Engr. Abdulgafur S. Kudarat, a Sangir-Maranao; Jocelyn B. Lambac, a Maguindanaon; and Donald Louie P. Monteclaro received trophies and gift checks last week as recipients of the “General Santos City Youth Achievers Award” given every December.
Kudarat and Lambac, president and vice president, respectively, of the Young Moro Professionals Council (YMPC), said they believe that despite being part of a minority group, they can compete with the rest of the population as long as one has the perseverance in achieving his goals and objectives in life.
“We are trying our best to become ‘catalysts of change’ so our fellow Moro youth will emulate what we are doing,” said Kudarat, a former congressional fellow. “This recognition we receive is a challenge and drives us to do more to further our contribution in serving our fellowmen,” he added.
The two, through YMPC, have been involved in reaching out to Muslim inmates and orphans, providing them food, clothes and inspiring them not to be hopeless, and to become useful citizens in society. Their group has also provided free tutorials to graduating Muslim high school students from Sarangani to help them pass college scholarship examinations.
The YMPC — which has chapters in South Cotabato, Sarangani and General Santos City — has also been active in peace advocacy, hosting and joining forums on peace and social issues.
“Never underestimate your potential nor be ashamed of what you are. The greatest challenge in life is doing what others believe you cannot do,” said Lambac, who holds the position of Community Development Officer II in the Sarangani provincial government. Lambac is the provincial government’s resource person in its “Culture of Peace” seminars.
Lambac and Kudarat finished their college education through scholarships and are currently pursuing their masters degree at the Mindanao State University.
“Failures and frustrations come our way. But with wisdom, right decisions, hard work and integrity, anyone can succeed in life,” said Monteclaro, a college instructor.
The three agreed that the youth, with the right teamwork and collaborative efforts, can contribute in nation-building. (Gandhi C. Kinjiyo/MindaNews contributor)