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LEAP: Finding Our Own Starfish and Keeping Hope Afloat
March 11, 2009, Makati City
By Ann Daisy dela Torre, RC Makati North
A yearly project undertaking of the Rotary Club of Makati North, the L.E.A.P. Leaders Congress (now Conference) is a venue for the country's young leaders to engage in thorough discussions and understanding about various issues that affect the country, be it social, political, economic, environment or other issues that are relevant to our times.
L.E.A.P. was born in October 2003, conceptualized by then Pres. Tina Herrera, her husband Porong Herrera and then VP Cora Tan. They believed that the future of the country lies in the development of our young and uncorrupted leaders whose idealisms and values, if proper focused, will propel us to “LEAP forward” towards becoming a better nation. RR Herrera coined the name L.E.A.P., which stands for League of Extraordinary and Admired Pilipino Leaders, because the target participants are top graduating college students who, at their levels, have already demonstrated leadership traits worthy of admiration and nurturing.
Following is Ann Daisy dela Torre's account of the 6th L.E.A.P. Leaders Conference held in partnership with the Inner Wheel Club of Makati North last Feb. 20, 2009 at the University of Makati. |
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The 6th L.E.A.P. Leaders Conference is over. But, the hope that it embodies lives on and creates a ripple of change for good. |
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The Speakers and Their Starfishes
Each speaker has dramatized the need for everyone of us to seek a calling. One that we can be passionate about and, which can transform the lives of other people for the better.
For Nicole Villarojo, it means lobbying for students’ wellbeing in a students’ bill of rights in congress. It meant a successful campaign to make De La Salle University Campus styrofoam-free. It meant finding her voice and being the voice of students by getting involved in the Student Council and eventually becoming its president.
For Juan Sajid Imao, his passion is his art, the translation of images into molded metal, wood and resin that depict movement and the living “soul” of people, pieces that involve and evince emotion. It is creating art that is uniquely Filipino. It is also discovering that the love and support of a woman, can overcome the adversity of being afflicted with a progressively deteriorating eyesight.
For Harvey Keh, it is developing the channel for providing quality education for the poor through Pathways to Education. It is advocating participation in national affairs and raising the youth’s consciousness of their responsibility to exercise their rights and responsibilities as citizens. It is challenging people to be movers for change.
Each of our speakers found a cause where they know they can make a difference. We each are called to find our own starfish, as Nicole Villarojo calls it: a starfish we can throw back to the sea to give it another chance at life. Everyone has a gift, we only need to determine to which starfish we will give life to with that gift.
The Students’ Analyses
The student delegates, working together in 16 groups (with 1-2 facilitators assisting each group), recognize the overwhelming problems facing our country. At the top of the list were:
- Corruption and Poor Governance,
- Poverty and Poor Quality of Health, Education and Employment,
- Deterioration of our Environment, and
- Apathy/Non-Involvement of the Citizenry
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The conference provided the students an opportunity to reflect on these issues and suggest possible action steps which they themselves can undertake to help improve these situations. Their suggestions were presented by color groups:
- Orange Rocks, under Color Group Facilitator Zayda, Marquez tackled suggestions to improve the Quality of Life of Filipinos
- Pinkista, under Color Group Facilitator Maribel Aglipay, worked on Protecting and Preserving our Environment
- Yellow Cab, under Color Group Facilitator Jeorge Villarico, presented options for Good Governance, and
- Green Dreamers, under Color Group Facilitator Evelyn Esparrago-Lopez, dramatized Responsible Citizenry
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The Students’ Commitments
Inspired by the speakers, worked up during the discussions and presentations, and moved by the Power of One song and video, the students made a commitment to one action they will undertake to help make their world a better place. This is where we find reason to hope.
Most of the students recognized that to create change. They need to begin with themselves by becoming better and more responsible persons in their varying roles as students, leaders, sons and daughters, and citizens.
They recognized that working in a group will accomplish more than if they were alone so, many committed to volunteer in organizations that will help others and/or be more active participants in their present organizations.
It was also heartening to note that many committed to register so they can vote in the 2010 elections and learn more about the candidates, so they may vote wisely and help in nation-building. |
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Hope Floats
So, hope remains that the ripples we have created today will soon be waves that will have a greater positive impact tomorrow. |
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