Teens today, decision-makers tomorrow
ARC Refreshments Corp. concluded its 2015 ARC Young Leaders Camp ( ARCYLC) with almost all 40 delegates identifying the importance of self- esteem among Filipino youths if they are to become catalysts for positive change.
According to the campers composed of first and second year college students and scholars from government-run and private schools, self-confidence is a key topic that should be continued and explored further in future ARCYLC workshops via group activities that help teach teens to share tasks and build networks, and through output-driven sessions that hone their presentation skills.
Every year, camp organizers widen the field of opportunity for a youth demographic that under usual circumstances will not be able to participate in well-funded training programs such as ARCYLC. ARC executive vice president and chief operating officer Gerry Garcia explains, “We’ve undertaken the task of helping develop our underserved but deserving youths because in a few decades, our country’s young population will become national and even global leaders whose decisions can have far-reaching impact.”
The leaders- in- training completed a three-day camp at CCT Tagaytay Retreat and Training Center under the aegis of ARC, exclusive licensed bottler of RC Cola products in the Philippines. This year’s batch brings the total number of camp graduates to about 160 since 2012. The delegates were selected from a pool of school officers and members of community organizations based on their potential to lead, create, and effect change around them.
ARCYLC applies a stepladder approach to effectively draw out potential leaders out of their shell; and from their own circle, they are encouraged to commit to greater engagement with communities where they belong. The student delegates learned leadership by example from resource speakers consisting of well-known modern heroes and ordinary individuals with extraordinary life stories.
Bonn Manalaysay, founder of Club 8586, inspired the audience with his heartfelt sharing of how he discovered his potential as mentor to CNN Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida. Kariton Klasrum advocate Peñaflorida was also present at the camp and gave his insights on identifying goals and motivations, and how he takes on the challenge to be a change maker for a bigger cause. Lynn Pinugu of the non-profit school Mano Amiga Pilipinas delved on the subject of servant leadership.