FOLLOW US
Service Programs
The Manila Bay Coastal Cleanup: Love in Action
Written by Robert Kittel, Director of Peace Education, UPF-Asia
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Manila, Philippines - Over 21,000 students of the National Service Training Program (NSTP) from 21 colleges and universities in the Philippines joined five national and international NGOs and cadets from ROTC to begin a tidal wave of change, for themselves and their nation.
In a short program before the students stepped down into the filthy coast, they were welcomed by the NSTP Director, Dr. Florinda Labuguen. She encouraged students to maximize their time and effort, with the goal of creating “one global family through the culture of service.”
A powerful message from Korean-born Dr. Chung Shik Yong, Regional Chairman of UPF-Asia, awakened their spirits as he emphasized how great the Philippine nation can be simply by changing our way of thinking.
“When I begin to feel that all people are really my very own brothers and sisters, then I will act differently towards them,” Yong said. He asked the students to repeat the GPF motto, “One Family Under God,” several times.
Engr. Manimbo, Director of the Public Recreation Bureau, represented the Hon. Manila City Mayor, Alfredo Lim, and thanked the youth for this worthwhile activity to help beautify the city.
A very inspiring and encouraging message from Ms. Akiko Ikeno, Youth Ambassador for Peace from New York, touched the hearts of everyone. She spoke about a tidal wave of change that could resound not just to this nation but to the whole world through the youth leaders gathered to transform the culture of the Philippines. “As we clean the coast, let’s also clean our hearts,” she added.
With empty sacks and hearts filled with the desire to serve, the students started picking up the garbage along the coast.
With empty sacks and hearts filled with the desire to serve, the students started picking up the garbage along the coast. “Loving this nation is very important,” explained Jung Hyung Lee, director of the Asian Leadership Training program. “Through this coastal cleanup we express that love and we can create a bright future for the Philippines.”
Last year, the GPF held a similar environmental cleaning campaign along the Manila Bay walk, but this year the crowd was nearly double, according to program organizers.
If you find this page helpful and informative please consider making donation. Your donation will help Universal Peace Federation (UPF) provide new and improved reports, analysis and publications to you and everyone around the world.
UPF is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization and all donations are tax deductible in the United States. Receipts are automatically provided for donations of or above $250.00.
|
Donate to the Universal Peace Federation: Your donation to support the general programs of UPF. |
Donate to the Religious Youth Service (RYS): Your donation will be used for service projects around the world. |
Donate to UPF's Africa Projects: Your donation will be used for projects in Africa. |
Related Articles
Australia
UPF-Australia Convenes Mutual Prosperity Summit
Melbourne, Australia—The Mutual Prosperity Summit focused on “Rethinking Our Economic Models.”