Manila Y 117th Founding Anniversary in Celebration of Community Impact
“Manila Y 117th Founding Anniversary in Celebration of Community Impact”
By: Luis B. Lobo Jr., Program Staff
The YMCA of Manila has embarked on a series of impactful events throughout July in Celebration of its 117th founding anniversary highlighting its commitment to community service, youth development, and holistic education. The YMCA has organized a wide range of programs from July 5th to July 27th with the goal of promoting inclusivity and empowerment among its members and the community throughout the month of July.
On July 5th, the Manila YMCA commenced its month-long celebration with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass and the blessing of its newly renovated 4th Floor. A Thanksgiving Mass was attended by teachers, principals, and deans of various schools in Manila with Rev. Fr. Arnel F. Diaz, OAR, as the mass presider. His homily reflected an emphasis on the need to have a changed attitude in life, reminded everyone to make our kind of living style as Christians naked, for after we may be able to truthfully follow Jesus Christ into what He wanted for us in being good Christian disciples. Following the mass, attention turned to the blessing of newly renovated rooms on the fourth floor, symbolizing a commitment to modernization and enhanced environments. The blessing ceremony was a moment of pride for the community, highlighting the YMCA of Manila’s dedication to providing decent facilities for its guests. The event, attended by school advisers, principals, and deans of various schools in Manila, marked the official launch of the YMCA's Membership Drive and 'I Love and Support 'Y' Fund' campaigns. These initiatives aim to expand membership engagement and raise crucial funds to support the YMCA of Manila’s Meaningful Work programs. The YMCA of Manila's collaboration with the schools and universities enriches our students' educational journey and empowers them to become future leaders of our community.
Continuing its commitment to community wellbeing and community welfare, on July 13th, the YMCA of Manila, Inc. organized a bloodletting program held at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City with 150 successful donors from the Battalion Advisory Group for Police Transformation and Development Headed by the Chairperson Dra. Morena "Mong" S. Cañizares and NCRPO Regional Mobile Force Battalion under the leadership of Force Commander Police Colonel Celso M. Rodriguez. The partnership was extended through the medical team from Fe Del Mundo Medical Center and the Philippine Children's Medical Center headed by Dr. Jennie Wong and Ms. Heizel Castañeda. Several collaborators were present headed by Mr. Chua Jonathan L. Teng of the Red Bank Foundation, the Rotary Club of Raha Sulayman, Y's Men's Club of Raha Philippines, the Filipino Chinese Confederation of Fire & Rescue Volunteers Inc. and media partner DZRH-Operation Tulong underscoring the community's spirit of solidarity and service.
On July 20th, the YMCA of Manila hosted its 3rd Friendly Swimming Competition in the YMCA Swimming Pool. The YMCA of Manila believes that every person should have the means to grow and thrive in body, mind, and spirit while caring for their individual and collective wellbeing. The 3rd Friendly Swimming Competition was divided into three parts which are freestyle, kickboard racing, and backstroke event. The participants welcomed the boys, who were 4 to 17 years old and girls ages 4 to 12 years old. The total number of participants is 59 ranging from Batch 1 to Batch 8 graduates of the Learn-to-Swim program. This friendly competition is a great opportunity for our graduates to apply the skills and techniques they have learned, complete them in a pleasant environment and celebrate their progress. The event not only promoted physical fitness and camaraderie but also showcased the YMCA's dedication to fostering a healthy lifestyle among its members and the broader community.
The month-long activities culminate on July 27th with the Manila YMCA Scholars' "Variety Show for a Cause." This eagerly anticipated event aims to raise funds to support underprivileged students with the goal of ensuring to help 125 students to graduate by 2025. The variety show will feature captivating performances by YMCA scholars highlighting their talents and dedication to academic excellence and with special guest Mr. Michael ‘Mitoy’ Yonting, 2013 Grand Champion of the Voice of the Philippines and the Red Thread Band. The association believes that education is the key to unlocking opportunities for youth, the YMCA of Manila Scholar in particular. Through events like 'Variety Show for a Cause', the YMCA can make a meaningful impact on the lives of deserving students from different public schools and universities in Manila." The Manila YMCA's 117th Founding Anniversary and July month-long events emphasize its essential aspects of promoting community wellbeing, meaningful work, sustainable planet, and a just world. With the support of its partners and stakeholders, the YMCA of Manila, Inc. continues to be a source of hope and opportunity for the youth of Manila.