THE Angeles City Clark Balibago Lions Club launched its Symposium Roadshow project that aims to discuss community issues with target communities.
With its theme of “Education, Engagement, Empowerment,” the series of talks aim to tackle pressing community issues with a variety of sectors in Pampanga at a different location each time.
The first such symposium, held in San Vicente National High School in the Municipality of Lubao, discussed illegal drug abuse with adolescent pupils.
The crowd of 120, mostly student leaders, were briefed by resource speakers Arnold Quiambao and Vidal Busa of the Mabalacat City Anti-Drugs Abuse Movement, Inc. (MACADAM) on a comprehensive situationer of the substance abuse problem in the country as well as its adverse effects on one’s health.
Principal Rick C. Balingit expressed his gratitude to the Lions Club for launching its activity at the school.
San Vicente Barangay Captain Getulio Banal espoused the importance of stakeholder cooperation such as the symposium in confronting the problem of illegal drugs.
“This project underscores education on pertinent issues not usually part of conventional learning and community life, thus making attendees more informed on consequential matters of present time,” Sol Flores, Jr., president of the Angeles City Clark Balibago Lions Club, said.
Other subjects of future symposiums lined up are Mental Health, Kapampangan History & Heritage, Career Counseling, Local Governance, Violence Against Women & Children, and Corporate Social Responsibility.
The Lions Club will be partnering with more educational institutions and local government units across the province to cater to underserved sectors. Flores noted that the undertaking is in line with the current theme of Lions Clubs International in reaching ‘Beyond the Horizon.’
“Through opening new opportunities of educating and serving our underprivileged & less—fortunate, we ultimately empower more and more communities in need,” Flores added.