History
The Dominican Network, or more known to many as DOMNET, was formally organized on November 15, 1995 . It was launched at the UST Ed-Tech Center attended by the nine founding schools namely: Aquinas University of Legaspi, Letran College of Calamba, Letran College of Manila, Holy Trinity College of Palawan Sienna College of Quezon City , Sienna College of Taytay, Sta. Catalina College of Legarda, St. Catherine’s College of Carcar , and University of Santo Tomas . Soon after, Angelicum College of Quezon City and San Pedro College of Davao City joined the network to form the board of trustees of DOMNET.
Foremost among the objectives of forming DOMNET was to facilitate cooperation among member schools through sharing of resources and expertise in the different fields of endeavors. One committee was assigned to organize the Dominican students and thus paved the way for the DOMNET Youth Group. The first meeting of the different youth leaders was done right after the launching of DOMNET. The story started when delegates from the different member schools were brought to Caleruega, Batulao, Batangas. They were allowed to dream and plan for the network. As it is, they were able to formulate their mission-vision statement, which focused on the passion for truth, compassion for humanity, devotion to the Word of God and to the Blessed Virgin Mary through the Rosary and fellowship. Short and long term plans were also drawn. From then on, the youth persisted for the fulfillment of the shared dreams.
The DOMNET Youth Group (DYG) has undertaken various worthwhile projects. These include youth festivals that allow a Dominican student a chance to experience the joy of being a Dominican youth and enable him/her to share his/her talents to others. During summer, youth camps are held for planning of activities for the school year that will follow. In addition, skills training are done to help prepare the different youth leaders for different task that may be asked from them by DYG or even their schools. Also, during the holding of the previous camps, declarations and advocacies were formulated whose topics include those on sanctity of life, family, the environment, justice and peace.
Aside from the annual activities that are held, student leaders have been giving retreats and recollections, leadership training seminars, symposia and have participated in various environmental projects (such as tree planting and waste segregation). It also actively engages in outreach activities such as calamity assistance, orphanage and hospice care visit and advocate of the Habitat for Humanity (a build a house program for the homeless). Likewise, the Core Group of DYG has been tapped to help organize the International Recitation of the Holy Rosary with the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II and assisted in the formation of the PACSA youth group.
More importantly, the DOMNET Youth Group was able to build lasting friendship among individuals despite differences in personalities. Great stories have been told and wonderful songs made. But the journey continues…
