HEEDING the call for rebuilding war-torn Marawi City and the lives of its displaced people, some 300 youth leaders and college students from Marawi’s neighboring locale, the city of Iligan and other parts of Northern Mindanao came forward to leverage volunteerism to complement the extensive rehabilitation efforts that the Maranaos need.
The youth forum dubbed “MAD Talks: Nagmahal, Nasaktan, Nagvolunteer” was held recently at the Doña Juana Actub Lluch Memorial Central School in Iligan City, about 37 kilometers away from the war zone. was spearheaded by the non-governmental group I am Making a Difference Inc. (I am Mad). The group, which is a 2016 Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (Tayo) awardee, is composed of millennials committed to spread the gospel of active volunteerism and selflessness through its collective passion and nationwide advocacy to mobilize local youth.
The MAD Talks presented resource speakers and successful volunteers who shared their insights and personal life experiences to inspire the Mindanaoan youth to continue to make a difference through their respective organizations and not to get tired of helping others despite challenges.
“It is high time to focus on the youth in this region in light of the Marawi siege,” I am Mad Cofounder Christian Marx Rivero said. “We hope that with [this forum], our youth leaders in the country will be moved by real-life results brought about by volunteerism that will promote more participation, development and peace.”
Personal experience
I am MAD volunteer Wino de la Cruz encouraged fellow youths to create “a community with shared compassion, charity and care.”
The part-time volunteer and full-time communication exec from Antipolo City added, “There may be war, chaos and other forms of distresses in our lives, but we can always turn our pain into purpose and our brokenness into blessing.” De la Cruz also prodded youth leaders to “always choose to love no matter what, and experience that rare joy, renewed love of life through volunteerism.”
After the series of inspirational talks, the attendees lighted candles and formed the letters MAD symbolizing their commitment to be like candles, to give light and be the light to the many, especially during dark times.
I am MAD vowed to continuously monitor and coordinate the youth leaders’ progress in the region.
The group donated school supplies and snacks for evacuees from Marawi who are currently adopted as students at the school.
The Iligan activity was the group’s 38th edition since its inception in 2009 that gathered 21 volunteers from across the country. The recent MAD Talks was the 20th youth event the volunteer group had organized in the country.