By Kin F. Sabala
| CAPSU Mambusao delegation composed of FLP Chapter President Charlene L. Arendaying,
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| Aslen G. Caharop, and FLP adviser Ms. Regine B. Aller
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FLP Chapter President Charlene L. Arendaying and Aslen G. Caharop, together with their adviser Ms. Regine B. Aller, attended the 2025 Midyear Interactive Youth Forum organized by the Philippine Association of Practitioners of Student Affairs and Services, Inc. (PAPSAS, Inc.) held at Summit Galleria Hotel, Cebu City, September 17–19.
The event served as a platform for student leaders and practitioners nationwide to exchange ideas, strengthen leadership, and promote collaboration in advancing student affairs and services.
The first day of training kicked off with an address by the keynote speaker Mr. Jeffrey O. Tarayao, President of One Meralco Foundation and also serving as Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer of the Manila Electric Company.
In his speech, he recounted his humble beginnings as a student during his school days. He also shared how his leadership experiences became one of the keys he used to unlock the path to success.
Dr. Christian Emmanuel P. Enriquez, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Azpired, Inc. and Group of Companies, also delivered an inspiring talk titled “Youth in Governance: Finding Our Seat at the Table.”
He highlighted the important role of young people in governance, stressing that the youth are not only future leaders but also active partners in shaping decisions today.
He encouraged student leaders to take meaningful participation, break barriers of tokenism, and embrace opportunities that allow their voices to be genuinely heard.
Leaving a message that resonated with the audience, Dr. Enriquez shared, “The essence of living life is to be present, grow through experiences, connect deeply, and connect respectfully.”
His words served as a reminder for the youth to live authentically, engage wholeheartedly, and step confidently into their rightful seat at the table of governance.
The talk of Dr. Enriquez was followed by the workshop #UgnayanNgKabataan: Bridging Voices and Power. In this activity, the participants were grouped and given the chance to interact and have a discussion with their peers about being a leader.
On the second day, Mr. Metodio B. Maraguinot Jr., inspired participants to transform advocacies into real, measurable change in his talk entitled “Mobilizing the Youth: Turning Advocacy into Impact.”
He emphasized that young leaders must be willing to take risks and step out of their comfort zones if they want to create meaningful impact in their communities.
Highlighting the importance of vision-driven leadership, he left the audience with a memorable message: “The man doesn’t create vision, the vision creates a man.”
His words encouraged the youth to embrace courage, pursue purpose, and turn passion into actions that truly make a difference.
The talk was followed by a workshop dubbed as “#KabataangKumikilos: From Awareness to Action.” Each group of participants made a TikTok video about leadership and uploaded it to their respective accounts.
The day capped off with the lively "Socialization Night" hosted by Bohol Island State University. The attendees had a blast as songs and dances from different participants filled the halls.
On the third and final day, participants joined the Declaration and Commitment Rites led by Dr. Evelyn A. Songco, Adviser of PAPSAS, Inc., and the event officially concluded with the closing remarks of Dr. Edna Gladys T. Calingacion.
Arendaying is now on her final year in college but still she decided to join the conference. As she prepares to graduate, Arendaying remains committed to youth engagement, emphasizing the lasting importance of participation in events like the Interactive Youth Forum.
"Though I’m now a graduating student, I still believe attending the forum is important to me as a youth," she shared, reflecting her dedication to continuous learning, leadership, and active involvement in youth development spaces.
Arendaying sees the forum as more than just an event—it's a platform for dialogue, empowerment, and collaboration among young people from different walks of life. Her decision to participate even at the cusp of adulthood highlights the forum's relevance not only to students, but to all youth who aspire to make a difference in their communities.