The Philippine Online Chronicles

On 28 November 2010, participants and facilitators converged at the Assumption Antipolo Multi-Purpose Hall for a day of prayer, talks and planning.

The second day of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines' Bidahan youth camp started off with prayers, which were immediately followed by a song-and-dance number by Bro. Roque and the Roquettes to energize the audience. To the delight of everyone in the hall, members of the clergy and teachers joined the students in doing the chicken dance, led by Bro. Roque.

In line with this year's theme “Earth-Keeper, Ethical Leader,” talks about environment preservation and youth leadership were delivered by speakers from pioneering organizations and advocacies.

Taking care of God's creations

“Like everything you borrow, you must return it in better shape,” said Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan, President and CEO of World Wildlife Fund-Philippines. Tan cited statistical reports on the environmental status of the Philippines and emphasized the importance of countering the effects of climate change. “The environment is the social security system of the poor,” he added.

He dedicated a portion of his presentation to suggestions on how the youth can change the current state of the environment. Speaking directly to the participants, he said that “You are the tools. The more you share, the quicker we find a solution. Find out who you are and what you do best. Be the best that you can [be] in your chosen field. Make it happen, that's what really counts. The world needs leaders that will make things happen.”

Transparency and accountability

“What if you know your classmate cheated in your exam?” Fr. Alberto “Paring Bert” Alejo, SJ asked the audience at the start of his talk. “Cheating is corruption!”

Fr. Alejo is part of anti-corruption advocacy Ehem! and is also Executive Director of Mindanao for Cultural Dialogue.

While corruption is “one of the most tackled yet unresolved issues in the country,” Paring Bert said corruption is a form of violence that kills opportunities for people to acquire what only a few members of the society are enjoying, such as food, shelter and education.

Fr. Alejo said that to easily discern solutions, corruption must be put in a localized setting. Corruption is present even in schools, when students cheat and plagiarize other people's work. He emphasized that people should demand honesty from themselves, not only from other people. He challenged the student leaders present in the event to review school procurement processes, check alumni integrity, establish a stronger anti-cheating policy, develop sportsmanship and citizenship and review all the activities held in their schools.

“Stop being part of the problem. Start being part of the solution,” he said.