University Library System – Three students from MMSU are set to attend the Southeast Asia Youth Leadership Program (SEAYLP) slated April 9-May 5 in the United States. 

They are: Mary Pauline I. Caoili and Mar Louie M. Mayubay, both BS Accountancy I students; and Hazel Marianne L. Mariano, fourth year LHS Laoag student. They will join two other students from Laoag City (Ira Yochabel A. Alonzo, third year student of the Ilocos Norte National High School) and Batac City (John Paul D. Castro, fourth year student of the Batac National High School).  They will be accompanied by Florante R. Riego, a teacher from San Nicolas National High School.

They underwent interviews by officers from the US Embassy in Manila who came Feb. 9-11 at the American Corner, formerly known as American Studies Resource Center (ASRC), based at the MMSU Main Library. They were: Mr. Joseph Tordella, assistant cultural affairs officer, and Ms. Florabel Aureus, deputy director of the Information Resource Center, Public Affairs Section. The students were selected from among 32 applicants while the teacher was chosen from among nine. 

The SEAYLP is designed to promote high-quality leadership, civic responsibility, and community engagement among future leaders of participating countries.  It offers practical examination of the principles of democracy and civil society as practiced in the US and provides participants with training that allows them to develop their leadership skills.  In addition to the themes on civic education, community service, and leadership, environmental care and protection are also explored in the program.

The program focuses on interactive activities, opportunities to talk with youth and adult community leaders, interactions with government and community organizations, community service, conflict resolution, peer interaction, and leadership skills building.  The program also includes school-based activities to enable the participants to meet their American peers, experience a US school environment, and participate in some classes.  Cultural and recreational activities will balance their schedule. They will also experience American family life while participating in a home stay.

They will receive free round trip ticket, lodging fees and most meals, accident and sickness insurance, a modest amount of pocket money, and other fees related to the program. Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois will host this year’s program. 

Meanwhile, as part of the US Embassy officials’ visit to MMSU, a program was held Feb. 9 where Tordella and Aureus lectured on “How to improve your job applications and interview skills” to more than 150 fourth year CBEA students. Some members of the Administrative Council led by President Miriam E. Pascua were also present during the program.

On Feb. 12, a luncheon meeting was held at the American Corner attended by 11 USG alumni or US Embassy grantees as well as by the six selected SEAYLP participants and their parents. Among the grantees present were: Prof. Bucalen Saboy, former American Corner and ULS director, and Dr. Jurlita Basuel, DepEd Ilocos Norte supervisor.