Fifteen student leaders, writers, and their advisers from the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) recently participated in the Mindanao Leg of Freedom of Information (FOI) Youth Ambassadors Camp held in General Santos City from September 10-12, 2024.
The camp, organized by the Presidential Communications Office Malacañang – FOI Project Management Office, aimed to empower students as FOI advocates within their campuses and communities.
The intensive program equipped participants with in-depth knowledge of the FOI Program and honed their leadership and communication skills. Through various talk sessions and workshops, students were empowered to effectively disseminate information about FOI and champion its implementation.
USeP students made their mark by bagging awards. Kenneth A. Araya snatched the “BIBO-est Kid of Them All” award for his exceptional engagement. Furthermore, Kenneth Vence Peña was declared Champion in the Individual Action Plan category, with Araya as the 2nd runner-up. These action plans showcased their commitment to promoting FOI through innovative projects and collaborations.
The camp also featured an FOI Sectoral Advocacies Simulation presentation, where participants demonstrated their advocacy skills through role-playing. The team of Gianna Aliona Caminade and Nikka Juliana Ramirez, focusing on Barrio and Coastal Communities, emerged as the champion. The group of John Rey E. Rosauro and Maria Nehlia Navales, targeting elementary and high school sectors, and the team of Kenneth Araya, Kenneth Vence Pena, and Kym D. Geral, focusing on small business owners, were recognized as the 1st and 2nd runners-up, respectively.
The USeP delegation’s outstanding performance underscored the University’s dedication to fostering active citizenship and transparent governance. The FOI Youth Ambassadors Camp has undoubtedly ignited a passion for FOI advocacy among these young leaders, inspiring them to drive positive change in their organizations and beyond.
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