YES! Run

On October 24, 2010, AAGAPAY YOUTH will host a charity run at the Quezon City Memorial Circle. The event intends to bring together like-minded people (especially the youth) who share in the common vision of turning over a better earth to the future generation. It will be a show of solidarity, primarily among young people, to resonate the call for more awareness and actions with regards to mitigating environmental degradation through responsible acts.

While a lot of groups and organizations are responding to the woes of mother earth, not too many are those that are initiated by the youth themselves. The youth, which has more at stake in what the future brings, must collectively endeavour so that their generation and the coming ones will be free to enjoy the fruits of the earth.

YES! Run

The youth and the future generation are the primary heirs of this earth. It is just fitting that today, everybody especially the youth, must be actively involved in ensuring that the earth of the future is still one that is filled with abundance and joy.

However, our only earth is facing a serious threat from too much exploitation and degradation. Thus rests the greatest challenge that the youth face. That if nothing will be done, an uncertain future looms. Recent disasters that hit the country slapped us with the hard reality that if people do not change the way they act, care and live on this earth, everything might be lost in a snap.

While anybody can make their small acts for mother earth, it will not be enough considering the myriad which don’t care. Awareness and advocacy must be hyped. But there has to be solidarity in purpose and goals. Only when people march to the same beat shall our efforts make a difference on a much greater scale. Hence, the call for solidarity. The youth must be in sync in their vision and goals to make a difference to preserve this earth, as we all share in the blessings of being God’s trustees of creation.

Partners

One of AY’s intent is to rally university students and other youth organizations to the cause of the environment. Thus, part of the proceeds of the activity will be awarded to participating Student Councils or Youth Organizations for use in their future environmental projects.

For more info on AAGAPAY Youth, visit: www.aagapayyouth.webs.com or email alalayatgabay@gmail.com

1st AAGAPAY Youth Regional Convention in Zamboanga del Sur

The 1st AAGAPAY Youth Regional Convention themed “NAGKAKAISANG KABATAAN TUNGO SA KINABUKASAN” was held at the Pentecostal Church, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur on the 1st of April 2010 under the jurisdiction of Reverend Pastor Francisco Pastolero, ZDS AAGAPAY Provincial Council Vice Chairman. The said convention was spearheaded by the AAGAPAY Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Council headed by Ka Jojo, Zamboanga del Norte Council headed by Ka Jeffrey with the participation of the AAGAPAY Regional Council represented by Ka Jungie. This event was attended by two hundred (200) youth members from Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte and Misamis Occidental.

Like any other activities of AAGAPAY, the convention started with a prayer led by Rev. Pastor Pastolero. Shortly after, a presentation regarding the Filipino Values and Culture as well as the Role of the Filipino youth today was discussed by Ka Nicole. The said discussions echoed the essence of the youth’s personal and social responsibility of being “MAKADIYOS, MAKATAO, MAKAKALIKASAN and MAKABANSA”. The event was also graced by the Zamboanga del Norte AAGAPAY Band who performed the AAGAPAY jingle and songs.

TAKBO PARA SA KINABUKASAN NG KABATAAN

AAGAPAY Youth in cooperation with its mother organization AAGAPAY is inviting you this May 1, 2010 (5:00AM) to join and support the TAKBO PARA SA KINABUKASAN NG KABATAAN at the Quezon City Memorial Circle, North Avenue, Quezon City. The registration fee is P200 only with a complimentary hand-painted shirt which you could use for the said activity. The said shirt is a labor of love from the AAGAPAY Youth members of AY LIBIS, AY PAYATAS, AY ESCOPA and AY CULIAT. Proceeds for the event will be used for the upcoming projects of AY for the youth.
There are three (3) categories: 3 KM, 5KM and 10KM run. Below is the picture of the route proper which will be implemented during the run. Various programs will be held simultaneously during the fun run.

ang kabataan daw ang pag-asa ng bayan

Sadly, very few believe in this cliché today, not even the youth themselves.

Very recently, an alarming increase in cases of sexually transmitted infections and HIV-AIDS among the educated youth and yuppies are reported. What has previously been confined to sex workers and gays have inflicted even those who are supposed to have better discernment of what is right and wrong. Is this an indication of the kind of values the present generation of Filipino youth has?

While modern technology is largely blamed for the disintegration of the youth’s values, this is just the tip of the iceberg. The Filipino family is in a crisis – supposed to be the place where values are taught, learned and responsibly shared and lived.

Moreso, society in general seems degenerating: unsolved crimes, proliferation of illegal drugs, impunity and corruption, illiteracy, poverty, vicious cycle of dirty politics, and persistence of godless ideologies pushing young and idealistic Filipinos into the armed violence.

In light of such gloomy scenario, is there a glimmer of hope for motherland’s hope? There is.

Pope Benedict lovingly sends this message to the youth: “Do not be afraid. It is the role of youth to change the world. You can be the builders of a new society.”

To borrow the words of Fr. Willy Samson: There is power in the youth. Youth are not misguided souls just waiting for an opportunity to create problem or mess everything. What they need is a direction from someone who can lead them, who can trust them, who can listen and understand them, who can love them, and believes in their capacity to lead. But all these things should begin in the spirit of love… in the spirit of gathering. If there is a gathering… there is love.

This is why AAGAPAY Youth is taking the challenge.

AAGAPAY Youth commits to become a protagonist in this challenge as it re-instills to the youth cultural and traditional Filipino values, restore nationalism, and resuscitates genuine love for God, fellowmen, nature, and country. It adheres to nonviolence as a form to settle conflicts and disagreements. It will work for peace and the common good and considers solidarity as an exalted value in a civilized society.

The youth has more at stake in what the future brings. Thus AY exhorts the Filipino youth to obey and act upon their call. Through God, they will find the strength to pursue the path that will bring about a better country… a better world.

The future starts today, not tomorrow.

AAGAPAY YOUTH….NOW NA!

Recollection 2010

May this lenten recollection gives a boost to the spiritual growth of all the AAGAPAY Youth so that we can become better youth for others to emulate :)

AAGAPAY, TAMPOK SA HEARTBEAT 2010 CONCERT

Sa kabila ng ilang problema, matagumpay na naganap ang Heartbeat 2010 na may temang “Himigsikan through love and music”. Ang naturang konsiyerto ay ginanap sa Notre Dame University Gymnasium noong ika-24 ng Pebrero 2010 mula ika-pito hanggang ika-siyam ng gabi. Tampok sa nasabing palabas ang sari-saring galing ng mga estudyante ng Notre Dame University (NDU) na nagpakitang gilas sa larangan ng musika, pagsayaw, visual arts, teatro at iba pang sining. Nagpakita rin ng kanilang kakaibang galing sa sining at musika ang ilang piling bisita mula sa mga lungsod ng Cotabato at Davao. Tinatayang humigit-kumilang sa isang libong mga manonood ang dumagsa sa naturang palabas. Naging malaking bahagi rin ng palatuntunan ang suportang ibinigay ng Alalay at Gabay sa Pag-unlad ng Pamayanan o AAGAPAY 12 Regional Council dahil sa layunin nitong maipalaganap at maitaguyod ang postibong asal sa mga kabataang Pilipino na siyang niyakap ng Media Freqx, ang student-organization ng mga estudyante ng Mass Communications sa NDU na nagkonsepto ng nasabing konsiyerto. Matatandaang una nang nadantayan ng AAGAPAY Advocacy Campaign ang mga student-journalists noong ika-24 ng Enero nitong taon. Sa kalagitnaan ng konsiyerto, isang presentasyon ng pasasalamat ang ipinakita ng Media Freqx sa mga manonood- ito ay ang pagtatampok sa AAGAPAY sa pamamagitan ng power point showcase kung saan ipinakita nila ang mga iba’t-ibang aktibidades na kasalukuyang ginagawa ng AAGAPAY team tulad ng clean-up drive, tree-planting activities, medical and dental civic action programs, feeding program, Give-to-learn, at ang kamakailan lamang na National Youth Camp sa Tagaytay City na kung saan apat sa miyembro ng Media Freqx ay naging representante ng rehiyon. Ang Heartbeat ay taunang konsiyerto na ginaganap tuwing Pebrero. Bahagi ito ng curriculum requirement, ang TV Production ng mga estudyante ng Mass Communications ng Notre Dame University. Joniera Faith H. Valera, NDU

“Path Session”: A way to get away from drugs

A youth symposium was held last February 21, 2010 at Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. The activity was initiated by a national organization called Alalay at Gabay sa Pag-unlad ng Pamayanan (AAGAPAY) particularly its youth sector, AAGAPAY Youth or simply AY along with Bible Readers (BREAD) Society International. The event could be deemed successful because it was attended by more than 1,500 individuals and the guest speaker was no less than the renowned Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Solon Hagedorn. The symposium was about drug prevention entitled "Path Session: A way to get away from drugs." Unlike other big events, it was evident that the activity reached every attendees, which were mostly youths coming from different colleges and universities in Palawan, different religious sectors and employees of Puerto Princesa City government. Among the participating entities were the Palawan State University, The Western Philippines University, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), ROTC cadets from 4th ARCEN, 40th PCDC and 420th Naval ROTC unit.

KINAIYAHAN: KAGAHAPON, KARON UG UGMA

Hello mga ka AY!!! i would like to share of what "Anak ni Juan" said during the Oplan Pagmamahal sa Kalikasan Program "KALIKASAN:NGAYON AT BUKAS" but it was a Cebuano version...so for those Bisaya pls try to read this.....

Kinaiyahan! Unsa ang dagway sa kinaiyahan? Kagahapon, karon ug ugma. Gibuhat sa kahitas-an ang kalibutan nga puno ug buhong nga kinaiyahan. Limpyo nga katubigan, Lab-as nga kahanginan, himsog nga ka kabisayaan ug tamuno nga kayutaan apan sa iyang gibutangan ug pundok sa katawhan nga Adan ug Eba ang unang linalang na tawo hinungdan sa pagkagun-ub sa patsadang dagway sa kinaiyahan.
Matud ni Tatay Juan, nga kaniadto, mabuhi pa ang tawong tapulan, kay buhong pa ang kalibutan sa pagkaon nga iya sa kinaiyahan. Apan karon sa akong panahon, lantawon ug tutuki ninyo ang kahinay nag tim-aw nga katubigan sama sa kasapaan, kasubaan ug kadagatan nga daghan ang isda nga gani kon magtindog lang ta sa lapyahan ato gayong masinatian na ug gani nahanaw na kay tubli, lagtang ug simbus ang hinungdan. Wala na ang tubig nga kasaminan, Basura na ang nag utaw-utaw dili pwede nga atong liguan nga gani sa tubig sapa man napuna ni Tatay Juan ang kang Nanay na dugay ng giampingan. Mao usab ang nahitabo sa atong Kalasangan. Mga maoy nagpayong sa bul-og sa tubig baha nga atong masinati kung ting-ulan. Apan lagi kay gipusil man sa mga lampingasan ug mapahimuslanun nga mga mangangahoy sa Kabukiran. Lunop ug Inas sa Kabunturan ang nihunos sa kinabuhi sa Kadaghanan basan asang dapita suok sa atong kapupud-an. Ang atong Kawanangan nga maoy habol sa kagabihon ug payong sa naglagiting nga kainit sa bidlusaw hawing adlaw. Kini naapektuhan sa nanghinubrang mga sakyanang dimotor, pagsunog sa plastic ug Styrofoam sobrang pagamit sa mga kosmetiko nga ang aso niini maoy nakapanipis sa Andanang Ozone sa Kawanangan nga mao unta ang mosala ug mopugong sa Silaw sa adlaw nga maoy napakadunot sa atong hamis nga lomoyong kutis sa atong tabunon nga panit. Ang pagkapuga sa mitrilina sa tamonok natong Kayutaan nga naghatang kanato ug lagutmon nga mga tanum sarang Kabuhian. Tungod sa naghiniubra nga pagamit sa mga abunong organiko nga nagsamog ug kemikal masayop ang natural na sustansiya niini maoy hinungdan nga nawala ang kayutaan nga maoy pundasyon nawala sa atong panginabuhian.
Asa na ako, kita padulong? Unsay angay nako nga pagabuhaton. Kon ako na, unsay akong mahimo? Ako nanawagan sa pagsulbad sa lugmok natong kinaiyahan.Usa ka gamay nga bato dili kana igo. Apan kon iyang kagamay itugpo sa lum-aw mahimo ang iyang kagam-yon mahimong makataw-ug pa sa dagway sa lum-aw hangtud sa lapyahan. Kitang Kabataan kon nagtinagsa dili kita sarang apan kon kita maghugpong agpayan ang ubang sector sa katilingban hinay hinay natong mapanday pagahimuon ang nagubang gihay sa taong kinaiyahan. Problema sa basura ug pahimuslan pagbalik. Batasanon ang paghipos sa atong basura sa hapsay nga pamaagi. Sa ingon niini ugma damlag ato na pong mapuy-an ang paraiso ng kanhi natun-as ug karun mogitib ug molambo. Mabuhi kitang tanan! Mabuhay AAGAPAY sa kalambuan!!! Margie Salaveria, Dipolog City

Green Valentine

We have been very much used to spending the Heart's day with our loved ones--there were the usual symbols of love like flowers, chocolates, even stuff toys that could be seen in most places just as the month of February opens. Thus, our mother organization AAGAPAY (Alalay at Gabay sa Pagunlad ng Pamayanan) has thought of a better way to spend this very special day with a very special someone--our Mother nature that is. Call it revolutionizing Valentine's day! In this regard, AAGAPAY conducted Green Valentine, a clean-up drive at the coastal area behind the Mall of Asia which started as early as 6 o' clock in the morning. Coastal clean-up drives were also being conducted simultaneously in other parts of the country on the same time and date like the one held in Moalboal, Cebu. The event initiated by AAGAPAY was participated by different force multipliers and members of AAGAPAY from various sector including AAGAPAY Youth (AY) members. AY National Council invited members including AY Katuparan Taguig, YES SV Taguig, AY Marikina, and other members of AY in NCR.

It is indeed very heart-warming to see how many youth participated in this event and sacrificed their Valentine's morning to show our environment some love. The cleaning up ended at 11AM which was followed by a short program spearheaded by some of AAGAPAY's key personalities. AAGAPAY and AY hopes that this event will give the typical Valentine's day celebration a new meaning. However, we should always be reminded that we can always show our love for one another and for our nature any time and any day.

Panawagan ng Santo Papa sa mga kabataan ng mundo

“Do not be afraid. It is your role to change the world. You can be the builders of a new society.”

“Youth should not be “squandered” but lived with joy and responsibility to give meaning to life, because “we are, so to speak, the work of our own hands”. It is in behaving in a way that is inspired by Christianity that young people will avoid falling prey to the materialism and secularism of our age, and will instead learn how to become free protagonists of a more just and fraternal society, in which values like marriage, the family, solidarity, the elderly and the nature are respected”.

“Be men and women who are free and responsible; make the family a centre that radiates peace and joy; be promoters of life, from its beginning to natural end; protect the elderly, since they deserve respect and admiration for the good they have done.”

Sa lahat ng Kabataang AAGAPAY, nawa ito ay maging gabay sa ating paglalakbay sa mundong ibabaw.