This year’s month of December seems to be on our side. My involvement with YMCA of the City of Baguio, Inc. enabled me to join its 78th Anniversary Celebration last December 2, 2019. Together with fellow Y’ers, teachers, parents and stakeholders we marched from Luneta Hill down to Session Road and returned uphill using the opposite lane. An ecumenical service followed at the YMCA Auditorium graced by UCCP Bishop Emeritus Reuel Norman O. Marigza and was introduced as the new head of the National Council of Churches of the Philippines(NCCP).
On the following day, December 3, the YMCA Awards and Fellowship Night occurred with Mr. Pablito A. Tabucol, YMCA National General Secretary as Guest of Honor and Speaker. New YMCA members, outgoing Officers, employees, students and athletes who in various ways helped attain plans, programs and activities of the association were recognized.
The significance of December 8 with my partner in life was remembered through a simple celebration the day before. It is my prayer that with the guidance of the Lord our 18 years of being together be sustained.
Also, December 9 was another big day for association having launched the YMCA Design Museum in partnership with private and government entities. Various entries and exhibits that featured industrial uncycled products startled the audience as they witnessed Filipino creativity. Local officials took part in the activity that was considered to be the first undertaking in the country.
December 10-11, was the moment with Mr. Marvin B. Bisares, a fellow government worker that performed examination of two cooperatives operating in Baguio City. It was the first team up activity where we applied some basic skills in dealing with officers of cooperatives. All of them gave their full cooperation and we anticipate that they can perform better in the years to come.
Moreover, December 14-15, 2019 was the time for evaluation of the various YMCA plans, programs and activities undertaken for the period 2018-2019 held at La Carmela De Boracay. It can be said that some gains were achieved with limitations on some aspects. Generally, YMCA officers, employees and stakeholders worked together and delivered services to the members and community. Personally, I can say the rehabilitation of Boracay served its purpose. Residents and tourists must sustain the established culture of caring.
Interesting moments occurred on December 16-20, 2019 at Sagada, Mountain Province; CDA CAR Extension Office chose it as venue for its 2019 Year End Assessment. Highlight of the activity was the recognition of Mr. Albert Docallas, CDS II and designated Provincial Cooperative Development Specialist of Mountain Province. He decided to retire after serving CDA for 27 years and eight months. A brief program was prepared with testimonies from fellow employees and cooperative leaders based in the municipality.
Furthermore, information reached us that the Mother-in-law of our nephew (Gilbert) passed away. This was followed by the news that the action man of Benguet joined his creator last December 18,2019. Makipagrikna kami apo iti ipupusay ti maysa nga napudno nga opisyal iti ili a Benguet. I can still recall the moment when he first assumed as Provincial Governor of Benguet. Having been assigned as CDS II in Benguet, we worked closely with his administration that resulted in the institutionalization of cooperative activities and creation of CDS II plantilla position for Benguet. Today, cooperatives enjoy free trainings as provincial officials sustained his advocacy. Surely, we will miss the genuine public service you have shown to the people of Benguet especially among cooperatives.
Lastly, captured moments can be good or bad. I guess the best thing to do is to learn from these moments, keep the good memories and move on to our journey. Life must go on… MERRY CHRISTMAS!