Article by: Kristin Clarisse H. Mateo
Photos by: Mary Lesley A. Berina
With the theme, "Pagyabong: A Student-led Organization Summit for Socio-Environmental Advocacies Traversing Limitless Boundaries," the Honor Society of Mapúa (HSM) held the Inter-School Organizations Summit 2023, last February 15, at the Intramuros Campus' Seminar Room and via Zoom.
This year’s summit became an avenue of socio-environmental advocacies wherein guest speakers and students from various organizations shared how the community can take part in addressing issues related to the environment.
The four guest speakers were Makakalikasan-Nature Party Philippines National President Mr. Roy Jerusalem Cabonegro, Pili Seal Inventor and Founder Engr. Mark Kennedy E. Bantugon, Hon. Kerby Javier Salazar, and Principal Architect Paul Ong from the Evotecture-Evolutionary Architecture.
First, Engr. Bantugon talked about conceptualizing, planning, and executing innovative ideas and how the students can pitch their ideas in a compelling manner, which is by storytelling. “It [storytelling] is the most effective way to get the attention and emotion of the audience,” the Pili Seal inventor and founder stated.
Mr. Cabonegro then discussed some of the impactful socio-environmental projects for student organizations. However, the Makakalikasan Organization, Inc. President added that there should also be “institutional change” to address these concerns more effectively.
After that, Hon. Salazar shared how and why student organizations should engage in environment-related activities. “Student organizations should incorporate sustainability into their core mission, and if you’re not willing to go all the way, why go at all,” he imparted.
The last guest speaker, Ar. Ong, inspired the student leaders in making a change in socio-environmental issues. “Always remember who you’re working with, rather than who you’re working for; fame is not important when you end up standing on stage alone,” the United Architects of the Philippines Manila Sta. Mesa Chapter President said.
“It’s better to stand with good companions and share your success stories together,” he added.
After the guest speakers, the student leaders from some participating organizations conveyed their socio-environmental advocacies and presented their projects to address some environmental concerns in the past year, such as waste reduction, and clean-up drives, among others. All the participating organizations during the event were the Mapúa University Mountaineering Club, United Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary - Malayan Colleges Laguna Chapter, Usbong Kalikasan, Radio Cardinal, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Iskolars Dance Incorporated, Information Systems NextGen, MITL Student Council, Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) - University of Batangas Student Chapter, The New Builder, UST Community Achievers Association - Science Unit, ASHRAE Mapúa, Mapúa University SHS Student Council, Lasallian Scholars Society, and School of Media Studies.
Compared to the previous summits, which were only held online, the third installment of HSM’s flagship event was organized in hybrid mode. Some students joined via Zoom while others attended in face-to-face mode.
The Inter-school Organizations Summit, an annual event of HSM, was first organized last 2020. The first installment focused on empowering the youth and promoting unity among student leaders amidst the pandemic. The following year, the summit centered around helping students cope with the new normal. Since then, it has become the trademark of the premier student organization to discuss current and critical issues in the country.
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