Students learn to face challenges

Student leaders from the Union of Progressive Students (UPS) of the University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu College were the first to use the Kool Adventure Camp’s (KAC) adventure education center in barangay Cansomoroy in Balamban town, southwest Cebu during their recent three-day leadership program.

The activity provided opportunities for the participants to enhance self-awareness, strengthen competency in goal setting and decision-making and develop communication, trust, cooperation, collaboration and teamwork.

“I learned the essence of being a leader, and that is to motivate my constituents to become leaders as well by entrusting them with roles. My goal is to have a more unified, committed Union of Progressive Students,” said UPS chairman Valentin Jose Adrian Bonite.

The program also featured the challenge ropes course, where participants conquered high elements at heights of 12 feet and higher.

“I learned the value of taking risks. I was also able to face these challenges. I can apply this by being very diligent with my debate practices so I may inspire my debate trainees,” said Rarry Abatol, UP Cebu College deputy for political affairs.

On the third day, participants planned their organization’s goal and identified their responsibilities to realize their goal.

The program culminated with a recognition of accomplishments.

Youth leaders from Argao town, southern Cebu also experienced the Kool Adventure Camp of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.

KAC alumni from the group called Alliance of Argawanon Young Leaders trained the 60 youth leaders through collaborative games.

The participants came from Argao National High School, Argao Youth Heritage Society, Chiro Youth Movement, Canohoy Youth Organization, Mandilikit Youth, Youth for Christ, Talaga National High School, Bulasa National High School and Parish Youth Coordinating Council.

One of the participants said the play session reminded him of the value of being united with other youth leaders even when they come from different organizations. He added that every goal is attainable if members are open-minded.

Another Kool Adventure Camp was conducted for 27 senior management officers of Gothong Southern (GS) Shipping Lines Inc., this time in the form of kayaking.

The three-day Kayak Expedition Leadership Development Program aimed to reinforce the current organizational transformation plan of Gothong Southern.

“I am proud of my GS management team,” said GS president Charles Robert Gothong. “Ninety-five percent of the participants have not even been on a kayak before. To see them accomplish this feat gives me confidence that I have exactly the team I need for nation building.”

The expedition program served as a metaphor for the challenge of reaching organizational effectiveness and productivity, particularly in carrying out Gothong Southern’s transformation.

The first day of the expedition leadership program consisted of strategic planning and setting directions and commitment to activities and safety protocols.

The second and third days saw the participants kayaking the waters between the islands of Mactan, Olango and Caohagan.

“Before we started the program, we obviously had the preconceived notion that it will be the usual teambuilding program. But it was amazing because we have realized that what we went through during those three days was actually the experience we go through with Gothong Southern every day. It is an experience where we can relate in all our facets like on how we do our business,” Gothong said.