“The challenge to Make Dreams Real for the youth is a daunting task. Let us meet that challenge cheerfully and pave the way to guide the youth to realize their dreams for the future,” – D3830 Governor Boyet Limon.

Heeding the governor’s call and in celebration of New Generations Month, the D3830 Service to Youth Committee, in partnership with the Rotary Academy, held the Service to Youth Seminar at Citimotors, Pasong Tamo, Makati City last September 20, 2008.  Already present at the venue way ahead of the 1:00 PM schedule, the Youth Team anxiously waited for the participants’ arrival.  With 89 warm bodies eventually packing the conference room, they sure got the response they were hoping for.

The Real Good Presidents (RGP) of the 12 host clubs Makati Dasmariñas, Makati Paseo de Roxas, Makati Rockwell, Makati Forbes Park,  Parañaque Metro, Parañaque Midtown, Alabang, Muntinlupa North, Las Piñas, Las Piñas Camino Real, Las Piñas West and Las Piñas East were instrumental to the outstanding attendance.  They sent their youth directors, Interact and Rotaract advisers and other members to share their passion for youth empowerment and development, and encouraged other clubs in the district to do the same.

Upon opening of the program, RGP Uye Flores (Parañaque Midtown) rendered the doxology while Rotary Academy Executive Director and SAG Sally Tongson welcomed the participants.  DG Boyet Limon gave his inspirational speech, then inducted the District Rotaract Interact Advisor’s Council (DRIAC) officers.  DCC Vhell Arias presented Rotary’s Commitment to Youth, the year's calendar of youth programs and introduced their respective district chairs.

The ever dynamic SAG for Club, International and Youth Service, PP Joji Tan explained the point system for club performance in youth service.  This was followed by DRR Cathy Gonzales’ message on “What the Youth Expect from Sponsoring Rotary Clubs.”

The District Rotaract Representatives (DRR) led by Cathy Gonzales, IPDRR Joannie Sitoy with DDCC for Rotaract Lilibeth Dela Cruz, played a video presentation on the forthcoming Asia Pacific Regional Rotaract Conference (APRRC) on November 19-23, 2008 in Bali, Indonesia.  The APRRC is an annual conference that brings together Rotaractors from the Asia Pacific Region to establish a common ground for discussions and sharing of views and ideas. Immediate Past District Rotaract Representative (IPDRR) Joannie Sitoy is one of the guest speakers to talk on Mutual Relationships Between Rotaract and Rotary.

The following presented progress reports on on-going preparations for their respective youth programs:

• New Generation Conference District Chair PP Vic Yap (Makati Paseo de Roxas)
• District Chorale & Solo Singing Contest Chair PP Inky Reyes (Makati Dasmariñas)
• Youth Painting “Likhang Sining” Chair PP Larry Ocampo (Makati West); PP Larry also presented the “Mano Amiga Project”
• Deputy District Coordinating Chair for Interact PP Jojo Josol (Parañaque West) on Voice of the Youth (VOY) Impromptu Speaking Contest
• RGP Marilou Costello on the National Oratorical Contest

Special guest IPDRR Chock Encabo from District 3810 shared some success stories in youth service.

The moderators of the day, RGP Abet Nolido (Makati Dasmariñas) and RAC Makati President Men Gonzales, were all smiles as they closed the seminar, just right after the raffling of goodies and awarding of certificates and tokens to attendees and guests.