By Mary May A Abellon
DIPOLOG CITY – Pilipinas Natin (PN)-Zamboanga del Norte Chapter celebrated its 1st
anniversary with a Balangayan Camp, a bayanihan for nation building Nov. 9-10
at the Zamboanga del Norte National High
School (ZNNHS), Turno campus this city with 186 campers and 50 PN service teams
as participants.
High school students from Gulayon Integrated High School, Zamboanga Del Norte National High
School, Dipolog National High School, Sicayab National High School and Dicayas
Integrated School turned up to attend the said activity.
“I
would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the City Division
Superintendent Victorina Perez and Education Supervisor Roy Tuballa for being
our partner in this activity including ZNNHS Principal Alexander Uy for
allowing us to use the school as our venue, ZNNHS Department Head Susiline
Cabuguas for being our guide in the area and all other teachers who are with their
students,” PN regional coordinator Rico Tiquel said.
Pilipinas
Natin is one of the programs pursued under the Aquino administration through
the Presidential Communication Operation Office (PCOO) to build volunteerism
that thrives on the people’s continuing response to the call for change.
“The Balangayan camp aims to raise the number
of volunteers in preparation for Bayani Challenge 2014 and other bayanihan
activities,” Ridge Balolong, a PN volunteer explained.
Moreover, in order
to motivate, inspire and build the participants’ spirit of volunteerism and
leadership skills, the topics such as SANLAHI: Dakila ka Pinoy, SAMBAYANAN:
Itayo ang Perlas ng Silanganan, SANDUGO: the Call to Journey Together, and SAMBAYANIHAN:
Balangay ng Pagbabago, were discussed.
On the last day
City Fire Marshall Senior Inspector Richard C. Timosa of the Bureau of Fire
Protection (BFP) gave lectures on the “dos and don’ts” during fire and
earthquake.
“We’re able to do
many good things and build friendship during the two-day camp,” declared Karen
Dimacutac, another PN volunteer. (PIA9)