Division of Bacolod City joined -- Sum-ag National High School, Luisa Medel National High School and the Handumanan National High School.
Varied activities were also accomplished in relation to the theme, which primarily focused on awareness on one's socio-civic responsibility in preserving the eco-system and cultural heritage.
Opening program was done in the afternoon of April 11 with the presence of DMLMHS principal Wilfredo Hermosura, who perked Hi-Yers up with his welcome remarks while Nena Sazon, Silay City (SC) administrator and Jed Lao, SC youth consultant, graced the occasion representing Jose Montelibano.
The Hi-Yers got a warm welcome from the Ally Pacino's dance troupe in their impressive folk dance number.
Virgilio Paredes, 1st vice president of YMCA of Negros Occidental, officially opened the summer camp.
Immediately, a personality development session was facilitated by Donna Grace Amador, an ex-Hi-Y peer counselor. Though quite hectic, the campers enjoyed the night through presentations from different schools showcasing their talents.
The second day was kicked off by a spiritual nourishment from God's servant Roger Pabalante.
Severino Pacete, SC tourism officer and Leo Canson, tourism staff, presented lectures on Silay's eco-tourism programs. Japanese environmentalist Mari Takura also delighted the campers with her sharing as environment advocate.
A poster-slogan making and essay-writing contests highlighted the topic on eco-tourism. In the afternoon, the Hi-Yers were familiarized by Teofilo Acot of SC's performing arts, of which he is in-charge.
A rondalla and dance number intermissions, performed by the renowned Kabataang Silay Ensemble and Rondalla, added glitter to Acot's lecture.
Sammy Uy, SC ambulant nurse, gave an in-depth lecture with demo on first aid and safety measures.
The first Hi-Y Negros Occidental chapter set of officers was also elected. Cyres Cadase, Hi-Y peer counselor of DMLMHS, was elected president for 2008-2009.
The other officers include Allan Estrada Jr. of Sum-ag NHS (vice president); Romulo Laguna (secretary) and Roliza Mahilum (PIO), both from Luisa Medel NHS; Mustiola De Loyola of Handumanan NHS (treasurer); Kerstin Duran of DMLMHS HPCo Extn. (auditor); Paulene Sevillo (business manager); Mika Tajima (Luisa Medel) & Stephen Epacta (Sum-ag) as peace officers; Laica Alfaro (Luisa Medel) as muse and Luigi Perido (Sum-ag) as her escort.
Board members are Jessel Joy Pacino & Stephen Casuyon (DMLMHS), Keyl May Montano (Handumanan) and Anne Marie Amit (Sum-ag).
The lighting of the torch of brotherhood and campfire solemnized the culminating program in the evening of the second day. The newly-elected Negros Occidental Hi-Y officers and members took their oaths of commitment surrounding the bonfire.
Winners of the poster-slogan making and essay writing contests were awarded trophies and cash prizes courtesy of YMCA Negros Occidental.
Special awards were also given to Sum-ag NHS delegation for having the biggest number of participants and the cleanest/tidiest billeting areas; most amiable delegation award went to the Luisa Medel High School and Joana Beronia DMLMHS got the most active camper award.
As finale of the three-day summer camp, the Hi-Yers toured Silay and relived the past as they visited Balay Negrense. They were also awed by the beautiful and "high-tech" Bacolod-Silay airport. Finally, the campers familiarized themselves with the mangrove plantation at Barangay Balaring, Silay City.
