Leadership, outreach, and advocacy- these are the three pillars that have long guided the activities of CATALYST of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P). CATALYST is a school organization that aims to provide students with opportunities for meaningful service, to develop socio-civic concern, and to form committed professionals and encourage them to serve with personal initiative and civic responsibility.
In line with all these, CATALYST’s I Change Series has expanded each year so that it may address various relevant issues present in society. This year, the project is entitled I Serve to Change and primarily focuses on establishing youth engagement within the community. This will be held on November 17 from 7:30am to 5:15pm in UA&P.
CATALYST believes that youth and service are two terms that are closely intertwined for society to have an idyllic future. The youth must realize its potential and take advantage of their vitality to promote their ideals. This can be done in different fields as what will be shown by the various prestigious speakers that will be present.
The first speaker is Mr. Mann Rentoy who will take up the topic of service within the classroom. Throughout his years in the field of education, he has founded not only PAREF Westbridge, the first PAREF school outside of Luzon, but also various organizations such as CATALYST of UA&P, UA&P’s Creative Writers’ Guild, and the Character Education Partnership Philippines. Aside from this, he also took part in editing ang publishing books of grade school and high school students.
Another speaker is Ms. Regina Banson who will discuss service for one’s country. She is the Director and Vice President of A.T. De Castro Securities Corporation, and concurrently, she is also the overseer of Feeding Metro Manila, an organization that aims to provide nutritious food to the less fortunate.
Last but not the least is Mr. Raffy Tima who will tackle service through media influence. Raffy Tima is a Senior Producer and anchor in GMA Network, Inc. Some of the contributions he made in his field are his coverage of the series of kidnappings by the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf from 2000 to 2004 and the war between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberal Front.
In addition to the talks, CATALYST will administer a Leadership, Intellect, and Values Education (L.I.V.E.) seminar for Project Management. This is a seminar by the youth and for the youth which aims to apply the lessons from the talks to various engaging activities for a more sustainable impact.
Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Join CATALYST in its journey towards positive change and be the change redefined.
