Written by Mahal Rosel
Dipolog City’s Local Youth Development Council, in collaboration with DCECxGreenducators and Jose Rizal Memorial State University-Katipunan Campus (JRMSU-K), spearheaded an initiative to uplift the underserved youth in Zamboanga del Norte. The “EMPOWERYOUTH 1.0: A Wellness Massage Training for the Youth of Zamboanga del Norte” unfolded as a two-day skill enhancement program, benefitting 30 youth from both rural and urban settings within Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte.
This program is designed to bolster wellness massage competencies which is supported by SUGPAT Program’s Learning to Earning Pathways (LEaP) of Ateneo de Zamboanga University’s Learning and Teaching Excellence Center (ALTEC), in partnership with SAP, UNICEF Philippines, Generation Unlimited, and YOMA.
The event started with an opening ceremony led by Dr. Carina Romarate, Campus Administrator of JRMSU-K, and Mr. Jomar B. Ferolino, Local Youth Hub Coordinator for Zamboanga del Norte of ALTEC. Dr. Renato F. Malate, the Dean of the College of Business Administration, highlighted the different expertise of the participants, while Mahal B. Rosel, the Project Leader of EMPOWERYOUTH, detailed the comprehensive training plan. Free massage starter kits were also provided to the trainees.
The program seamlessly integrated theoretical and practical sessions with the help of Ms. Wil-mae L. Gosic. Participants delved into pre- and post-massage preparations and mastered the fundamental wellness massage strokes and variations. The structured approach equipped them with these techniques, ensuring each session contributed to specific learning outcomes.
The dedication of the Dipolog City Local Youth Development Council, DCECxGreenducators, and JRMSU-K, coupled with the collaborative efforts of supporting organizations, has opened new doors for these underserved youth in Zamboanga del Norte, empowering them with valuable skills for their future endeavors.
