Focusing on the theme “Localizing Civic Education and Engagement in Bicol,” Sorsogon State University organized the SorSU Sibika Hub Launching & Democracy Talks on August 28, 2024, at the SorSU Audio-Visual Hall, Sorsogon City Campus.
The event commenced with welcome remarks from Dr. Jhonner D. Ricafort (Vice President for Academic Affairs). Ms. Ma. Christina Paula S. Dealca (President, MAM-PA Students’ Organization) provided an overview of the activity and introduced the guests and participants. Following this, Ms. Joni Asphasia O. Jao delivered a message on behalf of Hon. Ma. Ester E. Hamor (City Mayor, Sorsogon City). This was followed by a message from SUC President III, Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus, who underscored the event’s importance for the institution and the community.
Mr. Marion Joseph A. Villar (Program Officer-YouthLed, The Asia Foundation) also addressed the audience, followed by a message from Ms. Nikayla Karell A. Odi (Executive Director, Sirang: Bicol Coalition of Youth Leaders). Dr. Catherine A. De Castro (Director, Planning Management & Project Director, SorSU Sibika Hub) provided an in-depth orientation to the Sibika Hub, explaining its objectives and expected impact on local civic engagement.
A highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Sorsogon State University, represented by President De Jesus, and The Asia Foundation, represented by Mr. Emil Benjamin B. Tapnio (Senior Youth Leadership Development Specialist, The Asia Foundation). This agreement marked a formal commitment to collaborate on initiatives that will enhance civic education and youth engagement in the Bicol region.
The second part of the program, the Democracy Talks, featured a series of insightful presentations. Mr. Emil Benjamin B. Tapnio discussed Localizing Civic Education in Bicol and Its Importance in Increasing the Youth’s Participation in Democratic Governance. Hon. Jefson Romeo B. Felix (SK Federation President, Naga City) presented a case study on Naga City, demonstrating successful civic education and engagement strategies. Moreover, Hon. Justin T. Dones (Vice President of the City SK Federation, Sorsogon City) highlighted various Programs and Projects of the Sorsogon Provincial SK Federation for the Youth Sector. Mr. Julius E. Edma (Provincial Youth Development Officer, Provincial Government of Sorsogon) concluded the Democratic Talk segment with a discussion on the role of youth in local governance, stressing the importance of their active involvement in shaping community decisions.
The event also included a panel discussion on “The Role of Community Stakeholders in Youth Development” which brought together community leaders and experts discussing collaborative approaches to supporting youth development.
The activities were wrapped up with closing remarks from Dr. Errol G. De Castro (Program Chair, DPA/MAMPA; Head, Program and Institutional Accreditation). The Sibika Hub Launching and Democracy Talks achieved its goal of promoting local civic education and encouraging greater youth involvement in democratic processes in the Bicol region. (SorSU PIO)
