Four students from Silliman University (SU) are among 80 participants to the 20th Ayala Young Leaders Congress (AYLC), a national leadership congress for student leaders.
Adrian Jay Alforque, Carlisle Naudyn Caroro, Alberto De Castro and Reine Marguerite Limpao from SU made it to the final list of students who are qualified to join AYLC on February, out of 350 applicants from all over the Philippines.
AYLC is described by its organizers as a “student leadership summit for national development through youth leaders, participated by the 80 outstanding student leaders selected from colleges and universities across the country.”
Alforque, a psychology major, said, “In engaging in youth empowerment programs like the AYLC, more and more young leaders will be able to harness their capabilities in service to their own communities and our motherland.”
The four-day youth congress includes talks, panel discussions, outdoor activities and workshops that are focused on leadership and “making a difference in the country.”
The discussions aim “to make leaders from government, civil society, business, the arts, media and entertainment share their leadership stories and experiences to build a community with initiative and teamwork.”
A heart of passion and mission is her contribution to AYLC, said Caroro, a BS Political Science student.
“I had no other prayer to God but for Him to carry me to places He dreams for me. Applying for AYLC felt more of a great step of faith because of uncertainty… I remain steadfast in prayer that only God’s plan, for me and for all of us, be done,” she said.
The finalists went through the selection process including a panel interview with Ayala Corporation executives. Their academic performance and community leadership experience were also considered in the selection.
De Castro, a management major, said the program would aid his advocacy in helping communities grow through social entrepreneurship.
Limpao, also a management major, said he would share things he learned from AYLC to empower and motivate youth to get involved in their communities and put their own advocacy into action.
