On December 19-21, 2018, SIFI VRO conducted a Leadership and Values Formation Seminar at the SIFI Training Center in Talisay participated in by 4th year SIFI scholars from various mills and planters’ associations in Negros Occidental. The seminar was facilitated by Mr. Julio Labayen III. Emphasis was given to the honing of soft skills such as distinction of character, personality and uniqueness. The scholars also tackled topics on social graces, communication and language skills, personal habits, emotional empathy, time management and teamwork, and traits of leadership. These characteristics should help scholars to become effective communicators.
During the final session day of the workshop, SIFI held a Christmas fellowship together with its scholars, coordinators from various mills, planters associations, SIFI board, management and staff. It was significant because the scholars took charge of hosting the event. As part of the gathering, SIFI conducted raffle draws and distributed prizes sponsored by different mills and industry partners.
The SIFI scholars facilitated the entire Christmas program including entertaining intermission numbers. Despite the obstacles they face in their college life, they have to strive hard to obtain good grades and manage to be active in other trainings that SIFI gives them. The scholars also showcased their talents and skills by performing their own original compositions. They were undaunted and confident in showing off their diverse abilities.
Ms. Edith Villanueva, SIFI President and COO, in her Christmas message, recounted a story wherein a farmer beneficiary instead of the usual “Maligayang Pasko” would instead say, “Maraming salamat na Pasko” implying that we need to be grateful and thankful for all the blessings that we have received while also reminding ourselves of the true meaning of Christmas. She thanked the scholars for their outstanding performance in organizing the gathering and for spreading love and cheer throughout the season.
At the final part, scholars Donald De Julian of SIMAG, Gilrose Dumadaug of VMC and Winnie Rombines of BISCOM personally thanked SIFI with their inspiring testimonies. Ms. Neolita Alminaza, SIFI Program Officer, closed the event with a message of gratitude to all of the SIFI partners and stakeholders who took time out to join the Christmas fellowship.
