Talisay students learn Cebu history

Learning Cebuano culture and heritage was a memorable experience for these kids who engaged in fun and challenging activities.

Student leaders from the different public and private schools joined the 2nd Talisay Student Leaders’ Congress, a three-day program that aims to mold leadership qualities like ownership and accountability of responsibilities, initiative and active citizenship.

On the second day of the program, an adventure-based training was conducted for students to discover the cultural heritage of Talisay City.

The Urban Backpacking Program was facilitated by the Aboitiz Foundation Inc.’s Kool Adventure Camp (RAFI-KAC).

The 100 newly elected Supreme Student Government (SSG) officers from the different schools were divided into groups of 15, and each group visited different heritage sites with the mission the complete their assigned tasks.

Some of their activities included a re-enactment of the World War II, tracing the history of the Talisay’s inasal, getting more familiar of Talisay’s historical timeline and locating offices of the municipal hall.

Each team member took turns playing different expedition roles as time keeper, sweeper and leader in every checkpoint.

Checkpoints included Talisay Landing Site, Japanese Pillbox, Lechon Market, Tres Aliños, Santa Teresa de Avila Parish Church, Crocolandia and the New Talisay City Hall.

“It was very tiring but we learned a lot,” said the 15-year-old Gift Generalao.

Gift is a third year high school student of Maghaway National High School. She said it was the first time in her entire life to experience a training like the Urban Backpacking.

“It would really helped us. As a citizen in this country man gud, as a student, dili lang kay grades or knowledge ang dapat i-mold sa imong kaugalingon but also your character. And this activity helps to mold you as a person. There is unity, cooperation, and initiative among the team members,” Generalao said.

At the end of the program, the participants were hopeful that they would be able to come up with significant and innovative projects for their community and schools.

“We want these students to be empowered, to contribute to Talisay. We want a city to have young citizens who would engage in their community,” said Marie Sol Gonzalvo, deputy director for youth programs of KAC.

Participating schools were Lawaan National High School (NHS), Cherubs Academy Inc., Tapul NHS, Candulawan NHS, Talisay City Science HS, Lawaan III NHS, Magahway NHS, Lagtang NHS, Manipis NHS, San Isidro NHS, Mohon NHS, Tabunok NHS, Saint Anthony’s Learning Center, Jaclupan NHS, San Roque NHS, Tangke NHS, Pooc NHS, Cansojong NHS, Saint Scholastica’s Academy, Asian College of Technology, Talisay City NHS, Bulacao NHS and Divine Amore Academy. /CORRESPONDENT JOY CHERRY QUITO