True love will wait for Grade 11 students

The CARD-MRI Development Institute, Inc. (CMDI) through the Guidance and Counseling Office conducted a discussion about love and relationship with the theme, “True Love Waits” on February 21, 2018 in its auditorium.

“The program is in line with the promotion of students’ potential growth and development. Part of what we’re doing is the dissemination of information on related issues to instill to the youth the importance of responsibility,” said Ms. Jenny Lyn Casano, CMDI Registered Guidance Counselor.

Grade 11 students participated in the post-valentine activity, which aimed to instill patience as a virtue; motivate them to prioritize studies; discuss the consequences of high risk behavior; and present realities of life through actual experiences from the invited resource persons. “We have this activity to educate our students through experiential learning. We believe that this is the best way to capture their attention and let them engage in the academic discussion,” said Ms. Casano.

Ms. Deverna Briones, Vice President for Administration and Academic Affairs, advised students to know their limitations and balance teenage life. “Love is a source of power, strength, and motivation to continue life. You have to be patient for true love waits,” she said.

Ms. Analeen Suelto, Senior High School Administrator; Ms. Johanna Rañola, Writer/ Editor; Ms. Joselita Lanao, Learning Resource Manager; and Ms. Dianne Ubaldo, Module Developer, shared their personal stories and experiences on love, relationship, and marriage. According to them, the youth must always be aware of their goals to have a clear direction in life; know their limitations and control emotions to avoid engaging in premarital sex; learn from the experiences of others; and always follow parents’ advice.

Moreover, the speakers discussed the effects of wrong decision-making resulting to teenage pregnancy. “Everything takes time and you have to be careful on what you do. Don’t get mad at your parents when they share a piece of advice for they only want to secure your future,” said Ms. Lanao.

“Every relationship has ups and downs. The worst is when your partner fall out of love and leave you. You have to endure the pain and accept these experiences as lessons,” said Mr. Khristian Arenz Tolosa, CMDI instructor. “Be mature enough and always put God at the center of your life. Sometimes, you cannot get what you want, but you just have to wait because God has reserved someone you deserve,” reminded Mr. Lloyd Christopher Dacles, CMDI instructor.

According to students, they were enlightened with the discussion. “We will finish our studies first. Our special someone will only serve as an inspiration and not a distraction,” expressed Patricia Yuson, Grade 11 student.

A reminder
Ms. Deverna Briones, Vice President for Administration and Academic Affairs, emphasized that patience is a virtue, which everyone must possess.

Introductory message
Ms. Jenny Lyn Casano, CMDI Registered Guidance Counselor, cited the importance of experiential learning.

Testimonial
Ms. Analeen Suelto, Senior High School Administrator, shared her love story and marriage.

The speakers
Selected CMDI staff shared their personal experiences and advised students on love, relationship, and marriage (from left to right: Ms. Queenie Ricablanca, Guidance and Counseling Officer-OIC; Ms. Rosemarie Catapang, Senior High School Principal; Ms. Joselita Lanao, Learning Resource Manager; Ms. Johanna Rañola, Writer/Editor; Ms. Dianne Ubaldo, Module Developer; Ms. Jenny Lyn Casano, Registered Guidance Counselor; Ms. Deverna Briones, Vice President for Administration and Academic Affairs; and Mr. Jeric Delos Santos, instructor and host).

By Dianne B. Ubaldo; Photos by Lloyd Christopher Dacles