Published: 11:51 am October 23, 2023 | Updated: 3:55 pm June 10, 2024
Six FEU High School student leaders participated in the recently concluded YouthLed Summit
“I have learned that youth can have a big impact no matter how small the action is.”
For Sophia Nicole Baluyut, a Grade 12 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) student and the Vice President of the Health Allied Association (HAA), the youth is beyond how they perceive themselves, and there are opportunities in store for them to help build a better nation.
FEU High School (FEU HS) Junior and Senior High School student representatives were invited to the Youth Leadership for Democracy (YouthLed)’s annual Youth Leader’s Summit last September 28 to 30, 2023 at the IEC Convention Center in Cebu City with the theme ARANGKADA (Accelerate): Gearing Towards Sustainable Youth Coalitions.
Aside from Sophia, Junior High School student Melquiades S. Acomular III, Grade 12 STEM students Aicelle Aivriel C. Avecilla and Irish Jane L. Oliveros, and Grade 12 Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) students Ma. Kristina Cecilia M. Saturno and Patrick Raphael A. Ulibas joined more than 1,000 Filipino youth leaders from different regions in the Philippines and tackled the importance of youth leadership and active citizenship.
Welcome messages from Atty. Rebekah Eubanks, the Deputy Mission Director of the United States Agency for International Development, Ms. Myn Garcia, the Deputy Country Representative of the Asia Foundation, and emphasized the critical role of the youth in building a stronger country. Commissioner Reena Vivienne Pineda, the Commissioner Representing Luzon in the National Youth Commission then shared the Philippine Youth Development Plan 2023-2028.
Student leaders were able to gain a deeper appreciation for the rich culture of the Philippines, form alliances and partnerships, and address various societal issues, including governance, health, economic empowerment, agriculture and food security, climate and environment, peace and security, social inclusion, and education. These sessions have inspired FEU High School student leaders to become more critical and motivated to fulfill their vital role in championing their causes both on and off campus.
“The discussions highlighted the problems that the youth experiences in different places, cultures, and social groups, and it was made clear to me that the youth play a big role in reshaping our future,” FEU High School Student Government President Aicelle Avecilla shared.
In partnership with Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., YouthLed is a youth-focused initiative that boosts civic engagement in nourishing youth proactiveness in democratic governance. It first introduced its annual Youth Leaders’ Summit in 2021 entitled ALAB (Ignite): Spark for the Nation. The following year, it introduced LAYAG (Sail): Setting Sail as a Young Leader. It gathers Filipino youth leaders to underline their vital role in strengthening democracy and empower their engagement in various platforms for political and civic participation to advance their agenda and causes.
This year’s summit highlighted the growing positive momentum among youth and underscored how YouthLed can continue bolstering their leadership development. It emphasized fostering meaningful engagement with crucial stakeholders in government, the private sector, and civil society. The summit not only celebrates these achievements but also charts the course for a sustained impact moving forward.
For more information, please visit feuhighschool.edu.ph
