The embers have been tended, the tides ridden, and the summit reached. The 4th FEU Model Congress: Avatars of Change has concluded, leaving behind a legacy of empowered youth leaders ready to tackle environmental challenges.
Event Highlights
Over four transformative days, delegates mastered the elements of change through legislative simulation, advocacy development, and innovative project presentations.
Day 1: Foundation Building
The congress began with powerful Advocacy Avenues led by distinguished speakers:
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Ms. Ricci Tagle discussed nature and community-driven solutions for environmental challenges
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Dr. Neil Aldrin Mallari highlighted conservation practices to protect biodiversity through science storytelling
The democratic process came alive as delegates elected their leaders, setting the stage for collaborative governance throughout the event.
Elected Congress Officers:
Speaker of the House: Aaron Joseph Queri
Deputy Speakers: Erik Emmanuel Pamplona and Ivy Grace Bisnar
Secretary-General: Jhazlyn Gwen Ite
Deputy Secretaries: Krista Belle Fernandez and Alec Fernan
Appointed Committee Officers
Committee on Sustainable Technologies
Chair: Ybarro Lim
Vice Chair: Alfredo Tupaz
Rapporteur: Jia Pontejo
Committee on Biodiversity Conservation
Chair: Abigail Kyla Pamintuan
Vice Chair: Ma. Anthea Navarro
Rapporteur: Sian Rogie De Ramos
Committee on Environmental Health
Chair: Juan Miguel Lacandola
Vice Chair: Jairus Opao
Rapporteur: Ricky Maru Sabornido
Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
Chair: Charlotte Ostan
Vice Chair: Margueritte Giner
Rapporteur: Mei Lyn Kuo
Day 2: Legislative Excellence
The 4th FEU Model Congress Plenary Session showcased the delegates’ legislative prowess as they presented and debated committee resolutions addressing pressing environmental issues. All committee resolutions were successfully approved.
Committee Outputs:
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Biodiversity Conservation: Comprehensive invasive species management programs in Metro Manila LGUs
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Disaster Risk Reduction and Management: Hazard-safe certification (HSC) as a requirement for building permits in the University Belt, Sampaloc, Manila
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Environmental Health: Environmental compliance framework in FEU for climate justice and public health
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Sustainable Technologies: Tree-planting drone system for the Baluno Mountains in Zamboanga
Day 3: Innovation Showcase
Delegates presented their project pitches:
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Drones4Trees: Reforestation tech for Zamboanga
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Species in the City: Biodiversity awareness townhall
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SALAGA Challenge: Community disaster resilience
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Project Kalisik: Student-led environmental health research
Expert Panel:
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Mr. Geb Al Bari
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Mx. Rey Matthew James Volante
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Dr. Lolita Mercado-Dado
The day also featured a performance by One FEU Music and Records and an Advocacy Mapping Session led by Mx. Martin Adlayan.
Day 4: Reaching the Summit
Delegates visited La Mesa Eco Park for biodiversity workshops, flora and fauna exploration, and conservation activities.
Awards & Recognition
Batch Valedictorian: Margueritte Carlisle Giner
Outstanding Delegates: Charlotte Ostan, Mei Lyn Kuo, Charles Bejosano, Fiona Orcine, Jairus Opao, Alfredo Tupaz, Ybarro Lim, Lester Jay Cube, Janelle Tañedo
Best Project Pitch: Environmental Health – Project Kalisik
Best Resolution: Sustainable Technologies – Tree-Planting Drone System
Best Pitch Presenters: Angelo Gabriel Chinlee, Abigail Kyla Pamintuan
Best Resolution Presenters: Charlotte Ostan, Ybarro Lim
Best Interpellators: Margueritte Giner, Charles Bejosano
Best Dressed: Ivy Bisnar, Angelo Gabriel Chinlee, Lorenzo Dela Cruz, Katherine Nicolas
Most Active: Camille Pacleta, Miguelito Lalu, Charlotte Ostan
Social Media Award: Margueritte Giner, Mei Lyn Kuo
Inspirational Leadership
Atty. Gianna R. Montinola encouraged youth to lead with purpose, and FEU CYC President Kristine Gail Marquez inspired delegates to carry the legacy forward.
The 4th FEU Model Congress empowered more than 50 youth delegates to become changemakers in environmental advocacy and youth leadership.
Special Thanks
Co-presented by: Wingfinity UST & Chicken Chingu
Special Thanks To: WhenInManila, Tams Bookstore, FEU Central Student Organization, FEU Nursing Society, FEU IABF Student Council, FEU ITHM Student Council
In Partnership with: FEU Nicanor Reyes Memorial Foundation
