By Royce Cruz, Wilfred Mauricio,
and Yves Yturralde
Makati (Manila), The Philippines, 29 November 2023 -- The Don Bosco schools of the Philippines–Northern Province (FIN) gathered last November 23 at Don Bosco Technical Institute of Makati for the Student Leaders Assembly (SLA) 2023 entitled "Legato: Connecting the Youth to Make the Dream Come True."
Six Don Bosco schools attended the event: Don Bosco Academy Bacolor, Don Bosco Academy Mabalacat, Don Bosco College Canlubang, Don Bosco Technical College Mandaluyong, Don Bosco Technical Institute–Makati, and Don Bosco Technical Institute–Tarlac.
Fr. Jerry Santos, SDB, rector of Don Bosco Technical Institute–Makati, welcomed the SLA participants. In his welcome address, he emphasized that, "we are called to be one and to be connected to each other."
Bro. Carmelo Martinez, SDB, formally introduced the event and stated the three main reasons for it which are Formation, Interaction, and Networking, which it stands for FIN.
No less than the Vicar of the Rector Major, Don Stefano Martoglio, gave the good morning talk. He noted that "Even though we belong to different homes, all together is a good spirit in the name of Don Bosco."
Prior to the amazing race that was prepared by Don Bosco Technical College Mandaluyong, each group came up with their group name and chant for the event.
To showcase what they have learned from the amazing race, an interactive talk was given by Emmanuel Mirus Ponon, an esteemed alumni from DBTI Makati where he emphasized, "Leadership should be genuine."
Fr. Joel Camaya, SDB then proceeded with his spirituality talk, where he expounded the Strenna 2024: The dream that makes you dream. A heart that transforms "wolves" into lambs.
Before the day ended, a movie and social night was arranged and was followed by the goodnight talk of Bro. Paolo Romero, SDB, he reminded the Bosconians that they are not just leaders, but rather, Bosconian Leaders.
For the second day, the Bosconians woke up with a morning exercise and a breakfast to energize them for the presentations of each setting held at the Braga Auditorium.
As the culminating activity, a Holy mass was celebrated at the Joy Center, and it was presided by Fr. Jerry. In his homily, he cemented in the hearts and minds of the Bosconians that, "Once we let Jesus in our lives, we must be willing to change."
Right before lunch, each DB setting was given a photo opportunity and a token to remember the event as they prepared to return to their respective schools.
