The Voice of Our Youth (VOY) Impromptu Speaking Competition is a bi-annual event aimed at developing the skills and proficiency of young students in public speaking using the English language.  VOY is the brainchild of Allied Banking Corporation, Philippine National Bank, Department of Education and Culture, and the 10 Rotary Districts of the Philippines, where the appointed National Coordinator is the Rotary Club of Bagumbayan Manila of District 3810 who takes care of organizing of the event every two years.

The D3830 District Level Competition for Rotary Year 2008-2009 was successfully held at the Citimotors Auditorium in Makati City last November 29, 2008 where nineteen contestants from different high schools and colleges vied for the top two posts.  The emerging winners were Jaime Martin Candelaria of Veritas School (sponsored by RC Parañaque Metro) as the district champion, and Dorothy Minette Ferrero of Palawan State University (sponsored by RC Puerto Princesa) as the district runner-up.  Both winners will each will receive P15,000 cash award from Allied Bank. They will be representing District 3830 at the National Level Competition on February 6, 2009 to be held at the Philam Life Auditorium, UN Ave., Manila.

For the first time, RC Puerto Princesa sponsored two contestants, both from the Palawan State University, and one of them has successfully bagged the runner-up award.

The event’s host clubs were the Rotary Clubs of Las Piñas West, Las Piñas East, Las Piñas, Las PIñas Camino Real, Makati West, Forbes Park, Makati Legaspi and Alabang.  They were represented by their respective Real Good Presidents who all spared no effort, from preparation up to the implementation, to ensure that the event will meet everyone’s expectations.  The hugely successful VOY 2008 can only reflect their passion for service to our youth.

The board of judges was composed of Ms. Enriqueta Doble, Charter President of Supreme Toastmasters Club, Vice President of UNIFEM, Philippine National Committee, who acted as Chair; Ms. Chim Namjilbroj, member of the Supreme Toastmaster Club, an entrepreneur and restaurateur; and Mr. Mikee Ranuevo, member of the Supreme Toastmaster Club and a certified public accountant.

The presence of DG Boyet Limon, who delivered an impromptu message, added more color and meaning to the event, particularly inspiring everyone with his call to address the problem of Child Mortality.