Thirty six host club Real Good Presidents (RGP), led by RC Makati Paseo De Roxas’ Brigs Merin and District New Gen Chair PP Vic Yap, ended the celebration of Rotary International’s New Generation month with the successful "D3830 Lipad Noypi New Gen Conference 2008" held last September 27, 2008 at the University of Makati.

The participating club RGPs were:

There were more than 430 youth participants with, at least, 50 Rotarians who attended the conference.  RGP Yoly led the invocation, which was followed by the singing of the National Anthem led by RGP Uye Flores. All host club presidents jointly called the conference to order at about 9:00 AM and RGPs Jaz Rodriguez and Roman Leus acknowledged the presence of dignitaries and guests.  District New Gen Chair, PP Vic Yap (RC Makati Paseo de Roxas) welcomed the participants.  Sister and brother DRR Cathy Gonzales and RAC Makati Pres. Men Gonzales were the moderators of the day

Senior Assistant Governor for Club, Youth & International Service, PP Joji Tan (RC Makati Dasmariñas) stirred the youth’s enthusiasm with her introduction of the District Governor.  On his speech, DG Boyet Limon inspired the young audience with his childhood saga.  He emphasized the value of hard work, perseverance, determination and faith in God.

RGP Arnel Ramoy presented the teams and colors. The first resource speaker was introduced by RGPs Marilou Costelo and Andy Umlas.  The youth’s attention were obviously caught by the sharing of Dr. Josette Biyo, the first Asian to win the prestigious Intel International Excellence in Teaching Award, who talked about “Literacy, Knowledge and the New Generation,” and stressed the significance of love for work - enjoying it and doing it for the glory of God.

RGPs Sweetie Gardiner and Randy Perez introduced Mr. Art valdez, the Expedition Leader of Team Everest, who, together with his three female members and a doctor, shared their experiences on “Leadership, Sacrifice, Focus: Lessons from Mt. Everest.” Ending their talk, they cheered in unison, “Believe Filipinos can. Lipad Noypi!”

RGPs Alice Lucas and Rick Loyola jointly introduced distinguished lawyer and strong children’s rights advocate, Atty. Katrina Legarda, who expounded on the “Rights and  Welfare of the New Generation.”

The ensuing breakout sessions were:

• Education, Health and Hunger
• Environment & the New Generation
• Life skills Improvement & Youth Development
• Rights, Welfare & the New Generation
• Sexuality & Reproductive Health Among the Filipino Youth

The breakout  sessions were facilitated by Prof. Serafin Arviola Jr., Philippine Normal University's Director of Center for Linkages & Extension Service; Ms. Daisy delos Reyes and Ms. Ninfa Gantangco of the Seagulls Flight Foundation; Dr. Ana Elzy Ofreneo, Director at the Commission on Human Rights; Ms. Amelia Supetran of the United Nations Development Program and Dr. Zelda Zablan, former Director at the University of the Philippines Population Institute.

Dr. Philip Cruz of RC Makati Paseo de Roxas and Dr. Romillie Cruz of RC Makati Legaspi led the ice-breaker with a “Deal or No Deal” – style tivia game and  the New Gen raffle.

Ms. Earth Philippines Karla Henry spoke about her advocacy on environment protection and how the youth may help in her crusade.

Capping the whole day’s event were the presentation of key session learnings, signing of the New Gen Declaration and the acknowledgment and closing remarks of Mr. Rolly Sinense, on behalf of Dr. Tommy Lopez of University of Makati.

For the fellowship, The Young JV did special renditions of the New Gen Theme Song and a number from the music of the Cactus Band.