03/08/2025
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๐๐๐๐๐: ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐' ๐๐๐๐
๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐
With so much energy and purpose, 80 bright and driven ISKOWWAS (OWWA Scholars) gathered for the much-anticipated OWWA Scholarsโ Conference cm Summer Youth Camp held from July 31 to August 1, 2025, at Madison Park Hotel, Tacloban City, Leyte. This two-day event aimed to offer meaningful learning, strong connections among scholars across the region, and valuable leadership development.
The activity officially set in motion with a warm welcome message from OWWA RWO8, OIC, Regional Director Mary Catherine O. Pastor, who reminded the scholars that the goal of the conference is to encourage, motivate, and capacitate them to become serviceable agents in the community. RD Pastor also inspired them to stay focused on their goals and strive to complete their degrees with flying colors.
The first day kicked off featuring Financial Literacy and Values Reorientation Seminar led by Mr. Zoren C. Deguerio, Family Welfare Officer, who shared practical tips on managing finances and values-driven living. In the afternoon, Mr. Cleo Lovenelle A. Cairo, Social Welfare Officer III from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 8, facilitated a session on Psychological First Aid, designed not only to promote mental wellness but also equip scholars with the basic tools to provide support to others during times of emotional distress or crisis.
In the evening, the energy soared with the on-the-spot Mr. and Ms. ISKOWWA 2025, a fun-filled segment where 8 lovely scholars showcased their creativity, confidence, and quick thinking. The activity not only entertained but also emphasized confidence, resourcefulness, and teamwork.
On the second day, OWWA RWO8 featured a series of Larong Pinoy-inspired Capability Building cm Team Building activities, like Luksong Lubid and Piko, adding a nostalgic yet culturally element to the conference. Scholars worked together, challenged themselves, and deepened their bonds.
As the curtain falls, OIC, PSD Chief delivered her heartfelt closing remarks, "Never take for granted the sacrifices of your parents [or OFWs in general] because their hard work is the very reason you're here today... At OWWA, we believe in your potential, and we hope to see each one of you succeed. Thank you for you being sport, we hope to see you again next year."
This two-day conference was more than just a break from the usual routine. It became a space for learning new things, reconnecting with culture, forming new friendships, and realizing the bigger purpose of being an ISKOWWA!!