Young Ecological Society or YES, in cooperation with Dr.

Violeta Gonzaga, hosts a retreat held at the Congregation of

the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Talisay City which focuses on motivating and imparting students good values. (Retreat
that was held at CICM Talisay City on October 12 motivate students of Don Hilarion G. Gonzaga Memorial High School
and Minoyan National High School as well as the creation of the society )

The event which was held on October 12 was attended by several students from Minoyan National High School in
the Municipality of Murcia and Don Hilarion G. Gonzaga Memorial High School in Talisay City.

It’s main objectives are to educate students and youth to live not just to exist but to have fruitful, meaningful and
blessed lives, also to step out, live out of the dreams, and get out of the cycle of poverty.

“YES to the creator who made all these beautiful things, YES to his creation, to the cloud, the sky, to these great
things, YES to life that you live not just to exist! You are not zombies but (you) live to live a fruitful, meaningful, blessed
life as well. And YES to sustainable development, we want every Filipino youth to step out, live out your dreams and to
get out to the cycle of poverty”, Dr. Violeta Gonzaga the lead of the retreat said.

To kickstart the event the attendees did an earth grounding, a type of meditation that enabled the attendees to
connect and reflect with God’s creation.

Afterwards Mr. Johnny Armas, International Correspondent of DYBS, spoke motivational words to the students

“Millenials are hard to deal with. As a youth indi na dapat burden sa pamilya” he urged the students.

He also taught the youth to look forward for a better future without using gadgets
“Library, the best place to improve yourself” Me. Armas Further states.

Afterwards, they had their lunch which was sponsored by Mam Marilou Caster, followed by a skit competition
where the champion came from the group 2 under their facilitator, Mrs. Maria Riva Setias.

At the end of the retreat they had their spiritual activity where facilitators shared their testimonies and
experiences in their lives with God.
“Suicide is not a solution but a start of life in hell”- said Mrs. Marilyn, one of the facilitators and former PhilHealth
Chairman in Western Visayas.

This was followed by giving of absolution to those youth who felt so blessed and touched by the Holy Spirit.

They also had their closing prayer led by Mr. Mario Gonzaga, one of the facilitators who became emotional about
their successful event.

Dr. Violeta Gonzaga said in her interview with Neljhon Llanes and Febb Cuenca of The Parchment that the event is
successfull through the help of God and and through the goodness of their heart.
“Well, first of all, it is really something we do out of love for God and this is something the he impressed me to do,
because normally I would not care for this activity in the past, I would address highly educated people what God told me
to go by to the youth.” She said.

Then she clarifies that the young ones nowadays need the love and care from professional people

She left a message inspired by Martin Luther for the Filipino youth in this generation.
“Be counted. It’s either you are in or you are out. In to God’s kingdom values and in God’s agenda in these last
days. As Martin Luther said, if Jesus will come again tomorrow, I will still plant a tree today. So, help us plant a tree
today! Help us restore the environment, help us get out to the cycle of poverty. But first, be counted.”

Other activities are group and individual quiz, snacks, and many more with facilitators, Mam Inday, Sir Ephraem,
Sir Mario, Mam Marilyn, Mam Josephine Locsin, Mr. Rodney and Dr. Violeta.