Abdul-Azim D.

Ontok
Nominee, 13th and 14th CIPYML
Journal
June 5, 2012
Today is the most important part of the 13 th and 14th Congressional Internship
Program for Young Mindanao Leaders (CIPYML), the orientation of the nominees for the
program. It was held at the Mamintua Saber Research Center in Mindanao State
University (MSU), Marawi City.
Initially, when the rest of the speakers have not yet arrived at the orientation
venue, Dr. Macabangkit Ati, the MSU CIPYML Program Coordinator, gave the sixty (60)
nominees a brief and concise overview of the program. Most importantly, he cautioned
me and the rest of the nominees that there will be no more equity amongst us. He
further added that the grades earned from the MSU will be the soul basis for the
selection of nominees that will become interns at the Philippine Congress.
When Dr. Atis speech was over, we were given the opportunity to introduce
ourselves to our co-nominees. This segment served as a way of breaking the
differences among the nominees. Some of us touched the crowd. Eventually, we had a
little knowledge of everyone and I cannot wait to get to know them better.
Soon after the rest of the speakers arrived, the formal orientation program
started. Dr. Ati repeated what he had already told to the nominees. Afterwards, Atty.
Emma Salmani, Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) 3 Program Manager, spoke of
the CIPYMLs brief history & objectives, its academic aspect & expected outputs, and
the Congressional activities & house rules. She ended up her speech with a statement

challenging all of us to do our best, adding that there is no easy way in completing the
internship program.
Somehow, a problem occurred with regards to the transfer of funds to those who
will be lucky to be chosen as interns but it was immediately resolved by Atty. Salmani
and company.
The orientation program ended with an open forum with Dr. Ati as the moderator.
Problems and inquiries by some nominees were discussed and quickly resolved.
As Dr. Ati and Atty. Salmani have told, the orientation program was very well
attended by the nominees. But one of the problems I observed was the difficulty of
getting acquainted with other nominees. Many of the applicants seated together with
those other nominees which they have known for a long period of time. It would have
been better when nominees from different cultural sub-groups and geographical location
were grouped in one table.
In totality, the 13th and 14th CIPYML orientation program was successful. I, as well
as the other nominees, have learned much about the program. We are hoping to learn
more of it these coming days. Finally, our journey to becoming effective and efficient
young Mindanao leaders has begun.