By: Keira Maxine C. Reyes | Harbinger
A total of fifty (50) participants from Siquijor, Dumaguete, Cebu, and Luzon gathered for the 2025 VYLH-PH Central Visayas Cluster Camp (Batch Bahagi) held in Cebu City last September 5–7, 2025. Representing The UPLB Genetics Society were Angel Reign Casipe (Resistome), Yuan Miguel Jose (Harbinger), Keira Maxine Reyes (Harbinger), and Christine Grace Sibayan (Harbinger).
The three-day camp featured informational talks and interactive leadership workshops designed to unleash the potential of every youth leader and equip them with the knowledge to strengthen their shared advocacy.
Day 1 - September 5, 2025
The first day glimmered with excitement as youth leaders, facilitators, and speakers gathered at the Cebu Provincial Capitol to officially begin the camp. The program opened with a warm welcome from Jamaica Seno, Program Coordinator Nurse of the Newborn Screening Program, DOH Central Visayas. With the theme “Bahagi: Embracing Our Shared Purpose,” the youth leaders were challenged to create meaningful actions toward a healthier nation.
Ms. Glynnis Durac, RN, NBS Nurse Coordinator/PDO III of DOH CV CHD, initiated the discussions with updates on the Department of Health’s programs and the current status of newborn screening in Central Visayas, which now has 362 active facilities, suggesting a notable increase from previous years.
Mr. Zecariah Chito Jumawan, LPT, MBA-HTM, of the VYLH Dumaguete Chapter, followed with a talk on the importance of youth mobilization in health advocacies. Meanwhile, Ms. Marielle Buscato, VYLH-PH Vice President for the Visayas Cluster, emphasized the responsibility of using social media as a tool for advocacy.
Capping off the day, Dr. Christian Emmanuel Enriquez, VYLH-PH President Emeritus, delivered an inspiring talk on leadership, reminding the youth to “LIVE LIFE” — that true leadership goes beyond intelligence, requiring compassion, commitment, and purpose.
As part of the spirit of camaraderie, a social night, a talent exposition, and a series of surprise activities capped the day, allowing participants to connect and build a community grounded in shared purpose.
Day 2 - September 6, 2025
The second day of the camp focused on the four main advocacies of VYLH–Philippines: Newborn Screening Promotion, Preconception Health Promotion, Folic Acid Awareness, and Support for People with Rare Diseases.
Ms. Ivy Julyn Conde, Program Manager of NSC-CV, opened the sessions by discussing newborn screening, its operations, the disorders being tested, and the importance of ensuring every newborn is screened, a crucial step in saving lives and improving quality of life.
Ms. Jeanne Ruth Basas, RND, VYLH-PH Vice President for NCR–South Luzon, then discussed preconception health, emphasizing that “Preconception health is the new chismis!” and that congenital defects are influenced by the health of both parents prior to pregnancy.
Mr. Lawrence Sentillas, a member of VYLH Cebu Chapter, followed with an insightful talk on folic acid, emphasizing its role for women of reproductive age in reducing neural tube defects and supporting healthy pregnancies.
For the fourth advocacy, Mr. Rufus Thomas Adducul, VYLH-PH President and alumnus of The UPLB Genetics Society (Batch Enhanceosome), discussed birth defects and rare disorders, underscoring the importance of birth defects surveillance in guiding treatment, prevention, and policy development.
Afterward, the youth leaders faced new challenges through an action plan presentation and team-building activity, where they created advocacy-based plans for their regions while strengthening teamwork and leadership.
Day 3 - September 7, 2025
After two productive camp days, the final day allowed participants and the VYLH team to bond and celebrate the event’s success. Facilitators, speakers, and participants received certificates and special awards recognizing their contributions. The program concluded with a cultural presentation and Batch Bahagi’s chant, showcasing the boundless potential of youth leaders.
The Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health (VYLH) Philippines provides young people with opportunities to grow, learn, and champion meaningful advocacies. The camp emphasized our generation’s vital role in building a healthier future, equipped with knowledge and determination to advance public health awareness.
Just like our batch slogan, “Bahagi ako, Bahagi tayo,” may we continue to carry the fire to act on our shared purpose, one life at a time.
Posts
0 Comments