PYC 2022 through the lens of SNSHS SSG Leaders
By: Gems Andro S. Ravelo
Three Supreme Student Government (SSG) leaders of Siargao National Science High School (SNSHS), namely: Micheal Collins G. Cervantes, president; Gems Andro S. Ravelo, vice president; and Ma. Erich E. Mingalana, secretary, bagged spots out of four as Siargao Division’s delegates in the first ever Philippine Youth Convergence (PYC) that happened last June 15–17, 2022 in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
The PYC 2022 was developed in response to the Department of Education's (DepEd) push to review, restructure, and prioritize its youth-related projects in order to be more responsive to the needs of youth. The activity intends to provide participants from high school seniors with the necessary tools, skills, background, and perspective to assess the context and needs of learners in their respective school division offices (SDOs) or regions; identify appropriate solutions and relevant opportunities to address these needs; and create the Youth Education Agenda, which will reflect common sentiments and outlooks, constructive feedback, and policy recommendations.
In an interview conducted during the arrival of SNSHS SSG officers back in Siargao, Pres. Cervantes found the PYC a life-changing experience and a once in a lifetime opportunity because of the learning a student leader can get supplemented by different talks given by expert personalities in different fields of leadership and the potential of the event in molding youth leaders to success.
Meanwhile, VP Ravelo expressed that the event was indeed successfully conducted despite the post-normal situation of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). He added that the implementation of strict health protocols in the event was the key to success from delegates’ arrival, rested hotels, and the venue of the event, which is in the City Coliseum.
"I am just overwhelmed by how the government of Puerto Princesa City handled the event despite the health crisis." Everyone was safe from day 0 until day 4. It was the strict implementation of health protocols that made the event successful."
Furthermore, Sec. Minglana summarized her experience and called the event "Sulit," a Tagalog word for utmost content.
In the end, all of them shared that their expectations were met and that they are looking forward to more PYC in the upcoming years.
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